Generac Guardian 18 kW (7226)
The Generac Guardian 18 kW (7226) is a home standby generator rated at 17 kW on natural gas and 18 kW on propane (continuous output, not surge). On natural gas it gives up 1 kW versus propane, a 6% derate, so if natural gas is your fuel, size against the 17 kW figure, not the headline 18 kW. Full compiled specifications, fuel burn, and pricing are in the table below; the figures come from the source page linked at the bottom of this page.
Specifications
| Type | Home standby generator |
|---|---|
| Rated output: Natural gas (NG) | 17 kW |
| Rated output: Propane (LP) | 18 kW |
| Fuel consumption at 50% load | NG 169 cu ft/hr; LP 1.70 gal/hr |
| Fuel consumption at 100% load | NG 247 cu ft/hr; LP 3.02 gal/hr |
| Noise rating | 65 dB |
| Typical street price (generator alone) | $5,279 (compiled October 2026, US$) |
Consumption figures are manufacturer-reported values, exactly as published by the source below; propane figures for some brands are published in cubic feet per hour with the gallon-per-hour equivalent in parentheses. A figure shown as “Not in our database yet” means the source does not publish a comparable value. We leave it blank rather than estimate it.
How its price stacks up
At $5,279 for 18 kW on propane, this model works out to about $293 per kW. The median standby in our database is about $358 per kW (propane rating), so this one prices about 18% below the class median.
That is the generator alone, before installation. Standby installs add a transfer switch, pad, gas and electrical work, and permits; the cost guide breaks those down. Prices move; treat the figure as a compiled street price from October 2026, not a quote.
Will it run your house?
On propane, this model is rated at 18 kW continuous. Whether that is enough depends on what has to start at the same time: a well pump or central air conditioner can draw several times its running watts for a few seconds. Run your own appliance list through the sizing calculator, then see this model highlighted against your number in the model database: highlighted rows clear your requirement with the calculator’s 20% headroom included.
Source
Specifications compiled from the Manufacturer / source page for this model (October 2026). Always confirm ratings, consumption, and clearances against the nameplate and manual of the specific unit before purchase.