When Texas Storms Strike: Why Tarrant County Homeowners Are Choosing Smart Backup Power Solutions in 2024
Living in Tarrant County means experiencing the full force of Texas weather – from scorching summer heat that strains the electrical grid to severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, and winter storms that can knock out power for days. Families in Dallas, Fort Worth, Haltom City, and the surrounding Texas communities experience power outages throughout the year, especially during storm season. Storm season in Texas can be unpredictable. With high winds, lightning, and heavy rains, power outages are almost expected at certain times of the year. For homeowners seeking reliable backup power, the choice often comes down to two industry leaders: Kohler and Generac generators.
The Reality of Power Outages in Tarrant County
Power reliability remains a significant concern for Tarrant County residents. Right now, 394 homes and businesses are without power in Tarrant County, Texas. That’s 0.04% of the 979,252 customers we track in the county. Recent severe weather events have highlighted the vulnerability of the electrical grid, with Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins posting that he anticipated a “multi-day power outage for a significant number of Oncor customers.” Still, residents across the county should be prepared to be without power for several hours, if not multiple days.
Dramatic weather develops quickly in Texas. Extreme heat, severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, floods and winter weather can damage energy infrastructure and temporarily disrupt delivery systems. This unpredictability makes having a reliable backup power system not just a convenience, but a necessity for protecting your family’s safety and comfort.
Kohler vs Generac: The 2024 Comparison
Performance and Reliability
Both brands have established strong reputations, but they excel in different areas. Kohler stands out for its superior durability, quiet operation (around 64–69 dB), and premium build quality, making it ideal for long-term reliability and noise-sensitive or coastal environments. Its Command PRO OHV engine and corrosion-resistant enclosures contribute to lifespans often exceeding 30 years.
Generac, the market leader, excels in affordability (prices from $2,049 to $17,569), user-friendly technology like the free Mobile Link™ monitoring, and widespread service availability. Its G-Force engine ensures reliable performance, though some report slightly less long-term durability compared to Kohler.
Technology and Features
Generac takes the lead in technological advancements with features like their user-friendly LCD displays and the inclusion of Mobile Link™ for remote monitoring without extra charges. Kohler, while offering similar tech through its OnCue Plus system, generally incurs additional costs for these services.
For 2024, Kohler unveiled its latest offering: a 26kW air-cooled home standby generator available in 10 exclusive colors. Notably, these colors are also accessible for the 20 KW Kohler Generator. Additionally, Kohler has collaborated with Mossy Oak to introduce camouflage colors suitable for various applications.
Noise Levels
Noise is a critical factor for residential installations. Kohler units feature a pre-installed sound-dampening enclosure, making them remarkably quiet when in operation. While they have improved on incorporating sound insulation, specific Generac units will run at a much louder volume. However, Generac generators are known for their Quiet-Test™ low-speed mode, which makes them significantly quieter than many competitors.
Cost Considerations
Budget plays a significant role in most homeowners’ decisions. Kohler generators typically come with a higher upfront cost, reflecting their premium positioning in the market. Generac often offers more budget-friendly options, especially in their residential lineup.
For 2024 pricing, Generac generators cost $2,000 to $5,000 for a 7 to 24 kW whole-house unit, plus $3,000 to $5,000 for installation. Meanwhile, KOHLER generator starting prices range from $3,395 to $18,165. Starting price doesn’t include installation, automatic transfer switch or accessories costs. Simple installation can cost around $2,000.
Professional Installation: The Carroll Service Co Advantage
Choosing the right generator is only half the battle – professional installation is crucial for safety, performance, and warranty compliance. Carroll Service Co has been the DFW and Mid-Cities area’s trusted electrical contractor for over 25 years. They’re locally owned, fully licensed, and specialize in both residential and commercial electrical services. When electrical problems disrupt your day, they respond quickly with solutions that last.
As an experienced residential electrician Tarrant County, TX homeowners trust, Carroll Service Co understands the unique challenges of North Texas weather. Emergency electrical problems get same-day attention because they understand how Texas heat makes power outages dangerous.
They install whole house generators throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area, including all neighborhoods in Tarrant, Dallas, and Denton counties. Installation includes site evaluation to determine the best location, gas line connections, electrical integration with your home’s panel, and automatic transfer switch installation. They handle all permits and inspections required by your local municipality.
Making the Right Choice for Your Home
When choosing between Kohler and Generac for your Tarrant County home, consider these factors:
- Budget: Generac offers more affordable entry points, while Kohler provides premium features at higher prices
- Noise Sensitivity: Both brands offer quiet operation, but Kohler has a slight edge in sound dampening
- Technology Preferences: Generac includes more standard tech features, while Kohler charges extra for similar capabilities
- Long-term Reliability: Kohler generators often exceed 30-year lifespans with proper maintenance
- Service Availability: There are a *lot* more Generac repair techs in most regions than Kohler. Generac has a huge lead in terms of market share.
Choose Kohler for durability and quietness, especially in coastal or noise-sensitive areas. Choose Generac for affordability, advanced features, and easier maintenance. Always consult a certified dealer to assess your power needs and ensure proper installation.
The Investment in Peace of Mind
Knowing that your family won’t be left in the dark allows you to approach these storms with confidence instead of fear. A generator doesn’t just power appliances. It powers peace of mind. With Texas weather becoming increasingly unpredictable and power outages affecting thousands of Tarrant County residents annually, investing in a quality backup generator system is more important than ever.
Whether you choose Kohler’s premium engineering or Generac’s innovative technology, the key is working with experienced professionals who understand local codes, weather challenges, and installation requirements. Your backup power system is only as good as its installation – make sure you choose wisely.