Generac Guardian 18kW (7226) vs Generac Guardian 22kW (7042)
The Generac Guardian 22kW (7042) is the more powerful unit: 22,000 running watts against 18,000 — about 18% more capacity for the Generac Guardian 22kW (7042). The Generac Guardian 18kW (7226) is the quieter of the two (65 dBA vs 67 dBA — though manufacturers measure noise at different loads and distances).
| Generac Guardian 18kW (7226) | Generac Guardian 22kW (7042) | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | home-standby | home-standby |
| Fuel | natural-gas, propane | natural-gas, propane |
| Running watts (gas / LP for standby) | 18000 W | 22000 W |
| Running watts (propane) | 18000 W | 22000 W |
| Running watts (natural gas) | 17000 W | 19500 W |
| Noise level | 65 dBA | 67 dBA |
| Output voltage | 120/240V | 120/240V |
| Automatic transfer switch included | No | No |
| Main-line circuit breaker | 80 A | 100 A |
| Start type | automatic | automatic |
| Engine | Generac G-Force 800 | Generac G-Force 1000 |
| Engine displacement | 816 cc | 999 cc |
| NG use at half load | 169 ft³/h | 228 ft³/h |
| Propane use at half load | 1.7 gal/h | 2.53 gal/h |
| Weight | 420 lb | 466 lb |
| Warranty | 5 yr | 5 yr |
Frequently asked questions
Which is more powerful, the Generac Guardian 18kW (7226) or the Generac Guardian 22kW (7042)?
The Generac Guardian 22kW (7042), at 22,000 running watts on its best fuel versus 18,000 W. Remember that dual-fuel and natural-gas ratings are lower than gasoline ratings — the comparison table shows the published per-fuel figures.
Which costs less to run, the Generac Guardian 18kW (7226) or the Generac Guardian 22kW (7042)?
Estimated fuel for 24 hours at about 50% load: $61 on natural gas for the Generac Guardian 18kW (7226) vs $82 on natural gas for the Generac Guardian 22kW (7042), at national average prices. These are spec-sheet-derived estimates — the assumptions are on the methodology page, and different fuels make this a cost comparison, not an efficiency ranking.
Where do these specifications come from?
Every record on BackupAtlas is hand-curated from manufacturer documentation and spec sheets, and each generator page links to its source document.