News & Updates

City of Hope names leaders from Stanley Black & Decker, Oatey and Champion Power Equipment as 2027 Spirit of Life honorees

October 26, 2026

Maria Ford, Michelle Newland and Dennis Trine will lead the hardware and homebuilding industry’s yearlong fundraising campaign, launching Feb. 1 in Las Vegas 

LOS ANGELES — October 22, 2026 — City of Hope^®, one of the largest and most advanced cancer research and treatment organizations in the country, has named Maria Ford of Stanley Black & Decker, Michelle Newland of Oatey Co. and Dennis Trine of Champion Power Equipment as the National Hardware & Homebuilding Industry’s (HHI) 2027 Spirit of Life^® honorees.

The three executives will lead the industry’s yearlong fundraising campaign, uniting manufacturers, retailers, distributors and industry partners in a shared commitment to ending cancer together by building what comes next.

The campaign will formally launch at the 44th Annual Spirit of Life Gala & Golf Classic on February 1, 2027 in Las Vegas. The event will bring together industry leaders to celebrate the honorees and inspire collective support for City of Hope’s lifesaving cancer research, treatment and compassionate patient care.

The event’s return to Las Vegas coincides with the 2027 NAHB International Builders’ Show (IBS), taking place February 2–4, creating an opportunity for industry leaders gathering in the city to connect around a shared philanthropic purpose.

The Spirit of Life Award is City of Hope’s most prestigious philanthropic honor, recognizing visionary leaders whose achievements, generosity and commitment to improving lives embody the organization’s mission. Honorees are celebrated not only for their contributions to society but for helping shape a future of greater hope, innovation and progress against cancer and other serious diseases.

Founded in 1983 by industry executives committed to City of Hope’s mission, HHI has raised more than $285 million to support research and care for cancer, diabetes and other life-threatening diseases. Its longstanding partnership demonstrates the extraordinary impact possible when an industry comes together to make a difference for patients and families.

“For more than four decades, the hardware and homebuilding industry has demonstrated what can happen when business leaders unite around a purpose greater than themselves,” said Mary Beth Pate, senior vice president, relational philanthropy at City of Hope. “Maria, Michelle and Dennis embody the leadership, generosity and collaborative spirit that have made this partnership so impactful. Together, we’re building on that legacy and creating new opportunities for the industry to help accelerate discoveries, advance treatment and bring hope to more people facing cancer.”

Maria Ford, president of U.S. commercial and industrial sales for DEWALT, leads a multibillion-dollar business serving construction, infrastructure, manufacturing and industrial customers. Since joining the company in 1998, she has held leadership roles across sales, product management, marketing and commercial strategy. Ford is also a strong advocate for workforce development and expanding opportunities for women in construction and manufacturing.

“Our industry understands what it takes to build something that lasts: skilled people, strong partnerships and a shared commitment to a common goal,” said Ford. “This campaign gives us an opportunity to bring those same strengths to City of Hope’s mission. I look forward to working alongside Michelle, Dennis and our industry partners to help more patients and families benefit from advances in research and care.”

Michelle Newland, executive vice president and chief retail and international officer for Oatey Co., brings more than three decades of industry experience and a longstanding commitment to City of Hope. She joined the HHI Executive Council in 2016 and has served as chair since 2022, helping strengthen industry engagement and support for the organization’s mission.

“Serving on the HHI council has shown me how much this industry can accomplish when we give people a meaningful way to get involved,” said Newland. “Behind every campaign are individuals and companies choosing to make a difference for someone facing a life-changing diagnosis. I’m honored to join Maria and Dennis in carrying that commitment forward and inviting more of our industry to take part.”

Dennis Trine, founder of Champion Power Equipment, brings nearly five decades of hardware industry experience. Since founding Champion in 2003, he has built a business grounded in quality, customer service and strong relationships with retail partners. His commitment to service extends beyond the industry through involvement with humanitarian and community organizations.

“I’ve spent my career seeing what dedicated people can achieve when they take care of their customers and one another,” said Trine. “Supporting City of Hope is an extension of that responsibility. Maria, Michelle and I have an opportunity to bring people together around a purpose that reaches far beyond our businesses, and I’m eager to help turn that support into greater hope for patients and their families.”

Industry leaders unite in Las Vegas

The 44th Annual Spirit of Life Gala & Golf Classic will take place February 1, 2027, featuring golf experiences at Shadow Creek Golf Course or Red Rock Country Club, followed by an evening gala at Resorts World Las Vegas honoring Ford, Newland and Trine.

The event will mark the beginning of a yearlong effort to engage the hardware and homebuilding industry in fundraising, sponsorship and partnership opportunities benefiting City of Hope.

As the industry looks ahead, its commitment remains rooted in the belief that progress is possible when people work together — bringing the same spirit of collaboration, innovation and determination that drives their businesses to the mission of ending cancer for all.

For more information about the 2027 campaign, sponsorship opportunities or tickets to the Spirit of Life Gala & Golf Classic, visit cityofhope.org/hhispol or contact [email protected].

About City of Hope

City of Hope’s mission is to make hope a reality for all touched by cancer and diabetes. Founded in 1913, City of Hope has grown into one of the largest and most advanced cancer research and treatment organizations in the United States, and one of the leading research centers for diabetes and other life-threatening illnesses. City of Hope research has been the basis for numerous breakthrough cancer medicines, as well as human synthetic insulin and monoclonal antibodies. With an independent, National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center that is ranked among the nation’s top cancer centers by U.S. News & World Report at its core, City of Hope’s uniquely integrated model spans cancer care, research and development, academics and training, and a broad philanthropy program that powers its work. City of Hope’s growing national system includes its Los Angeles campus, Orange County, California, campus, a network of clinical care locations across Southern California and cancer treatment centers and outpatient facilities in the Atlanta, Chicago and Phoenix areas. City of Hope’s affiliated group of organizations includes Translational Genomics Research Institute and AccessHope^TM. For more information about City of Hope, follow us on Facebook, X, YouTube, Instagram and LinkedIn.

About the National Hardware and Homebuilding Industry (HHI) Group

Inspired by the guiding humanitarian principles of City of Hope and motivated by the institution’s commitment to innovative medical research and compassionate patient care, a group of key industry executives founded City of Hope’s National Hardware-Homebuilding Industry (HHI) philanthropy group in 1983.

In its more than 40-year history, the group has raised over $285 million for City of Hope and has been honored by some of the most influential figures in the industry. With a tradition of uniting professionals from around the country, HHI represents a community of executives, professionals, and colleagues in every segment of the home improvement category including manufacturers, retailers, distributors, manufacturers’ representatives and related members.

About DEWALT

DEWALT, a Stanley Black & Decker brand, is a leader in total jobsite solutions. For more than 100 years, DEWALT has been powering the future of construction with tools and technologies that have been designed, built and tested to help deliver safety and productivity on every jobsite. For more information, visit www.dewalt.com or follow DEWALT on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

About Oatey Co.

Since 1916, Oatey has provided reliable, high-quality products for the residential and commercial plumbing industries, with a commitment to delivering quality, building trust, and improving lives. Today, Oatey operates a comprehensive manufacturing and distribution network to supply thousands of products for professional builders, contractors, engineers, and do-it-yourself consumers around the world.

Oatey is based in Cleveland, Ohio, and has locations in the United States, Canada, Mexico, China, and Europe. For more information, visit www.oatey.com, call (800) 321-9532 or follow Oatey on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn or Instagram.

About Champion Power Equipment

Champion Power Equipment is a market leader in power generation equipment, providing dependable, durable products designed and engineered in the U.S. for the North American and world markets. Founded in 2003 and headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada, Champion has grown its lineup to include portable generators, home standby generators, inverter generators, engines, winches, and log splitters — with millions of generators sold in North America.

Backed by U.S. engineering and a customer-first support team, Champion builds reliable, affordable power equipment for homeowners, professionals, and adventurers alike. For home, work, or play, Champion makes the power that makes your life easier. Learn more at championpowerequipment.com.

What Size Home Standby Generator Do I Need?

October 16, 2026

Most homes need a 8.5 kW to 26 kW home standby generator, sized by adding up your essential appliances’ running watts, your highest single starting watt surge, and a 20% safety buffer.

When the power grid fails, a home standby backup generator acts as your personal energy safety net, kicking on automatically once a power outage is detected to keep your lights, appliances, and HVAC systems running. But walk into the world of backup power, and you are immediately greeted by a wall of numbers: 8.5 kW, 10, kW, 14 kW, 15 kW, 18 kW, 22 kW, 26 kW, etc.

Square footage is only a rough starting point when choosing a generator size; the right size comes down to your home’s actual electrical demand. Whether you need to keep a few devices and the refrigerator running, or you want to power a sprawling estate without missing a beat, this guide will walk you through calculating your exact power needs so you never end up in the dark.

What is a Home Standby Generator?

A home standby generator is a permanently installed backup power system designed to provide electricity to your home when the grid goes down. When connected to an automatic transfer switch (ATS), the system detects a power outage and automatically signals the generator to start, helping restore power without manual intervention. They also produce clean power with a total harmonic distortion (THD) of 5% or less to protect sensitive electronics, which is the same kind of power you receive when plugging something into your home’s wall outlets.

Power Line Carrier Technology

Many Champion home standby generators also use Power Line Carrier Technology, which communicates through your home’s existing wiring instead of requiring dedicated control cables. This can reduce installation time, minimize extra wiring, and help lower your overall install cost.

All-Aluminum Enclosure and Cold-Weather Ready

Because these units live outside year-round, durability matters. Champion home standby generators are built for the elements, with two enclosure options to match where you live. fleX models feature a corrosion-resistant, all-aluminum enclosure, while aXis models use a durable aluminum-zinc coated steel enclosure, both engineered for long-lasting weatherproof protection. Every unit also includes a 24V starting system rated to operate in temperatures as low as -22°F, so your generator is ready to start no matter how harsh the winter.

Why Getting the Right Generator Size Matters

If you buy a unit that is too small, you risk overloading the system. An overloaded generator will trip its circuit breaker, shut down, or worse, cause harmful voltage drops—known as brownouts—that can fry delicate electronics in your smart fridge, computer, or HVAC control board.

Conversely, buying a generator that is vastly larger than your actual needs wastes money on two fronts: the initial purchase price and ongoing fuel consumption. Generators consume fuel based on the electrical load placed on them, but a massive 26 kW unit idling at low capacity still consumes significantly more fuel than a smaller unit operating at its peak efficiency. Getting the size just right protects your home’s electronics, maximizes fuel efficiency, and keeps your installation budget reasonable.

Understanding Fuel Wattage: Propane Watts vs. Natural Gas Watts

Before you start adding up appliance wattages, you must understand a fundamental rule of whole-house generators: their total power output depends directly on the fuel source feeding them. Most residential standby generators run on either liquid propane (LP) or natural gas (NG).

Propane Watts Explained

Liquid propane is a high-energy-density fuel. It is delivered under pressure and stored in an aboveground or underground tank on your property. Because propane burns hotter and delivers more BTUs (British Thermal Units) per cubic foot than natural gas, a generator running on LP operates at its maximum engineered capacity. When you see a generator advertised as a “22 kW unit,” that rating reflects its performance on liquid propane.

Natural Gas Watts Explained

Natural gas is piped directly to your home from a local utility line. While it offers the ultimate convenience of an unlimited fuel supply that never needs refilling, natural gas has a lower energy density than propane. As a result, a generator running on natural gas suffers a performance drop, typically around 10% on Champion models (10–15% across the industry).

For example, a standby generator rated for 22,000 watts (22 kW) on liquid propane might only produce around 19,800 watts (19.8 kW) when connected to a natural gas line. If your home uses natural gas, you must calculate your electrical needs based on the generator’s lower NG rating, not the headline LP number on the box.

Calculating Your Home Power Needs

Determining your required whole-home generator size requires a simple, three-step inventory of your electrical consumption. Think of it like packing a backpack for a hike: you need to know the weight of everything you plan to carry before choosing the pack.

Step 1: Identify Essential Appliances

Start by making a list of everything in your home that must stay operational during an outage. Divide this list into two mental buckets: non-negotiable essentials and luxury items.

Non-negotiables usually include:

• Refrigerators and freezers (to prevent food spoilage)
• Sump pumps (to prevent basement flooding)
• Well pumps (for drinking water and sanitation)
• Primary HVAC systems (furnace blower, central AC, or heat pump)
• Basic lighting circuits and home internet routers

Beyond the core non-negotiables, think through what’s essential for your specific household. An electric water heater or EV charger isn’t a luxury if it’s your only source of hot water or transportation, particularly in winter or during a longer outage. Deciding which circuits to prioritize, and whether you want whole-home or essential-only coverage, dictates your baseline wattage.

Step 2: Note the Running and Starting Wattage for Each Item

Electrical loads come in two varieties: resistive loads and inductive loads.

Resistive loads (like incandescent light bulbs, coffee makers, and electric space heaters) draw the same amount of power the entire time they are on. This is their running wattage (or continuous watts).

Inductive loads (anything with an electric motor, such as air conditioners, refrigerators, sump pumps, and power tools) require an extra burst of electricity to break the inertia and spin the motor from a dead stop. This temporary spike is known as the starting wattage (or surge watts). Starting wattage can be two to three times higher than the running wattage, though the spike lasts only a fraction of a second.

To find these numbers, check the data plate attached to the back or side of your appliances, consult your owner’s manuals, or reference our wattage reference chart.

Note: Actual wattage varies by SEER rating, age, and whether the unit has a soft start. Check your AC’s data plate or ask your dealer to verify during the site survey.

Step 3: Calculate Total Required Capacity

To calculate your total power requirement, add up the running watts for all the devices you plan to operate simultaneously. Next, identify the single highest starting wattage among your motorized appliances and add that single surge figure to your running total. You do not need to add all starting wattages together, because appliances rarely attempt to start at the exact same microsecond.

Finally, add a 20% safety cushion to your total. This margin prevents the generator from running at 100% capacity continuously, which extends its engine life and accounts for minor unforeseen loads.

Let’s look at an example:

1. Sum of Running Watts:
   • Refrigerator (800W) + Sump Pump (1,050W) + 3-Ton AC (3,500W) + Lights/Wi-Fi (500W) = 5,850 Running Watts
2. Add Highest Starting Wattage:
   • The 3-Ton AC has the highest surge requirement at 10,000W. (Subtract its 3,500W running load from its 10,000W surge load to find the extra burst needed: 6,500 extra surge watts).
   • Total Peak Requirement = 5,850W + 6,500W = 12,350 Watts
3. Add 20% Buffer:
   • 12,350 W × 1.20 = 14,820 Watts (or 14.8 kW)

In this scenario, a 15 kW home standby generator would be the ideal fit.

Using the Home Standby Generator Selector Tool

If manual math feels overwhelming, Champion Power Equipment offers a digital sizing calculator, known as the Home Standby Generator Selector tool. This tool lets you simply enter a few details about your home and the appliances you want to power, then helps identify a generator size that fits your needs, with the option to request a free quote right from the results page.

Home Standby Generator Sizes and What They Power

Standby generators are categorized by their kilowatt (kW) output. Understanding the standard size brackets helps you match your home’s footprint and lifestyle expectations to the right class of machine.

Select Circuit Essentials (8.5 – 14 kW)

Units in the 8.5 kW to 14 kW range are designed for targeted protection. Paired with an ATS, these units keep vital systems running during an emergency without attempting to power the entire house.

• What it powers: Refrigerator, sump or well pump, furnace blower, microwave, internet, TV, lighting, garage door
• Best for: Small homes, townhouses, or homeowners on a strict budget who do not mind going without central air conditioning during a blackout.

Managed Whole-Home Power (14 – 22 kW)

This bracket represents the sweet spot for average-sized suburban homes. Units in this class can connect directly to your main breaker panel via a smart load-managing ATS, giving you seamless control over major living areas.

• What it powers: Everything above in Select Circuit Essentials, plus central air, electric dryer, ranger, EV charger
• Best for: Homes ranging from 1,500 to 2,500 square feet with moderate electrical demands.

Whole-Home Power (22 kW+)

Air-cooled generators in this range are the heavyweights of residential backup power. These units deliver enough power to handle high-demand electrical homes without requiring you to make compromises during an outage.

• What it powers: Everything above in both Select Circuit Essentials and Managed Whole-Home Power, plus AC dual units, heat pumps, electric water heaters, pool pumps, hot tubs
• Best for: Homes over 2,500 square feet, homes with all-electric appliances, or families wanting a true “power’s out, business as usual” experience.

Factors That Influence Generator Sizing and Installation Cost

Calculating raw appliance wattage gets you 80% of the way there. The remaining 20% comes down to the physical and mechanical realities of your home’s infrastructure.

Conducting a Site Survey

A site survey is an important step in purchasing and installing a home standby generator. During the survey, an authorized Champion dealer evaluates your home and determines the best generator placement, installation requirements, electrical connections, fuel needs, and applicable local codes. The dealer can then provide a customized recommendation and estimate based on your home’s specific needs.

How Much Does It Cost to Install a Home Standby Generator?

The total cost of a home standby generator varies widely based on the unit’s size, your fuel type, and the complexity of your home’s electrical setup, but most homeowners can expect to pay anywhere from $5,000 to $20,000+ for the generator and professional installation combined. The generator itself is typically the smaller portion of that cost, ranging from around $2,000 for essential-circuit models to over $6,000 for 22-26 kW whole-home systems. Installation makes up the rest and depends on factors like your transfer switch size (100A, 150A, or 200A), the distance between the generator and your main panel, any gas line or propane tank work required, and whether a concrete pad needs to be poured.

Where your installer places the unit also plays a role in cost and feasibility, since generators require specific clearance from windows, doors, vents, and property lines — a site survey will confirm whether your preferred location works or if adjustments are needed.

Because every home’s wiring, fuel access, and panel setup is different, the most accurate way to get a final number is through a site survey with an authorized Champion dealer, who can give you a comprehensive, turnkey quote covering the unit, permitting, electrical wiring, gas plumbing, and final system commissioning.

Heating and Air Conditioning Load

HVAC equipment represents the single largest electrical draw in modern residences. The size of your central air conditioner (measured in tons) heavily dictates your minimum generator size.

Fuel Type

As established earlier, running natural gas reduces your generator’s effective kW output compared to liquid propane. Additionally, fuel line pressure matters. If your municipal natural gas utility supplies low pressure, or if the pipe running from your gas meter to the generator is too small or too long, the generator engine will starve for fuel under heavy loads, dropping its functional capacity even further.

Using Load Management Modules

If your wattage calculations are landing you in a larger, more expensive generator bracket than you’d like, a load management module (LMM) can help close the gap. Rather than sizing your generator to run every circuit at once, an LMM automatically manages high-draw appliances, like a central AC unit and an electric water heater, so they don’t run simultaneously and overload the system. This lets you safely power more of your home on a smaller generator than the raw wattage math would otherwise suggest, often saving on both equipment and installation costs. During your site survey, ask your dealer whether an LMM makes sense for your home’s circuit layout.

Future-Proofing Your Energy Needs

When choosing a size today, consider what your electrical needs will look like five or ten years down the road. Are you planning to finish the basement? Install a hot tub? Add an electric vehicle charging station? Switch from a gas clothes dryer to an electric heat-pump dryer? Sizing up slightly today prevents the need to replace your entire generator system when your family’s power needs expand tomorrow.

Next Steps: Choosing and Installing Your Generator

Once you have estimated your required wattage, had a site survey conducted, and accounted for your fuel source, you are ready to transition from planning to execution. Installing a standby generator involves plumbing high-pressure gas lines and making high-voltage connections inside your main electrical panel. This is not a weekend DIY project; it requires licensed professionals to ensure code compliance, safety, and valid warranty coverage.

Find an Authorized Dealer Near You

Use our Dealer Locator to find the nearest installer to you to schedule an in-home assessment. A qualified technician will:

• Verify your wattage calculations against your home’s actual electrical load.
• Inspect your utility service meter and gas supply lines.
• Recommend the exact generator size, transfer switch style, and soft-start options for your property.
• Provide a comprehensive, turnkey quote covering permitting, site preparation, electrical wiring, gas plumbing, and final system commissioning.

By taking the time to accurately measure your electrical needs today, you ensure that the next time grid power drops out, your life keeps moving forward without interruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size generator do I need for my house? Most homes need between 8.5 kW and 26 kW, depending on square footage and which appliances you want to power. Add up the running watts of your essential appliances, factor in your largest single starting watt surge, and add a 20% buffer to land on your ideal size. Champion’s Home Standby Generator Selector tool can do this calculation for you.

As a rough starting point, homes under 1,500 sq ft often fit essential-circuit units, 1,500–2,500 sq ft homes typically need managed whole-home power, and homes over 2,500 sq ft usually need 22 kW or more.

What size generator do I need to run central air? A 3-ton central AC can surge to about 10,000W at start-up, so homes that want AC plus essentials usually land around 18 kW. Larger 4–5 ton systems often push toward 22 kW+ unless you add a soft starter or load management.

How much does a home standby generator cost? Most homeowners pay roughly $5,000 to $20,000+ for the generator and professional installation combined, depending on unit size, fuel type, transfer switch, and site prep. A site survey with an authorized Champion dealer gives you an exact quote.

What’s the difference between running watts and starting watts? Running watts (or continuous watts) are what an appliance draws once it’s operating steadily. Starting watts (or surge watts) are the temporary spike, often two to three times higher, needed to power on motorized appliances like AC units, sump pumps, and refrigerators.

Does natural gas affect my generator’s power output? Yes. Generators are rated for their maximum output on liquid propane. Running the same unit on natural gas typically reduces output by 10-15%, so you should size your generator based on its NG rating if that’s your fuel source.

Can I power my whole house with a generator, or just the essentials? Both options exist. Essential-circuit generators (8.5 – 14 kW) cover core systems like your refrigerator, sump pump, and furnace. Mid-size (14 – 22 kW) and large (22 kW+) units can cover central air, kitchen appliances, and, at the top end, your entire home simultaneously.

Can I use a smaller generator with load management? Yes. A load management module keeps high-draw appliances like central AC and an electric water heater from running at the same time, so a smaller generator can cover more of your home.

Do I need a professional to install a home standby generator? Yes. Installation involves high-pressure gas line plumbing and high-voltage connections inside your main electrical panel, so it should always be handled by a licensed, authorized dealer to ensure code compliance, safety, and valid warranty coverage.

Customer Support

From calculating your appliances’ running and starting watts to deciding between whole-home generator sizes, choosing a whole-home generator involves a lot of moving pieces. If you’re still unsure which home standby generator is right for your home, our team of experts is here to help.

• By phone: 833-41-CHAMP
• By email: [email protected]

For all other inquiries, reach support by phone or live chat, or visit the Help Center for easy-to-follow guides and self-service tools. You can also visit our YouTube channel for tutorials and helpful videos to get the most out of your Champion equipment.