We installed a standby generator in 2004. We have two panels, one with heavy power users (e.g. dishwasher, washer/dryer, electric oven) and a second panel for everything else, (furnace, fridge, lights, computers), powered by the 6KW generator. Now, I understand, there are load monitor panels so there is automatic control when you top out, 5.5KW in the Op's case.
The auto start for the standby generator is great. It comes on in 30 seconds and shuts off when not needed.
With a "manual" generator, by the time you start it, the power is back on, or your house cools down and you suffer for some time before you decide to get it out and set it up. If you lose power while at work, you come home to a cold house and have to set up the generator in the dark, and wait hours for the house to warm up again. We used to have a lady down the street who always had to call a neighbor when power was out and she couldn't start the portable generator when hubby was out of town. I remember being at the hardware store once during a power outage. They had no gas cans and listed four other local stores who also had no gas cans. Gas stations who had no power were closed. The propane delivery truck never shuts down.
The list goes on, but bottom line is, convert to a whole house standby system.
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