I think you should consult a qualified electrician. - Kris

I agree. Most places you'll need a licensed electrictian to install it anyways, legally.

Everyone is correct. The interlock system is far cheaper and easier but you will still need an electrician unless you want to move some breakers around. And you have to know what you are doing or someone is going to get hurt.

The interlock requirres addition of a main generator breaker pair set next to the house main breaker with a mechanical arm that prevents the generator breaker being flipped on until the main breaker has been flipped off. I have the interlock. It is super simple and gives you complete control of what circuits you want, need or are able to turn on (the transfer switch must be hard wired for specific circuits and you are then out of luck if you need light in your attic or later realize you could use your ac afterall). However, you get no idea of power consumption and more importantly, no idea when main power is restored or ability to have automatic start and stop of generator.

There is a long thread re generators in florida that talks about using a small generator like yours. It suggests you could run your ac.

If the L14 30 is your largest outlet, you only need a 30amp transfer switch. If you have a 14-50R outlet, you need a 50amp. Get a transfer switch rated to the biggest outlet on your generator. Going with a bigger transfer switch is a waste of $$ unless you plan on upgrading your generator in the future.