Introduction
Welcome to our comprehensive home generators buying guide, where we aim to empower you with the knowledge and insights needed to make an informed decision. Choosing the right home generator is crucial for ensuring uninterrupted power supply during emergencies or even for off-grid living. With an abundance of options available in the market, it can be overwhelming to find the perfect fit for your needs. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! From portable generators to standby models, we’ll explore the pros and cons, important features to consider, and provide expert recommendations to help you find the best home generator that suits your requirements and budget.
Our Top 5
- 9500 Running Watts and 12500 Peak Watts (Gasoline); 8500 Running Watts, 11200 Peak Watts (Propane); Remote Start With Included Key Fob, Electric and Recoil Start; Up to 12 Hours of Run Time on a 6. 6 Gallon Fuel Tank With Fuel Gauge
- Features Two GFCI 120V 5–20R Standard Household Receptacle, One Transfer Switch Ready 120V L14-30R, and One RV Ready 120/240V 14–50R; All Outlets Have Rubber Covers for Added Safety
- Powered by a Heavy Duty 457cc Westinghouse 4-Stroke OHV Engine Featuring a Long-Lasting Cast Iron Sleeve With Automatic Low Oil Shutdown and Digital Hour Meter. VFT display gives you real time updates with the voltage output, frequency, and lifetime hours
- Plug-and-Play: Comes With a Remote Start Key Fob, 12V Battery Charger, Oil, an Oil Funnel, a Tool Kit, and a User’s Manual to Get You Started Right Out of the Box (Minimal Assembly Required)
- All Westinghouse Portable Generators are Functionally Tested in the Factory and May Contain Minimum Residual Oil and/or Fuel Odor; EPA Compliant; Backed By 3-Year Limited Service, Labor, and Parts Coverage and Nationwide Customer Service Network
- Perfect as a backup power source for larger homes or a dependable source of portable power
- 14,500 peak watts, 11,500 running watts (gasoline); 13,500 peak watts, 10,500 running watts (propane); 12,000 peak watts, 9,500 running watts (natural gas)
- Runs for up to 19 hours on a 9.5 gal. fuel tank with built-in fuel gauge; up to 7 hours on a 20 lb. propane tank
- Powered by a heavy duty 550cc 4-Stroke OHV Westinghouse Engine constructed with a durable cast iron sleeve
- All Westinghouse Portable Generators are Functionally Tested in the Factory and May Contain Minimum Residual Oil and/or Fuel Odor; EPA Compliant; Backed By 3-Year Limited Service, Labor, and Parts Coverage and Nationwide Customer Service Network
- With 13,000 watts of power, the XP13000EH Dual Fuel generator will keep your whole home running during a storm or power outage
- DuroMax is the industry leader in Dual Fuel portable generator technology, with a full assortment ranging from digital inverters to generators that can power your entire home
- At the core of all our products resides a robust DuroMax engine. Designed for Power. Designed to Last
- The XP13000EH comes with a push button start, a front facing interface that allows you to change your fuel type in seconds, and a wide variety of outlets (including a transfer switch-ready 50 amp outlet)
- Constructed with a heavy-duty all metal frame and power panel - No plastic parts
- Remote Monitoring Anywhere: With Generac 7043 22kW Mobile Link Wi-Fi connectivity, effortlessly track generator performance from anywhere. Stay updated on status and maintenance alerts, ensuring peace of mind even when you’re away
- Whole House Protection: Enjoy comprehensive coverage with Generac's 200 Amp NEMA 3R smart switch, designed for outdoor use with an aluminum enclosure. This ensures that your home remains powered and protected during power outages
- Long-Term Assurance: Backed by a 5-Year Limited Warranty, this automatic transfer switch delivers lasting performance and peace of mind, ensuring your investment in a Generac transfer switch will serve you well for years
- High-Quality 22kW Power: True Power Technology delivers clean, stable 22,000 watts with under 5% harmonic distortion. Generac’s low-maintenance engines run quieter and use less fuel for efficient, reliable home power
- Crafted for Excellence: Proudly engineered and assembled in the USA, our generators stand as testament to quality and craftsmanship. The purpose-built G-Force Engine is designed to handle the demands of usage, ensuring reliability and reduced maintenance
- 13500 Peak Watts, 10500 Running Watts (Gasoline); 12500 Peak Watts, 9500 Running Watts (Propane); 10000 Peak Watts, 8500 Running Watts (Natural Gas); Remote Start With Included Key Fob, Electric and Recoil Start; Up to 19 Hours of Run Time on a 9.5 Gallon Fuel Tank With Fuel Gauge
- Features Two GFCI 120V 5–20R Standard Household Receptacle, One Transfer Switch Ready 120V L14-30R, and One RV Ready 120/240V 14–50R; All Outlets Have Rubber Covers for Added Safety
- Powered by a Heavy Duty 500cc Westinghouse 4-Stroke OHV Engine Featuring a Long-Lasting Cast Iron Sleeve With Automatic Low Oil and Carbon Monoxide (CO) Shutdown, and Digital Hour Meter
- Plug-and-Play: Comes With a Remote Start Key Fob, 12V Battery Charger, Oil, and Oil Funnel, a Tool Kit, and a User’s Manual to Get You Started Right Out of the Box (Minimal Assembly Required)
- All Westinghouse Portable Generators are Functionally Tested in the Factory and May Contain Minimum Residual Oil and/or Fuel Odor; EPA Compliant; Backed By 3-Year Limited Service, Labor, and Parts Coverage and Nationwide Customer Service Network
How to choose?
1. Power Requirements
When choosing a home generator, the first step is to determine your power requirements. Consider the essential appliances and systems in your home that need to be powered during an outage. Calculate the total wattage needed to run these items simultaneously. This will help you determine the size and capacity of the generator you require.
For example, if you need to power your refrigerator (600 watts), sump pump (800 watts), and a few lights (300 watts), the total wattage needed would be 1700 watts.
2. Fuel Type
The next consideration is the fuel type of the generator. The most common options are gasoline, propane, and diesel. Each fuel type has its pros and cons, so it’s important to choose one that aligns with your needs and preferences.
Gasoline generators are widely available and generally more affordable, but they require regular refueling and may not be suitable for long-term power outages. Propane generators, on the other hand, offer longer run times and are cleaner-burning, but propane can be more expensive and less accessible in some areas. Diesel generators are known for their durability and fuel efficiency, making them a reliable choice, especially for extended power outages.
3. Portability
Consider whether you need a portable or standby generator. Portable generators are smaller and can be easily transported to different locations, making them ideal for camping or outdoor events. Standby generators, on the other hand, are permanently installed outside your home and automatically kick in when the power goes out. They offer a seamless transition and provide power to your entire home.
4. Noise Level
Noise level is an important factor to consider, especially if you live in a residential area or have close neighbors. Some generators are quieter than others, and noise levels are measured in decibels (dB). Look for generators with lower dB ratings, as they produce less noise. This is particularly important if you plan to use the generator during nighttime hours or in noise-sensitive environments.
5. Budget
Lastly, it’s important to consider your budget when choosing a home generator. Generators come in a wide range of prices, depending on their size, capacity, and features. Determine your budget and prioritize the features that are most important to you. Remember that a generator is an investment in your home’s safety and comfort during power outages, so it’s worth considering the long-term benefits and reliability of the generator you choose.
By considering your power requirements, fuel type, portability, noise level, and budget, you can confidently choose a home generator that meets your specific needs. Don’t rush the decision, as a well-chosen generator will provide peace of mind and reliable power backup for years to come.
What to Look for in a home generators?
1. Power Output
When it comes to choosing a home generator, the most important factor to consider is the power output. You need to determine the wattage requirements of your home to ensure that the generator you choose can meet your needs.
For example, if you only need to power essential appliances such as the refrigerator, lights, and a few outlets, a generator with a lower power output, such as 5,000 to 7,000 watts, may be sufficient. However, if you want to power your entire home, including heating and cooling systems, a generator with a higher power output, such as 10,000 to 15,000 watts, would be necessary.
It’s important to note that appliances with motors, such as air conditioners or refrigerators, require more power to start up than to run continuously. Therefore, it’s crucial to consider the starting wattage requirements when choosing a generator.
2. Fuel Type
Another crucial aspect to consider is the fuel type of the home generator. The most common options are gasoline, propane, and diesel. Each fuel type has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Gasoline generators are generally more affordable and readily available. However, they require regular refueling and have a limited shelf life for the fuel. Propane generators, on the other hand, offer longer run times and cleaner emissions, but may require a larger storage tank. Diesel generators are known for their fuel efficiency and durability, making them a popular choice for standby generators. However, they tend to be more expensive upfront.
Consider your specific needs, such as the availability of fuel in your area and the expected duration of power outages, when choosing the fuel type for your home generator.
3. Transfer Switch
A transfer switch is an essential component of a home generator system. It allows for the safe and seamless transition from utility power to generator power.
Without a transfer switch, you would need to manually plug in each appliance or device directly into the generator, which can be time-consuming and potentially dangerous. A transfer switch eliminates the need for manual intervention and ensures that only certain circuits or appliances are powered by the generator, preventing overload.
When choosing a home generator, make sure it comes with a transfer switch or consider purchasing one separately if it’s not included.
In conclusion, when looking for a home generator, it’s crucial to consider the power output, fuel type, and the presence of a transfer switch. These factors will ensure that the generator you choose meets your power needs and provides a reliable backup power source during outages.
How we picked?
1. Researching the Best Home Generators
When it comes to selecting the best home generator, thorough research is essential. We understand that choosing the right generator can be overwhelming, especially with the wide range of options available in the market. That’s why our team has spent countless hours researching and analyzing different models to provide you with a comprehensive buying guide. Our goal is to simplify the process and help you make an informed decision.
2. Evaluating Power Requirements
One of the key factors to consider when selecting a home generator is evaluating your power requirements. **Understanding your power needs** is crucial to ensure that the generator you choose can handle the load. To determine your power requirements, make a list of essential appliances and electronics that you would need to power during an outage. This could include refrigerators, air conditioners, sump pumps, and lights. By adding up the wattage of these devices, you can get an estimate of the power capacity you’ll need from a generator.
For example, John, a homeowner, calculated that he would need approximately 5,000 watts to power his essential appliances during an outage. With this information, he was able to narrow down his options and choose a generator that met his power requirements.
3. Considering Fuel Type and Runtime
Another important consideration when selecting a home generator is the fuel type and runtime. Generators are available in different fuel options such as gasoline, propane, and diesel. Each fuel type has its pros and cons, so it’s essential to choose one that suits your needs. **Gasoline generators** are widely available and affordable, but they may require more maintenance and have a shorter runtime compared to propane or diesel generators. On the other hand, **propane generators** are cleaner-burning and have a longer shelf life, making them a popular choice for homeowners.
Additionally, it’s crucial to consider the runtime of the generator. This refers to the number of hours the generator can run continuously on a full tank of fuel. A longer runtime is desirable, especially during extended power outages. For instance, Lisa, a homeowner in an area prone to severe storms, opted for a generator with a runtime of 12 hours to ensure uninterrupted power supply until electricity was restored.
By considering these factors and conducting thorough research, you can confidently choose the best home generator that meets your power requirements and provides reliable backup power during outages.
Frequently asked questions about home generators
1. What is a home generator and why do I need one?
A home generator is a device that provides backup power to your house during a power outage. It is especially useful in areas prone to severe weather conditions or frequent power disruptions. A generator ensures that your essential appliances, such as refrigerators, heating systems, and medical equipment, continue to function even when the grid fails.
2. What types of home generators are available?
There are primarily two types of home generators: portable and standby. Portable generators are versatile and can be moved around to different locations. They are typically fueled by gasoline or propane and are more affordable. Standby generators, on the other hand, are permanently installed outside your home and are connected to your electrical system. They are powered by natural gas or propane and automatically turn on when the power goes out.
3. How do I determine the right size generator for my home?
The size of the generator you need depends on your power requirements during an outage. A good way to calculate this is by determining the wattage of the appliances you want to power simultaneously. It’s important to note that some appliances, such as refrigerators and air conditioners, require a higher starting wattage. Consulting with a professional electrician can help you accurately determine the right generator size for your home.
4. Are home generators noisy?
While some home generators can be noisy, modern models are designed to operate quietly. Manufacturers have made significant advancements in noise reduction technology, ensuring that generators produce minimal sound. Look for generators that have noise reduction features, such as insulated enclosures or quiet mufflers. Reading customer reviews and researching specific models can also give you a better idea of the noise level.
5. How often should I maintain my home generator?
Regular maintenance is crucial to ensure that your home generator operates reliably during an outage. It is recommended to have your generator serviced annually by a qualified technician. This includes checking the fuel system, changing the oil and filters, inspecting the battery, and testing the generator’s performance. Adhering to the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule and keeping a record of service history can help extend the lifespan of your generator.
Investing in a home generator provides peace of mind knowing that your household will remain powered during unexpected outages. Whether you opt for a portable or standby generator, understanding your power requirements and properly maintaining the unit will ensure its optimal performance when you need it most.
Last update on 2025-05-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
