Today, though, there are a wide range of inverter generators on the market, including more powerful models that can handle supplying power to home appliances, lights, and other devices in much the same way as home standby generators or portable generators.
An inverter generator sips gasoline compared to the consumption rate of most portable generators. This is due to the fact that these generators adjust engine output to match power demands—when less power is required, the engine throttles down.
As power needs increase, the generator revs up the engine to supply the increased power. As a result, the generator consumes less gasoline than if it ran at full power constantly.
An inverter generator is also quieter when compared to many models of portable generators. Consider an inverter generator if you want a compact, fuel-efficient power source for occasional off-grid activities or opt for a more robust model if you want to use it at home—but expect the weight and dimensions of the generator to increase significantly.
Heavy-duty inverter generators can weigh several hundred pounds. The cost for an inverter generator is generally higher than comparable portable generators, but the fuel efficiency and reduced noise factor may make this a worthwhile investment in the long run.
For the ultimate in on-demand power, consider a home standby generator. These installed large-capacity generators are ready to supply power for a few hours or a few days or more thanks to their readily available fuel supply and high wattages.
Standby generators are fixed units that are installed outside the home and are connected to a propane fuel tank or natural gas line. Propane tanks are generally anywhere from to 1, gallons in size and can last up to a week or more, depending on power consumption. A standby generator connected to a natural gas line can offer uninterrupted power, as long as the flow of natural gas is available. Standby generators will have considerably more watts available to power your home appliances, sump pump, heating and cooling system, and more.
Most residential models of standby generators have anywhere from 10, to 20, watts of power. Whole home generators are the most powerful type of standby generators and typically start at about 22, watts of power. But for the most uninterrupted level of power, some whole home generators offer up to 48, watts. Unlike portable generators which require you to manually initiate the power transfer, home standby generators equipped with automatic start and connected to a professionally installed transfer switch can make the transition happen seamlessly and without assistance from the homeowner.
If you experience frequent or prolonged power outages, a whole home generator is the most practical option. It will minimize or eliminate downtime and offers the longest run times. When professionally installed, a home generator also eliminates concerns over exhaust fumes and is safe from the elements inside its year-round housing. For all these conveniences, though, you can expect to make a considerable investment. While you may not be using your generator on a regular basis, you want to know that you can fire it up on any given day and it will be ready for use.
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The 7 Best Home Generators of Keep the power on when the electricity goes out. By Erica Puisis. Erica Puisis. Erica Puisis writes about home products for The Spruce and specializes in interior design and plant care. Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process. Our Top Picks. Best Overall:. Enough power for comfort and convenience, this home generator covers up to 16 circuits and can be monitored via Wi-Fi.
Best Budget:. With a amp transfer switch and coverage for 8 circuits, this affordable model keeps essential items up and running. Best Quiet:. Best for Small Homes:. Its small footprint also makes it easier to install the generator closer to the home in narrow yards. Best Air-Cooled:.
Best Single-Phase:. Versatile, adaptable, and easy to use, this single-phase generator is suitable for most residential operations and built to last. Best Liquid-Cooled :. Keep your generator from overheating with a coolant system that protects it from the effects of a heavy load and hot climates.
In This Article Expand. This air-cooled beast can provide power to multiple homes and numerous appliances, all while coming in at the lowest MSRP per kilowatt of any air-cooled standby home generator that we reviewed. Its self-test mode runs a five-minute low-power test each week so you can sleep comfortably knowing your generator is ready to go in your moment of need. However, note that the Honeywell app is only for monitoring and does not allow control like other generators on this list.
This Honeywell model has a much larger footprint than other 10kW generators on this list and a higher price per kilowatt. Note : Honeywell generators are manufactured by Generac who make a similar Generac-brand 10kW home generator. We rated this model higher because of its superior customer reviews. Before buying any generator, you should determine the power requirements of your home and your most essential large electric appliances. Refrigerators, air conditioning, sump or well pumps, medical devices, electric water heaters and portable space heaters will likely have the highest power draw and be most essential during power outages.
Many generator manufacturers have online wattage calculators to help you determine what size generator is the best fit for your home. You can also calculate this number yourself by finding the wattage rating label on each of your essential appliances. If the Starting Watts are not listed you can usually multiply the Running Watts by three.
Add up the Starting Watts for each appliance and multiply the total by 1. A small to medium size U. Note : Some generators are listed by watt W and some by kilowatt kW. A kilowatt is watts. The larger generators featured on our list are approximately 30 inches x 30 inches x 48 inches, while the smaller generators are closer to 24 inches x 24 inches x 36 inches.
With the generator placed immediately outside of your home, you should also consider the noise level, measured in decibels dB.
Most generators on our list average 60 to 70 dBs, for reference a vacuum cleaner is approximately 70 to 80 dBs. Home generators can be run by a variety of different fuel types, but all the ones on our list use either liquid propane LP , natural gas NG or both. Those that can use both fuel types are easily converted, without tools, to be ready to burn whichever fuel is needed. Some houses have a permanent propane tank, but propane is also available in smaller containers at grocery stores, hardwood stores and even gas stations.
Home generators with less than a 5, watt output uncommon and portable generators usually have a manual transfer switch which is much less convenient. Increased Power Capacity. Home generators have the largest power capacity of any type of non-industrial generator and are usually able to provide power to an entire home. While portable generators often average between 3, and 10, watts, home generators usually have a capacity of 10, to 50, watts, or even more.
With the average U. In some extreme cases, you may even be able to help provide power to neighbors. Home generators are permanently installed right outside of your home and with features like automatic transfer switches and electric starts, you may not even have to go outside when the power goes out to immediately get back-up power. A portable generator you have to wheel out of the garage, run extension cables to and then pull a cord to start it up.
The best generator to buy for home use depends on many variables, most importantly the power requirements of your home and your most essential appliances such as: refrigerators, air conditioners, sump or well pumps, medical devices, electric water heaters and portable space heaters.
The average U. A home generator that has an endless supply of fuel and no mechanical issues could theoretically run near indefinitely. A generator engine is similar to your car engine in that it requires up-keep such as oil changes, belt replacements and similar maintenance.
National Fire Protection Association codes allow smaller generators to be a minimum of 18 inches from an exterior wall, however, you should check local codes as they may have more specific requirements. Professional installers should know the local codes and help you plan the optimal placement for your generator. Home generators can be expensive to install , but will last significantly longer than portable generators and will give you peace of mind that you and your family will be protected during power outages.
With intelligent power management features, automatic transferring and start-up and self-running weekly tests, home generators are designed to last a long time with only simple, regular maintenance.
Their power output and general dependability make them a worthwhile investment, especially if you live in an area prone to power outages. Chauncey grew up on a farm in rural northern California.
An experienced electrician can help with town or municipal permits, noise restrictions, and proper location. Some even do this via email or text, to you or your dealer. Stabilizer must be added to your fuel for prolonged storage. These models can quickly produce deadly levels of carbon monoxide.
The battery required for electric start, however, might not be included. They have more sophisticated exhaust systems, which also help tamp down noise. To reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, many new generators feature a built-in sensor that triggers an automatic shutoff if CO builds up to dangerous levels in an enclosed space; some also have engines that emit less CO in the first place.
Recent test data from CR shows that this safety feature is likely to save lives. Consumer Reports recommends a portable generator only if it passes our newly expanded CO safety technology test. Even if your generator has this potentially lifesaving feature, we still advise consumers to follow our longstanding safety guidelines: Always operate a generator a minimum of 20 feet from your home, with the exhaust directed away from any windows, doors, air conditioners, and other structures.
Consider these options to make sure you get the best generator for your needs. More brands than ever offer models with this technology, including heavyweights such as Generac, Honda, and Ryobi. In fact, we have over a dozen generators in our ratings with a CO safety shutoff.
Low-CO Engine An additional safety feature that brands such as Ryobi and Echo are using to guard against risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Automatic Start When the power goes off, the generator goes on—without you lifting a finger. Electric Start Several portable models offer this push-button alternative to the hassle of pull-starting the engine. Stationary models have automatic starting.
Alternative Fuel Capacity Most portable models run only on gasoline, though some come equipped to run on a propane tank or natural-gas line and others can be converted with kits. Fuel Gauge Especially during long blackouts, you may appreciate the ability to see at a glance how much fuel remains in your portable generator.
Low-Oil Shutoff If oil falls below minimum levels, the generator shuts down to prevent engine damage. See the next section on transfer switches. Removable Console This connects to the generator so that you can plug in appliances without running potentially risky extension cords outdoors. The short answer: It safely connects a home standby or portable generator to your circuit panel via one cable.
And a transfer switch is infinitely more convenient. With a transfer switch, you can power entire circuits in your home with no extension cords. With a stationary model, the transfer switch turns on automatically. Be sure to have your electrician walk you through the procedure.
One tip that will make prioritizing easier is to determine which outlets and appliances are controlled by each circuit breaker in your panel, and label them accordingly.
That way, you can make sure the electrician connects the circuits for all your essentials. Want to save money? We respect your privacy.
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