Gasoline-powered generators are the most common, but also carry special cautions related to exhaust fumes and carbon monoxide poisoning. When the power goes out, a generator can keep your house warm in winter or cool in summer; it can keep your food cold, your kitchen cooking, … Buy a Whole House Liquid Cooled Generator Today & Never Worry About Losing Power Again. ", Generac 10 kW Guardian Generator at Northerntool.com, Generac PowerPact 7,500 Watt Generator at Lowe's, Cummins 13 kW QuietConnect Home Standby Generator, Model RS13A at Northerntool.com, Briggs & Stratton 10 kW Automatic Home Standby Generator, Model 040375 at Northerntool.com, Briggs & Stratton 17 kW Home Standby Generator, Model 040630 at Northerntool.com, Generac Protector QS 22 kW Standby Generator, Model RG022 at Lowe's, Best Overall: Transfer Switch: If your plan is to be able to use your generator to power hardwired appliances, then look for a machine that can be installed to work with a transfer switch. In general, portable generators will make life more bearable but won’t support all the creature comforts you may be used to during a power outage—such as a central air conditioning system, water heater, and other large appliances. is worth the higher price tag that often comes with these systems. Get daily tips and tricks for making your best home. Inverter generators are ideal for camping, boating and other recreational activities. Liquid-cooled generators are generally quieter than air-cooled versions and reduce the risk of overheating, especially in hot climates. If you have a … The biggest generator we tested, Generac’s GP6500 COsense, boast a generous 8125 starting watts capacity. No matter the size of your home, the convenience of a whole house generator can’t be overlooked. These fuels are generally also considered to be cleaner burning sources of fuel and provide an on-demand source of power. ", "This compact generator can be installed just 18 inches from your home, and you won’t mind since it quietly operates at just 65 dB. This automatic start feature enables the generator to start supplying power to your home’s electrical grid without the manual start-up process often associated with portable generators. When the power goes out, a generator is a go-to choice to keep things up and running. 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. Small homes with fewer appliances and less energy-intensive heating and cooling systems don’t have the same power demands and a smaller generator, like this model from Briggs & Stratton is a great option. The extension cord is to be plugged into the outlet that is on the panel of your generator. It runs on natural gas or liquid propane (LP) fuel, and sits outside just like a central air conditioning unit. Fuel Type: Generators generally are powered by one of three fuel sources—gasoline, natural gas, or propane. Reviewers say it's powerful, fuel-efficient, and a great value for the price. High-capacity home standby generators are also available, with a range of options from 8,000 watts up to 48,000 watts and beyond. Part 1 of 2: Running a Generator Most notably, this standby generator for small homes has a compact footprint—it measures just 28 x 26.1 x 34.8 inches and can be installed with just 18 inches of clearance from your home’s exterior. With a Wi-Fi-enabled generator, like this model, you can keep tabs on the generator’s current operating status or receive maintenance alerts. This model is sized right for large homes but is an investment worth making if you live in a warm climate and want the peace of mind that comes from a liquid-cooled generator system. The peace of mind that comes with knowing your generator will automatically step in to keep vital systems functioning (like a sump pump, heating and cooling system, etc.) Home standby generators start at about $3,000, aside from the cost of installation, fuel tanks, and an installed transfer switch. However, don’t confuse this with a high-tech generator that allows you to remotely start or stop the generator’s operation via app control; the Mobile Link Remote Monitoring Service is simply a tool to provide status updates. To determine what size generator you need to power your whole house: Figure out the starting wattage (i.e. To safely use this power for your convenience and comfort in the event of a power outage, you’ll need to have the generator connected to a transfer switch—which will disconnect your circuit panel from the electrical grid before allowing power to flow from the generator through the circuits. For this reason, it’s crucial that you never operate a portable generator inside an enclosed space—including your house, garage, or shed. Plus home generators run on propane or natural gas, so there’s no refueling. Buy on Lowe's. Compare; Find My Store. This means the generator can handle startup loads … Home generators are the ideal way to stay connected and comfortable, even during a power outage. Choose the products you'll use when you lose electricity, are on a work site, or are enjoying the outdoors and our generator wattage calculator will help find the right generator size for you. Generac Protector QS 22 kW Standby Generator, Model RG022, Everything You Need to Know About Buying a Generator, Safety Rules for Using a Portable Generator, Calculating Electrical Load Capacity for a Home, The 8 Best Stoves, Ranges, and Cooktops of 2021, Wood Heat vs. Watts: The watts produced by a generator measure the power the unit will have available to operate whatever is plugged into it. review process here. In the case of a generator equipped with electronic start, you’ll still need to manually start the generator to begin the flow of power. A whole-home generator offers the peace of mind that comes from knowing your most essential appliances and systems will remain running, even if the power goes out. Portable: One of the most popular types of generators, portable generators are relatively compact units typically mounted on wheels for easy positioning and mobility. For a home generator, you should have a solid unit that is going to power all of the primary appliances that you rely on every day. Once the generator is running, go to your breaker, turn off the switch for the utility main, and turn on the switch for the generator main. The more watts your portable generator produces, the more items you can power at the same time. Portable generators are backup electrical sources for your home in the event that the power goes out. While a portable generator will not power your entire house, it can provide enough electricity to make life bearable, and even comfortable, until power is restored. Standby generators, which are generally a larger investment, usually offer three or five-year warranty periods. DC HOUSE 500Watt Portable Power Station, 288Wh 78000mAh Solar Generator, Emergency Lithium Battery Backup, UPS Power Supply with Flashlight Charged by Solar/AC Outlet/Car for CPAP Camping Travel 4.2 out of 5 stars 17 For the last several years, Erica Puisis has been covering home appliances and tools that make everyday life easier. The company also produces some whole home generators, but the largest concentration of products is in the portable or inverter generator segment. This home generator comes equipped with a 100W transfer switch that has space for up to 16 circuits. Move up from a portable generator to this affordable whole-home generator from Generac. A portable generator to a house with a transfer switch. Before you turn the system on, check that the throttle for the engine is in the correct position and that the engine has enough oil. Portable generators use gasoline or propane as their fuel source. This will support most systems you’re used to having available in your home, including heating and cooling functions. When shopping for a generator, you’ll want to consider the type of generator that is right for your situation—a home standby unit, a portable version, or an inverter model. At the same time, there’s no shortage of power inside this generator for small homes. In other words, it’s essential to position a large generator so that its exhaust plume can only blow against the unbroken siding of a whole house at the very worst. Most residential portable and inverter generators are protected by a two or three-year warranty period that covers parts and labor. Unlike standby generators, portable generators can be moved and manually started. We’ll walk you through the process in more detail below. 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. It’s installed outside your house (like an AC unit) and comes on automatically — whether you’re home or away. Find the Right Home Backup Generator For You Call Us 1-844-242-3494 to Speak With a Customer Service Representative Prepare for the next power outage with the #1 selling brand of … Inverter: For an alternative to stationary home generators and noisy portable generators, consider an inverter generator. Steps. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links. They generally range from 7 kW to 22 kW of power or more when installed for home use. An inverter generator is also quieter when compared to many models of portable generators. Like many other home generators on the market today, it offers less than 5-percent harmonic disruption for less strain on your home appliances. "Enough power for comfort and convenience, this home generator covers up to 16 circuits and can be monitored via Wi-Fi. Generac 7043 Home Standby Generator 22kW/19.5kW Air Cooled. In addition, this model includes a 50-amp automatic transfer switch that allows the generator to seamlessly take over if the power goes out. 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. Generator sizes refer to how much electrical power it can supply, measured in watts (W) or kilowatts (kW). Generator Size Calculator - Your Home Wattage Needs. Standby home generators are an investment, but they offer increased power capacity and are ready to go when the power cuts out. ", "With a 50-amp transfer switch and coverage for 8 circuits, this affordable model keeps essential items up and running. The Briggs & Stratton Model 040630 strikes the balance with 15.3 kW (using natural gas), making it an excellent choice as a generator for medium homes. Picking The Right Generator Now that you know everything there is to know about generator sizes, … The transfer switch seamlessly switches your home’s power supply from incoming utility lines to the generator, preventing dangerous back-feed. With experience investigating the best home generators and portable generators and developing buying guides that help consumers make informed choices, she is familiar with the features that matter and the brands that offer reliable performance. A professionally-installed transfer switch will safely disconnect your home from the power grid and supply power from your generator to designated circuits on your home’s electrical grid. The PowerPact series is a budget-friendly choice that still affords you the peace of mind that results from having a standby generator ready to supply power to your home in the event of an outage. 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. The Generac Guardian Model 7171 is well-equipped for basic home use and is an air-cooled system. Standby generators will have considerably more watts available to power your home appliances, sump pump, heating and cooling system, and more. A whole house generator can be a major investment, and that is why you want to be absolutely sure that you get the right product for your needs. ... the power is out. Pay attention also to starting watts versus running watts. Propane tanks are generally anywhere from 500 to 1,000 gallons in size and can last up to a week or more, depending on power consumption. Having a generator with an automatic start function may be especially valuable if you travel for long periods of time or have a second home. You'll have to settle for fewer connected appliances, but it will keep your most essential items running during a power outage. Run your house with a small generator and power your heating system refrigerator, lights and more. You can choose from portable models in a range of sizes to meet various household or light commercial needs. Generators for Your House Houses with Occasional Power Outages. High-end or high-capacity standby generators can reach $4,000 to $5,000. $639.00. An alternative to fuel-powered generators are solar or battery-powered models. Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products; you can learn more about our This 20,000-watt generator is a great option for powering essentials in such a house, or powering an entire small home. She writes about home products for The Spruce and has also contributed to TechDigg and Smart Home Solver. But for the most uninterrupted level of power, some whole home generators offer up to 48,000 watts. Briggs & Stratton 10 kW Automatic Home Standby Generator, Model 040375, The 8 Best Electric Heaters for Your Home in 2021, Best for Medium Homes : Home Standby: For the ultimate in on-demand power, consider a home standby generator. It may, however, be able to keep your fridge operational while powering some fans and a few lights. Home generators vary in wattage and you should factor in both starting watts and running watts for your home’s power supply needs. Other important factors to weigh include wattage, fuel source, and budget. In addition, you can run access diagnostic information from your computer or smart device to monitor your generator anytime, anywhere. 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. During an emergency is not the time to discover your home's wattage needs. Typically, large home generators are classified as supplying 22 kW of power or more, and small home generators typically range up to about 10 kW of power. A large generator, like the Protector QS RG022, benefits from the liquid cooling system as it produces up to 22,000 watts of power using propane or natural gas. Then, plug the generator into the hookup on your house. Our local stores do not honor online pricing. Portable generators generally cost $300 to $1,000 or more, while fuel-efficient inverter generators start at around $300 but quickly climb in price. This generator is rated for 10 kW when using natural gas and 9 kW when using propane. Whole home generators are the priciest—ranging from $3,000 and up. Prices and availability of products and services are subject to change without notice. ", "Powerful enough for average residential needs, this mid-size model offers increased running watts and a 200 amp transfer switch. Alternatively, you can shop for diesel-fueled home generators, but be aware that additional codes may govern the installation of this type of home generator. Cummins 13 kW QuietConnect Home Standby Generator, Model RS13A, Best for Small Homes: A permanently installed Generac home backup generator protects your home automatically. Generally, you only need to add in the highest starting wattage to your total watts required—since you likely won’t be starting every appliance or device on your generator simultaneously. ", "Keep your generator from overheating with a coolant system that protects it from the effects of a heavy load and hot climates. This prevents the generator power from back-feeding through the utility lines, as well as preventing utility power from back-feeding into the generator. Prices, Promotions, styles, and availability may vary. Always make sure to operate a gas generator outside of any enclosed structure (including your house or garage) where there is adequate ventilation. Again, check the wattage of any model of portable generator you’re considering purchasing and see how it compares to your expected energy demands. This will give you an idea of the load that your generator will need to be able to handle. Briggs & Stratton: A popular brand in the small motor space, Briggs & Stratton pairs its well-known motors with generators large and small. The Generac Guardian series is one of the most popular lines of home generators on the market and a variety of models are available to suit your specific power needs. Rest Easy with a Whole House Generator as Your Reliable Backup Power Source. Instead of hauling out your portable generator, fueling it up, and running power lines to critical appliances, the PowerPact is a budget home generator that kicks into action quickly. The capabilities and run times of these machines vary greatly, but they may be the right match if you have more minimal power needs. And keep in mind that standby generators should always be installed with a transfer switch to prevent back-feed that can cause harm to your home’s electrical system, the generator, or serious injury and death to utility workers. These generators are priced in the mid-to-high end of the generator price range but are known for being durable and having quality components. Note that this isn’t the same thing as electronic start, which is the ability to start your generator with the push of a button rather than the recoil start typical of most small motor machines. The wattage reference chart at right contains examples of what you can power with a portable generator. Briggs & Stratton 17 kW Home Standby Generator, Model 040630, Best Liquid-Cooled : It comes with a 2V battery charger, oil, an oil funnel, and a toolkit. $569.97. Generac 10 kW Guardian Series Home Standby Generator, Model 7172, Best Budget: You’ll also need to take measures to keep gasoline stored properly for long periods of generator inactivity. They want to stay comfortable with AC and hot water, but don’t necessarily want to keep their whole house at full running capacity. Automatic Start: Some whole home generators will automatically kick in when the power goes out. Best Small Home Generator: Briggs & Stratton 10,000 Watt Generator. Or, opt for an inverter generator for more fuel efficiency at home or on the go. ", "Its small footprint also makes it easier to install the generator closer to the home in narrow yards. This type of generator is also powered by gasoline, but its claim to fame is increased fuel efficiency and cleaner emissions.