Purchase your generator for the best price at Amazon.com!It's a strange and difficult situation right now. Wildfires, hurricanes, heat waves, and other natural disasters continue to affect many of us.
And as winter approaches, we risk power disruptions lasting anywhere from a few hours to several weeks. One of the greatest ways to keep your most vital appliances running and everyone inside a little more comfortable is to invest in a backup generator.
Generator selection is heavily influenced by the size of your house and the equipment it will be used to power. Running just the most essential appliances in a normal home requires at least 5,000 to 7,500 watts of power.
There are portable generators that can power your home during a power outage, but there are also generators that can power all of your home at the same time.
Keep in mind that while generators are a significant investment, they will last for many years to come. The typical home standby generator can run for 10,000 to 30,000 hours before needing to be replaced. How many years might you expect to get out of it if you used it just 100 hours a year?
When purchasing and operating standby generators, here are some key tips to keep in mind...
Make certain that the important circuits you plan to power are powered by the correct size generator. You should avoid overcharging despite the fact that most modern generators contain circuit breakers.
It is possible for a generator to overheat, incur irreparable damage, or catch fire if it is overloaded. Overheating generators can also cause damage to some appliances by supplying them with short bursts of electricity.
Standby generators are often powered by propane (LPG) or natural gas that is pumped into the property from the street. They're always connected to the fuel supply, regardless of how they're powered.
It's advisable to employ an electrician to install a backup generator, even if you have a home generator already. Installing a generator or propane tank requires a permit from the local authorities, as well as ensuring that the location of the generator or tank does not block any windows or doors.
Propane tanks should be able to contain enough fuel to keep a generator running for at least a few days. A good rule of thumb is to top off your gas tank before the start of the season if you live in a region that has seasonal storms.
When the power goes out, most standby generators will automatically start up and shut down on their own. Regular "exercise cycles" are also performed to keep the starting batteries fully charged and ready to go at all times.
For standby or whole house generators it is my opinion that you need at least 20kw, although some people run much smaller units and do well. Here are my favorite generators that will be big enough to run a standard sized home:
| a) | A natural gas or a propane-based liquid fuel. |
|---|---|
| b) | The output is 22,000 watts. |
| c) | A 200-amp transfer switch. |
| d) | 30x48x25-inch overall size. |
| e) | Limited warranty: 5-years. |
| f) | An all-weather, UL, CUL, and EPA-compliant aluminium enclosure. |
The Generac 70422 is a popular choice because of its 22kW power output, which means it can readily power a typical-sized house. A combination of liquid propane and natural gas is included into the generator's fuel system. Due to its RhinoCoat powder finish, which shields the aluminium body from corrosion, this generator is suitable for use in all climates..
G-Force is the name of its pressure-lubricated engine. It's built to be more reliable and require less maintenance than other generators on the market. Use the free Mobile LinkTM Remote Monitoring mobile app to change the generator's settings. You can also use it to schedule maintenance, get information, and see how well it's running right now.
Its True PowerTM Technology ensures the seamless operation of all electrical devices thanks to clean, uninterruptible power. The LCD panel on the EvolutionTM Controller makes it much easier to keep track of the generator's battery state and service intervals, ensuring peak performance at all times.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| A large amount of power. | Expensive upkeep. |
| Anodized aluminium construction resists corrosion in all climates. | |
| A 5-year limited guarantee on remote monitoring. |
| a) | Liquefied Propane (LPG) and Natural Gas. |
|---|---|
| b) | Output power: 21,000/24,400 watts. |
| c) | Electricity supply: 200-amp switch. |
| d) | Inches, centimetres, and inches. |
| e) | Limited warranty: 5-years. |
| f) | Aluminum container, air-cooled engine, 67 dBA. |
If you lose electricity in your house, you may rely on the Generac 7210, one of Generac's trustworthy guardian series models. Powering your complete home, it is one of the industry's largest air-cooled generators.
The powder-coated finish of the generator ensures a long service life due to the aluminum's resistance to corrosion in all weather situations. There is no need for a lot of maintenance because of its pressure-lubricated engines.
The Generac 7210 features less than 5% harmonic distortion, so you can use it with all of your sensitive electronic devices. In addition, it is noticeably quieter than the majority of competing models. It does a weekly self-test lasting 5 to 12 minutes, during which it uses less fuel and operates at a lower RPM than usual.
Using the mobile connection remote monitoring tool, you can keep an eye on your 7210 generator's state and follow its service intervals from your smartphone, tablet or PC. It also contains a bilingual LCD display for keeping track of the battery's health and intervals for battery maintenance.
On top of that, the Generac 7210 has a 200 amp automatic transfer switch for whole-house protection.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| A long-lasting construction. | It is not possible to switch it on or off from afar. |
| Can be utilized with electronics that are more sensitive. | |
| A smart, simple-to-operate system. | |
| Telemonitoring made simple. | |
| Covers all of the circuits in the home. |
| a) | Fuel: Diesel. |
|---|---|
| b) | 30,000 watts of output. |
| c) | Included in this package is a transfer switch measuring 95 13/32 inches in length, width, and height. |
| d) | Limited warranty: 5-years. |
| e) | Built-in hour meter, weekly self-test mode, and 70 dBA noise level. |
A new standard has been set for residential and light commercial diesel generators with this model and the others in Generac's Protector series. In the event of a power outage, the automatic standby generator will immediately restore power to your home.
Pre-programmed settings and a wide range of accessory codes make it compatible with many different local codes, making it a standout among similar generators.
Installing the generator couldn't be easier, and the removable doors make it simple to service and refill the fuel tank. The generator's breaker location and status can also be easily inspected through an exterior viewing window.
Additionally, this generator does a monthly test to guarantee that its system is working properly.. RPMs are lower and quieter during the self-test than they are during the normal operation.
Generac's mobile link connectivity option on your phone, tablet, or PC also lets you keep tabs on the state of your generator from anywhere. This function gives you access to critical data, such as the maintenance schedule for your generator and its current operational state.
The generator is built to endure a lifetime thanks to its sturdy construction. Generac's revolutionary design is backed by a five-year warranty. A gasoline leak warning precedes an automatic shutdown, further ensuring your safety, as though that weren't enough.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Incorporating a built-in hour meter into your vehicle is an excellent convenience feature. | The transfer switch for the generator is available separately. |
| For your own protection, install a leak detector. | |
| Codes that are compatible with a wide variety of local requirements. | |
| Self-assessments are conducted every week. | |
| Limited warranty period of five years. |
The use of generators can be life-saving in the event of a power outage, but in hotter areas they tend to become less reliable.
Because of the advanced liquid cooling system, even in scorching temperatures, this generator remains cool to the touch. Besides the fact that this system cools is great, it is also quieter than air-cooled ones, making it ideal for residential settings where you don't want to bother your neighbors.
Most homes can be powered by this 22kW type, but its wattage and cooling system make it fairly pricey as well.
If you're willing to put in the time and effort, the cooling system can be a lifesaver in the event of a power loss during the hot months.
This generator ensures that all of your needs are addressed in instances where waiting for the electricity to return could represent a distinct threat.
During hurricane season, you may have peace of mind knowing that your generator has a five-year guarantee and built-in Wi-Fi features that allow you to monitor its status at all times.
The Generac 22-kW is meant to power your complete house, so you can enjoy all of your usual comforts while you wait for your regular power to come back on.
Families with children who are still learning at home or parents who may not be able to go to school or the office if the electricity goes out may want to consider this purchase.
Generac also provides 24/7 customer care in the event that you have a problem with your generator.
Generac generators are basically the only ones on my list because they're a brand I know and trust. The quality of this Briggs & Stratton generator is comparable to that of a Generac generator, however I am more familiar with Generac models.
A reasonable sized house can be powered by this 20,000-watt generator or just the essentials.
Easy installation and a galvanized steel (weather and rust-resistant) enclosure have been lauded by customers for eliminating the need for extra protection or coverage.
A 100-amp automatic transfer switch is also included. This ensures that your power will be restored in a matter of seconds when the generator takes over.
The Westinghouse WGen9500DF dual fuel generator has an excellent rating on Amazon.com. When fueled by gasoline, it has 9,500 operating watts and 12,500 peak watts; when driven by propane, it has somewhat less. Up to 12 hours of continuous use is possible with a fully charged battery. As an added convenience, it comes equipped with a key fob for remote start.
With an electric start, the XP5500EH is a dual fuel hybrid generator that can run on gasoline or propane with 5,500 starting watts and 4,500 total watts. It is an Amazon's Choice product with over 3,300 reviews and can power basic appliances like lights, air conditioning, and a refrigerator.
Its all-metal design and copper windings assure a long life for the Durostar DS10000E gas-powered generator. An 8.3-gallon size gas tank, a voltmeter, idling control, a low-oil sensor, an electric start, and an AC breaker are all included in the vehicle. Everything you need to get started is included in the package to deliver 10,000 watts of power.
The further away from the home the better basically.
Even if you have a well-ventilated garage, crawl room, or basement, never store your generator there.
Regardless of how much you know about generators, always follow the manufacturer's manual recommendations. If you're moving brands, be sure to carefully review the installation and maintenance instructions to avoid any surprises.
When you're recharging the generator, turn it off. If you fill up the tank while the engine is still hot, you run the risk of fuel spilling or igniting.
Make sure it's labeled correctly so that there are no unwanted consequences. It should be kept in a cold, dry location away from any devices that use gasoline.
Keep your hands dry when refilling a generator or checking the LCD panel for information, especially if the generator is running.
Install battery-operated carbon monoxide alarms in your home. Overheating a generator can result in the gas leaking out, which is lethal to humans.
Because gasoline needs the addition of a stabilizer, propane is the less expensive alternative. When it comes to propane, refilling is simple because there is no stabilizer needed. Building a propane storage tank on-site is all that is required.
A generator with a service center close to where you live is a good investment. It is convenient because you will receive rapid assistance for maintenance and repair needs.
As with everything a perfect generator for you might be totally different to someone else's needs, so make sure you understand what you are going to use the generator for and why.
