Why you should read whole house generator reviews
Before you pick up a generator for your home, you absolutely need to read whole house generator reviews. Here are a few of the reasons as to why.
Companies want to make the sale
Half the promises that you see in marketing nowadays are companies stretching the truth about their product.
After all, it is the job of the company is to sell its products to the people to solve their problem.
When you read whole house generator reviews, you will be reading reviews from people who have actually spent money on the generator and don’t really have anything to gain (or lose) from telling you the truth about how it works in a real-world situation.
Below are some of the best whole house generator on the market
| Image | Name | Price | Key Features | Type | Power (Watts) | Carb. Approved |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Generac 7043 | Read Full Review | Air Cooled with Whole House 200 Amp Transfer Switch, Aluminum | Standby | 22000/19500 | |
 | DuroMax XP12000E | Check Price | Gas Powered Portable Generator | Portable | 12,000 | |
 | WEN 56475 | Check Availability | Gasoline Powered Portable Generator with Electric Start | Portable | 4750 | Yes |
 | WGen7500 | Read Full Review | -Remote Electric Start -9500 Peak Watts -Transfer Switch Ready | Portable | 7500 | |
 | DuroMax XP12000EH | Check Price | Dual Fuel Electric Start Portable Generator | Portable | 12,000/9,500 | |
 | Champion Power Equipment 100294 | Read Full Review | Home Standby Generator | Standby | 20,000 |
You don’t want your generator to break on you
If you are in an RV, then it is probably not going to be that much of an issue if your generator fails on you. Click here to know the size of the generator that you need.
You may need to ‘slum’ it a little on the road for a while, but you can still do whatever it is you wanted to do.
If you are in a house, then your power going down can be catastrophic. You will lose your food. You will lose your phones.
You will lose your computers. All of this while you are waiting to replace your generator, or fix your current one. When you are buying a generator, you want to get something that is ‘built to last’.
Is the generator easy to repair?
It is sometimes worth spending a little bit of extra money to pick up a quality generator from a company.
However, even if you pick up a decent generator, there is no guarantee that it will be easy to repair.
Reviews will often point out whether it is quick and easy to get your hands on spares. They will also report on whether the generator is prone to failing.
If there are a lot of negative reviews, you may want to steer clear.
Is it the right generator for you?
Finally; these reviews will help you to determine whether it is the right generator for you. They may talk about the conditions that the generator works in.
They may tell you how far you can push that quoted wattage. They will tell you about the sound.
Basically, they will tell you everything that you need to know in order to make an informed decision about your purchase.
Whole house generators have a larger range in capacity, going from 22 KW to 48 KW.
This added power lets you not have to worry about making major decisions about what you want to run during an outage.
The Best Whole House Generator Reviews will be your guide on this type of generator.
Instead, your home will nearly be fully functional, as if the outage had never happened.
Whole house generators have additional benefits too.
Their powerful engines are liquid-cooled to provide better run times without necessary maintenance, great programming for load management, and better fuel options such as natural gas, diesel, and liquid propane.
Standard home standbys can power smaller homes that have a kilowatt (kW) range of 9 KW to 20 KW.
Their smaller, air-cooled engines will provide short term-power to more critical items in your home like an air conditioner, refrigerator, sump pump as well as some of your lighting.
However, they aren’t made to power everything at the same time or backing up larger homes, or even running for longer periods of time.
Do We Really Need a Generator in Our House?
There are many reasons to make a serious investment in a generator.
During severe weather, an overloaded electric grid, or natural disasters, you need to ensure that your food doesn’t spoil, that your medical equipment keeps going and that any mechanical systems you use to protect your home keep working in order to prevent any dangerous situations during these crucial times.
A generator can be essential in guaranteeing your safety during these periods.
This is why you need to look into the best whole house generators. Here are some handy tips on sorting it all out.
Tips for Choosing a Generator for the House
There are some major differences between whole house generators and home standby units.
These include: A whole house generator has a more high-quality engine–more automotive than a lawnmower (like you would find on a standby)
- On larger models, it is liquid-cooled rather than air-cooled to better handle extended outage times.
2. Lower RPMs make less noise.
3. There are longer maintenance intervals
4. A/C shedding options and load maintenance
They back up the entire home instead of only the most essential circuits
1. Fuel efficient
The first major thing you will need to do when selecting a generator is to choose a fuel source.
This is important because in more remote or coastal areas, finding a fuel source that is abundant can be difficult.
However, many whole house generators are more accessible because they have a diesel option.
Tanks that require diesel or liquid propane will need to large enough to run properly.
Keep Reading The Best Whole House Generator Reviews for more Info
If they run on natural gas, you will need to ensure that the meter and gas lines are the correct sizes.
Before you install your unit your contractor will verify this with you.
All information can be found on the installation manuals of the product pages.
2. Size
The next thing you will need to do is pick the correct size generator for your home.
This is crucial but often overlooked in the panic to get one installed before an oncoming storm. You will need to analyze the electrical load.
Check the manufacturer’s data plate on each piece of equipment or major appliance you will be using in order to determine the starting amperage.
The biggest wattage draws will be from your (central) air conditioning units.
To check on their size in “tons,” you will need to divide the number of the appliances BTUs by 12,000.
This would make a 5-ton unit equal to 60,000 BTUs. This next formula will help you figure out the total starting wattage for all of your appliances.
Starting amps x Volts=Watts
When you choose your generator’s output, select the rating that will be about 20 to 25% higher than the expected peak load.
(If you expect the wattage to be around 22 KW, choose 27 KW).
A more highly rated generator will work well at approximately 80% of full capacity, and this will provide some flexibility if you get more appliances and your load increases later.
3. Transfer Switch
final important thing you will need to choose is a transfer switch.
An Automatic Transfer Switch allows generators to turn on immediately once it has detected the power failing.
It can do this because it can sense the utility power, and once it has detected an outage it will start the engine while disconnecting electricity coming in from the power line.
Getting the right switch can be as important as selecting the right generator because they work together in order to restore lost power.
In order to pick which one will work for your home, you’ll need to know the amperage that is on your electrical service panel.
Check it by finding the main breaker in the electrical panel.
Usually, the average home will have a 200-amp main breaker, so that means that the absolute maximum amount of power the home can use is 200 amps. This means you will need the 200 amp switch.
Best Places to Buy a House Generator Online
The best places to buy a house generator online would be Lowe’s, Home Depot and Amazon.
If you buy from Amazon, you can save by buying the generator and the transfer switch at the same time.
Be sure to do your research, and make sure you know all the specs you’ll need before you make a purchase. Check out best generator deals on Amazon
Best Whole House Generator According to Consumer Reports
Consumer Reports has thoroughly researched home generators, and it ranks four among the top.
These would be the Honda Ultra Quiet Series Whole House Generator, the Generac 7031 Guardian Series (11 KW), the Generac 7037 Guardian Series (16 KW), and the Generac 7042 Guardian Series.
These models generate a lot of power on a small footprint and can keep your home running as usual from the smaller demand homes to the larger ones.
1. Generac 7031 Guardian Series (11 KW)
This model can keep a midsize house or smaller running business as usual during a power outage, although because the duration of an outage can never be predicted it is recommended that you cut down on extras like the TV.
7 KW is the usual recommendation to keep the average home run, so this one will allow you to take on the storm in confidence.
The power output is quite consistent. Even better, the power produced is considered less than 5% of harmonic disturbance.
This is considered relatively safe and clean for all of your appliances.
It runs on propane or natural gas.
It is much more simple to install. Along with removable side panels, it also comes with a base pad so that you won’t need any ugly concrete to use as the amount.
It is unobtrusive and stands under three feet high and only 2 x 4 at the base.
The controller design is definitely user-friendly. It comes with two individual lines of text and has backlit and color-coded buttons for easy navigation.
There is also a mobile link, but that costs extra.
Another awesome feature is that the computer within the generator runs its own self-evaluations and the test starts on a regular basis.
It is preset to run for around five minutes a week. Because it runs at a lower RPM, it uses less fuel and creates less noise.
The model is heavy duty and can withstand 150 mph wind speeds. It is fully weatherproofed with an all-aluminum enclosure.
It is specifically designed to endure wet and cold conditions.
And it has tons of insulation and caulking material on the inside. It is also corrosion-resistant. Plus it can be locked up to prevent tampering.
Can install as close as 18″ from your home safely.
It is CARB-compliant, which are the strictest generator emission guidelines available. Moreover, it also runs fairly quietly.
It is 63 decibels quieter than the average vacuum. You can have it with either a 200 amp or 16-circuit transfer switch.
Covered by a five-year warranty.
2. Generac 7037 Guardian Series (16 KW)
This model has more power than most average homes actually need.
This means it can power small and midsize homes with more than enough capacity.
It also has a longer running life because it won’t have to work as hard to provide the usual amount of power, and it will have the capacity to power any extra appliances you get in the future. It has the same benefits as above.
It provides 25% extra power while not being much larger than the 11 KW model.
It creates the same amount of wattage for either propane or natural gas. Has an updated display and controls.
Easy installation with simplified wiring.
USA quality construction and live customer support. Can install as close as 18″ from home (meaning cheaper installation costs).
5-year warranty.
Excellent cold-weather performance and great high wind rating.
CARB compliant.
3. Generac 7042 Guardian Series (22 KW)
This model isn’t really different from the others, but it is far more powerful. There are very few houses this model won’t easily power.
It is one of the largest air-cooled models on the market. It also has a ten year extended warranty.
It starts in under a minute automatically when the power goes out.
CARB compliant.
Aluminum housing is corrosion resistant and weatherized.
Display and control panels are user-friendly.
Installed the same way.
It can also be installed within 18″ of the home.
USA quality construction.
Air-cooling system. (Uses the surrounding air to cool it down).
Under 5% harmonic disruption.
Automatic test cycles.
Same footprint, only taller.
Best Standby Generator for Home Use
These units usually cost more money, and you will need to factor in labor costs because they need to be installed by a pro for the warranty to work.
Aside from that, an experienced electrician can be a huge help in getting permits, determining proper location, and noting noise restrictions.
These start immediately after an outage and can supply more power. They usually run a self-diagnosis check to let you know when it needs maintenance, sometimes through email or text (depending on the model).
You usually can select what fuel you prefer, such as propane (less risky and easier to store than gasoline) or natural gas, which can provide a nearly unlimited supply of power.
They range from around 5,000 to 20,000 watts.
Here are the features you will want to look for:
Alternative fuel capacity. Most models that are portable can only run on gasoline.
However, some can come equipped to use a natural gas line or propane tank, and some can even be converted through different kits.
2. Fuel gauge.
You will want to be able to check at a glance.
3. Low oil shutoff.
This is important because if the generator doesn’t shut down when the oil is low it can damage the engine.
4. Multiple outlets.
By having four outlets, you can spread the wattage load
5. Removable Console.
This connects to your generator so you can plug in different appliances without having to run extension cords.
Honda Whole House Generator
This is a portable model of a whole house generator. It is heavy duty and high wattage from its Ultra Quiet series.
It is also one of the top overall picks for generators from Consumer Reports.
Although portable, it is capable of powering your whole house in an emergency for those who want to run the essentials and also want to be able to use it in other applications.
It has 7,000 watts. This means you can run the sump pump, water pump, heating equipment, septic and refrigerator with some leftover for things like the lights.
It is awesome for smaller homes. Its noise level is a huge plus because it runs much more quietly than any fixed generator.
Home generators are an investment that will reap you huge benefits in the future, especially if you live in a more storm-prone area.
By taking the time to find the best whole house generator, you will be protecting yourself and your loved ones not only from the risks of being out of power but those associated with hasty installation.
You will never have to worry about spoiling food, medical equipment not working, or just being inconvenienced.
The only thing you should be wondering is why you didn’t invest in one sooner.
Generator for the house
In some areas power outages are very common and when they strike they can create a lot of problems.
First, you never know how long the power outage would last, sometimes they can last for days and you need electric energy in your house.
Second, your food will spoil very fast. If power outage strikes during winter, you need to have a generator to prevent pipes from freezing and breaking.
Third, Also when the temperatures are extremely high you need a generator for cooling.
Fourth, If you have kids or elder persons in the house, or maybe even some medical device plugged you must have a generator for the house, ready and prepared for use.
Fifth, To prevent finding yourself in dark for hours and helpless when a power outage strikes you should definitely reconsider buying a generator for the house.
Do You Need a Whole House Generator?
Still wondering if you need to invest in a generator for your home? Wonder no more because, yes, that’s a definite.
Having any kind of generator in one’s home will provide some sort of security that a family needs.
Whether it’s a whole house generator or simply a standby one, it will be a good investment in the long run.
Whole House Generator Benefits
The benefits of a whole house generator, as oppose to a simple portable or standby one, are as follows: ensures power on all major appliances such as refrigerator; guarantees continued heating and air conditioning during power outages.
Protects the house from power surges and fluctuations during natural calamities; overall home protection from loss or damage especially during prolonged power outages.
Clearly, investing in a house generator not only gives you the security that you need during emergencies but will also help you save on future expenses. Secure your home and your family now.
Whole House Generator Cost
Also known as standby generators, whole house generators are power producing machines used as personal electric power source by most homeowners.
In case of a blackout, standby generators kick on automatically to power the user’s electrical circuit.
Whole House Generator Cost
The critical influencer of any standby generator is its size. By generator size, it means the kilowatts (kW) that the unit will require to operate.
Whole house generator costs vary by brand and wattage.
Generally, the cost for a typical 20kW whole house generator range from approximately $4,700 for a Generic standby generator to approximately $5,000 for a Cummins generator.
It could be even more expensive than that because the price usually depends on the brand, the wattage and the features of the generators.
Cost to Have a Standby Generator Installed
Most homeowners end up paying between $1,250 and $ 6,990 to install a standby generator in their residence.
While the entire installation process can cost as much as $10,000 and as little as $450, the average cost (including all variables) to install a standby generator is $4,200.
Best Types Of Home Generators
What’s the best generator to run a house?
When you invest your home with the best home generators, it is no doubt that you will have a peaceful mind. They can help your home to succeed power blackout where you don’t worry about matters of things going the wrong direction. Your home will operate like normal, and you will have no complaints at all. Here are some best home generators.
Best Home Generators
1. Generac Guardian Series
It is very home friendly due to the affordable prices it offers. It has a convenient and compact package, which make it a very decent selection for every homeowner to keep their home, usually running daily. The generator has some features that help it to require low maintenance and be reliable.
2. Generac Guardian Series
The generator contains plenty of features, and they are scammed higher hence offering high power that can accommodate all your home needs. In the many years, this generator has been in operation; it is still getting more and more reliable hence the best for home use. It is a very reliable midsize alternative a homeowner can always have.
3. Generac Guardian Series
It is among the most significant picks, and It offers enough power for your home. It is compelling and is considered the best for the homeowners with larger homes. The system can’t be distracted with any amenities since it is efficient and very sophisticated.
Conclusion
The best generators for home are always the ones that can be entirely relied upon like the above ones. They will help you enjoy your home even when there is a power shortage. They ensure everything runs successfully around your house.
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