Standby Generators Can Help You Weather Any Storm

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With the colder months approaching, we face the possibility of power outages that can last from hours to weeks. Investing in a standby generator is one of the best ways to keep your most important appliances up and running and help everyone inside stay a little more comfortable.

Best Standby Generators

How to Choose a Generator

There are several types of generators to consider: standby, portable, and inverter. They may be fueled with gasoline, propane, or natural gas, and some may work with more than one type of fuel. This roundup features only standby generators, which run on natural gas or propane and are permanently installed and connected to a home via a transfer switch. These can power some select, critical circuits during a power outage or can provide power for your whole home. Standby generators have systems that monitor power supplied by a utility and start automatically in the event of an outage.

Picking a generator depends mainly on the size of your home and what you wish to power. The average house will take at least 5,000 to 7,500 watts to run only the most critical equipment—think fridge, heat, and water. Often, a portable home generator can get you through an outage, but there are also options that are capable of powering your entire house.

If you’re looking for full power, you will want to invest in at least a 20,000-watt generator; this also goes for people with exceptionally large homes or families, which will use more power than, say, a two- or three-person household. It’s also important to consider that while generators are certainly a hefty investment, they will pass the test of time. Most home standby generators can run anywhere from 10,000 to 30,000 hours. If you were to use it for 100 hours per year, that translates to 10 to 30 years.

Things to Keep in Mind

If you’re not familiar with standby generators, here are some pointers on what to look out for when buying and operating.

1. Make sure you select the right size generator for the critical circuits you intend to power. While most modern generators have circuit protection, it’s still good practice to avoid overloading them. In a worst-case scenario, overloading can cause a generator to overheat, suffer permanent damage, or even catch fire. Intermittent power supplied by an overheating generator may also damage some appliances.

2. Standby generators usually run on propane (LPG), supplied by large tanks on the property, or natural gas piped in from the street. Either way, they’re permanently connected to the fuel source.

3. Although consumers may install a standby generator, it’s best to hire an electrical contractor. Either way, you’ll need to get the permits required to install one. The benefit of hiring a contractor is that they’ll be sure the installation meets all local codes, including where generators and propane tanks may be located with respect to windows or doors.

4. If your generator runs on propane, make sure the tank can hold enough fuel to be able to run for at least three to four days. And if you live in an area with seasonal storms, it’s a good idea to fill the tank at the beginning of the season if it isn’t already.

5. Most standby generators will run autonomously, starting on their own when the power goes out and shutting down when it comes back on. They’ll also periodically run “exercise cycles” to ensure they’re always ready to go and keep the starting batteries charged.

How We Selected

We researched expert sources and customer reviews from websites like Amazon and Home Depot to select these top standby generators.

BEST FOR SMALL HOMES

Briggs & Stratton 12,000-Watt Standby Generator

This little guy only puts out 12,000 watts, so it may not be able to power an entire large house. But depending on the heating and cooling systems, it can supply power to most of a smaller one. This generator is a great option if you want a power backup for a few necessities. Sure, it’s still an investment, but it comes with a five-year warranty that covers parts, labor, and travel. And it does automatic weekly power checks at a low RPM to ensure that it’s working correctly when you need it without using more fuel than is necessary.

BEST FOR WARM CLIMATES

Generac Protector QS 22-kW Standby Generator

While generators can be lifesavers in a storm, they often lose their reliability in hotter climates. This generator was designed with a top of the line liquid cooling system so that it stays cool even when the weather is unbearably hot. Not only does this system cool better, but it is also generally quieter than air-cooled models—this makes it a great choice for residential areas where you don't want to disturb your neighbors. Since it is a 22kW model, it can power most homes, but because of the wattage and cooling system, it is also expensive. The cooling system does make it a more complicated unit and it may require more maintenance than an air- cooled system. It can be a lifesaver in a summer power outage, so it may be worth it for you.

BEST VALUE

Generac PowerPact 7.5-kW Generator

This generator may only be around $2,000, but it’s fully capable of preventing the contents of your fridge from spoiling and keeping the inside of your house at a reasonable temperature. It is able to power up to eight circuits in your home and significantly quieter than a portable generator. It has a durable aluminum housing that will keep it protected from inclement weather. And if any issues do arise, it comes with a three-year warranty. The generator also features three removable sides, which allow for easy access should it require maintenance.

MONITOR FROM YOUR PHONE

Generac Air-Cooled Standby Generator

In particular situations where waiting for the power to come back on could pose a special danger, this generator makes sure all your needs are met. It comes with a five-year warranty and has Wi-Fi capabilities, which allow you to check the status of your generator at all times, affording peace of mind in storm season. The Generac 22-kW is designed to power your entire house, which means you will have every comfort you’re used to while waiting for your regular power to come back on. This is a particularly sound investment for those that need to run specialized medical devices, families that still have kids learning from home, or parents that may not have the luxury of heading into the office when the electricity goes out. Generac also offers 24/7 customer service if you do have any issues, since the power always seems to cut out outside of business hours.

Don’t Get Caught Off-Guard! Get a Generator! Learn More From Expert Brad Ford About These Devices.

PM: How noisy will a generator be? Will it be disruptive to my neighbors?

BF: A propane generator has slightly reduced starting and running watts but runs a little quieter than a gas-powered machine. Kits are available to convert many popular generators to run on propane.

PM: Can a generator be run inside?

BF: Gas-powered generators—which must be run outside—should be kept at least 20 feet from the house, and away from windows and doors, with the exhaust blowing away from the house because fuel-powered generators emit carbon monoxide when in use. Also, look for a model that has a built-in carbon monoxide sensor for increased safety.

PM: Can I use a portable generator to power my home?

BF: You can use a portable generator to power a home, and for some people this may be a better solution than a standby generator because you can use the unit for other tasks. Again, keep in mind that any fuel-powered generator cannot be operated indoors, so you may need an electrician to install a transfer switch and some other components to allow you to safely hook your portable generator to your house's electrical system.

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