Whole-home generators are one of the easiest equipment to rely on when it comes to power outages. You might not think that power outages are that big a problem unless you have to go through one. An hour or two doesn’t make anything go wrong, but if it’s longer, the food in the refrigerator will go bad. Your vision will eventually halt at night or there would be no television to watch, your phone would die – you name the problems.
Our lives today are completely dependent on electricity usage. Therefore, it wouldn’t harm anyone to have a backup source of power available at all times. This is what a whole-home generator is.
This generator is connected to your home’s electrical wiring system, and powers your house appliances through several different fuels, depending on the type of generator you buy.
If you’re looking to buy one for yourself, we’re here to help you pick the best standby generator for home use.
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XP12000EH by DuroMax Store | Watts: 12000 Voltage: 240 V Engine Type: 4 Strokes Engine Displacement: 457cc Running Time: 8 Hours Dual Fuel Enabled: Yes Portability: Easy Noise Level: 74dB Emission Rating: EPA and CARB Approved |
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WGen7500 by Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment Store | Watts: 9000 Voltage: 12 V Engine Type: 4 Strokes Engine Displacement: 420cc Running Time: 11 Hours Dual Fuel Enabled: No Portability: Easy Noise Level: 64dB Emission Rating: EPA and CARB Approved |
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SUA12000E by A-iPower Store | Watts: 12000 Voltage: 12 V Engine Type: 4 Strokes Engine Displacement: 459cc Running Time: 9 Hours Dual Fuel Enabled: No Portability: Easy Noise Level: 78dB Emission Rating: EPA and CARB Approved |
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7043 by Generac Store | Watts: 22000 Voltage: 120 V Engine Type: 4 Strokes Engine Displacement: N/A Running Time: 24 Hours Dual Fuel Enabled: Yes Portability: Hard Noise Level: 67dB Emission Rating: EPA and CARB Approved |
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DF1100T by WEN | Watts: 11000 Voltage: 120 V /240 V Engine Type: 4 Strokes Engine Displacement: 457cc Running Time: 8.5 Hours Dual Fuel Enabled: Yes Portability: Easy Noise Level: 72dB Emission Rating: EPA and CARB Approved |
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Table of Contents
Things to Consider When Buying a Whole-Home Generator
Size of the Generator
When we say size, we mean the physical footprint of the whole-home generator. You need to pick a generator that can perfectly blend into your backyard (or wherever you are deciding on placing it). Most people still assume that generators are bulky and unappealing. But today, you can find good sleek designs for them!
The capacity of the Generator
One of the biggest things to consider when purchasing the right whole-home generator for yourself is to check if its electric output fulfills your electric needs or not. You can find out your electric output requirement by looking for the starting watts requirements of each appliance that you would be connecting to the generator. The total wattage of these appliances will determine the capacity of the generator needed.
For example, if you have two appliances with a starting wattage of 1000W each, then you should purchase a whole-home generator with at least 2500W electric output. Normally, big generators will have a capacity between 5000W to 7500W.
Fuel Type of the Generator
The most common fuel type for large whole-home generators is either natural gas or propane. We recommend that you use natural gas, although it is slightly expensive since it’s a more efficient fuel choice. But if it’s not available in your area, then propane is good enough as well. So your fuel choice depends on what’s easily available and affordable for you.
Noise Level of the Generator
When you use a generator frequently, its noise can become very annoying for you. That’s why it’s best to purchase a whole-home generator that ensures quietness as a feature.
Most residential areas will only allow you to purchase residential generators with a noise level below 60 dB, which is fair enough considering that anything above 80dB is extremely harmful to your ears. If your generator is too loud, you can also make it quieter by using a muffler or silencer.
Warranty, Delivery, and Installation of the Generator
3 important factors that you need to consider before choosing a generator include its warranty, delivery, and installation. If these 3 have good coverage, you will be at ease. Most whole-home generators have a warranty of 4 to 5 years, so check for that.
You should also see which brand and company will deliver the generator right on your doorstep to prevent any hassle for yourself. It’s even better if the company installs the generators themselves so that you can’t mess with them. However, if they don’t, or if the process costs too much for you, this video might help you in installing a whole-house generator.
We still prefer that you let a professional handle it!
Our Top 5 Picks for Whole-Home Generators
12000 Watts Gas or Propane Powered Whole-Home Generator (XP12000EH) by DuroMax Store
DuroMax Store delivers one of our favorite whole-home generators.
The XP12000EH is a large generator with a capacity to power your whole house reliably since it has a starting wattage of 12000 watts and a running wattage of 9500 watts.
This is a heavy generator but with delivery to your doorstep, this really shouldn’t pose a problem for you.
Specifications
- Dimensions – 30 x 29 x 26 inches
- Weight – 224 Pounds
- Wattage – 12000 watts
- Voltage – 240 volts
- Engine Type – 4 strokes
- Engine Displacement – 457 Cubic Centimeters
- Frequency – 60 Hz
- Runtime – 8 hours
- Noise Level – 74dB
Customer Rating – 4.5/5
If your preference is finding a generator that can run on both natural gas and propane, then this is a good choice for you.
With dual-fuel technology, this generator allows you to pick whichever fuel type suits you and your budget.
7500 Watts Electric Start Generator (WGen7500) by Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment Store
This is a 7500 watts generator that offers a starting wattage of up to 9000 watts.
This whole-home generator is a great reliable choice for anyone who wants to purchase a generator that works on gasoline – since gasoline is a rather efficient fuel choice for whole-home generators.
Specifications
- Dimensions – 27.2 x 26.1 x 26 inches
- Weight – 192 Pounds
- Wattage – 9000 watts
- Voltage – 12 volts
- Engine Type – 4 strokes
- Engine Displacement – 420 Cubic Centimeters
- Frequency – 60 Hz
- Runtime – 11 hours
- Noise Level – 64dB
Customer Rating – 4.5/5
If you’re looking for a whole-home generator that offers the most inclusive package, then the WGen7500 is a good choice for you.
It includes not only a user manual, but also a remote, oil for your generator, an oil funnel, a 12V battery charger, and even a tool kit for your ease.
12000 Watts Electric Start Generator (SUA12000E) by A-iPower Store
Specifications
- Dimensions – 27 x 27 x 27 inches
- Weight – 206 Pounds
- Wattage – 12000 watts
- Voltage – 12 volts
- Engine Type – 4 strokes
- Engine Displacement – 459 Cubic Centimeters
- Frequency – 60 Hz
- Runtime – 9 hours
- Noise Level – 78dB
Customer Rating – 4.4/5
If you would like a generator that alerts you when it needs fuel, then you should buy this one.
This whole-home generator features a light to tell you when it is low on oil. If you don’t do anything about it still, the generator will automatically shut down as well.
22000 Watts Home Standby Generator (7043) by Generac Store
For the capacity and size of this generator, model 7043 by Generac Store has a low noise level.
Of course, some generators have even below 67dB, but this generator offers a pretty good deal with this noise level despite its huge size and electric output.
Specifications
- Dimensions – 48 x 25 x 29 inches
- Weight – 515 Pounds
- Wattage – 22000 watts
- Voltage – 120 volts
- Engine Type – 4 strokes
- Engine Displacement – N/A
- Frequency – 60 Hz
- Runtime – 24 hours
- Noise Level – 67dB
Customer Rating – 4.6/5
This generator is a good and reliable option for large houses. It’s a huge generator with a huge capacity and electric output.
11000 Watts Dual Fuel Portable Generator (DF1100T) by WEN
This is again a large but portable generator that you can choose for your house.
This is a reliable option that offers running wattage of 8300 watts with a starting wattage of 11000 watts.
This whole-home generator features several outlets for use, which makes it one of our top preferences.
Specifications
- Dimensions – 27.3 x 20.6 x 21.9 inches
- Weight – 214 Pounds
- Wattage – 11000 watts
- Voltage – 120 and 240 volts
- Engine Type – 4 strokes
- Engine Displacement – 457 Cubic Centimeters
- Frequency – 60 Hz
- Runtime – 8.5 hours
- Noise Level – 72dB
Customer Rating – 4.7/5
The DF1100T model by WEN is one of their most fuel-efficient generators that you can install in your houses in case of power outages.
Essential Accessories to Purchase With Your Whole-Home Generator
To make your whole-home generators reliable, you need to maintain them.
The following additional accessories can make that job easier for you since they will enhance your generator’s performance.
- Touch up paint
- Oil filters
- Air filters
- Cold weather kit
- Fuel stabilizer
- Transfer switch
- Remote for wireless start
- Push start
- Heavy-duty extension cords
- Muffler or silencer
- Protective waterproof cover
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Should You Get a Whole-Home Generator?
Yes!
Whole-home generators are a great investment since they not only make your life comfortable but also save you from potential financial losses.
These can come from small things like food spoilage, or even income when you work from home.
How Much Does Installing a Whole-House Generator Cost?
There are many factors that decide how much it will cost to install a whole house generator, such as the size of the generator, the size of your house, etc.
But usually, the cost of installing a whole-house generator will take between $400 to $1000.
Where Should You Place a Whole-Home Generator?
Whole-home generators should always be placed outside your home.
In addition to that, you should make sure that they are at least 5 to 7 feet away from any flammable materials, as well as windows, doors, etc.
How Long Do Whole-Home Generators Last in One Round?
This depends on the size of your generator, the load it is taking, and also the amount of fuel in its tank.
However, most good and big generators can last between 10 to 30 hours.
Should You Test a Whole-Home Generator Often?
It is recommended that you test-run your whole-home generators once a month, or on at least a quarterly basis per year if it’s not being used.
This will help you spot any potential faults in the generator and get them fixed before you experience a real power outage.
How Do You Maintain a Whole-Home Generator?
Make sure that if your generator isn’t being used, its tank is emptied. In case it has fuel in it, you should add a fuel stabilizer to it to prevent it from going bad or corroding the tank.
If it runs on a battery, always keep the battery charged.
Run the generator every once in a while to see if it’s functional and spot any potential faults.
Also, remember to clean the generator’s body with damp cloths and brushes to ensure that nothing corrodes.
Can You Run a Whole-Home Generator in the Rain?
No!
You should never run a whole-home generator when it is wet. Your generator should be fully grounded while it’s being used to save you from any potential risk of electrocution.
This is especially important to remember since many whole-home generators are placed outside of homes and might not be protected under a proper shed, etc.
Wrapping it Up
When you purchase a whole-home generator, the biggest quality you need is its reliability.
Therefore, we came to you with the best whole-home generators that we’ve tested to ensure their reliability. Pick any to suit your needs and you are good to go!
