HOW TO CHOOSE BEST HOME GENERATOR- YOUR QUICK BUYING GUIDE
Various pages on this site provide in-depth guides on the operation, selection and sizing of different types of emergency home generators. However, I realize many folks don't have the time or desire to read long guides and would like to see just the conclusion. Some people feel so confused when it comes to buying a generator that they would prefer that someone just tell them what to choose. This guide provides quick practical recommendations on the selection of a generator for power outages as well as my picks. I will show what options are available-- you will still need to decide what level of protection you want and how much money you are willing to spend. For more detailed information, step-by-step sizing guide, and how to avoid costly mistakes- all in one place you can then get my ebook.
For about $400 you can get a basic gasoline-powered portable device like WEN 5600 that provides 120V with up to 4,500 watt. It can run 2-3 “cord and plug” devices (such as a fridge and a room a/c). However, I would not go for a gasoline-fuel model- as you realize, gas may not be available in your area after a major natural disaster. A Consumer Reports survey of owners of portable models once revealed that 22% of them ran out of fuel during storm Sandy. In coastal Florida most gas stations were already out of fuel even before hurricane Irma arrived. That's why if you are looking to buy a portable generator for emergency power, I recommend either propane or a dual fuel model. What's good about propane is dealers usually keep filled BBQ tanks in stock and their refill does not require electricity. So, if you are willing to spend a couple hundred dollars more, I would choose a dual fuel Duromax XP4855EH or Westinghouse WGen3600DF.
PROS:
You can buy a 6 to 8 kW genset for about $1000. It will provide 120/240V and can power most home appliances, except for high-power ones (such as central a/c). In this category my picks are Westinghouse 7500/9500 watt dual fuel WGen7500DF and 7500W Champion 100165 9375. You can still use any of the above devices with extension cords just like the smaller one in the first option. However, for extra $1000-$1,500 or so, you can have a manual interlock or a transfer panel professionally installed in your basement and connected to an outdoor inlet. The transfer panel will need to be wired to selected home lines that you want to backup. This arrangement will allow you to run your hardwired devices and lights just by starting your your generator and plugging it into the inlet via a single generator cord.
PROS:
If you prefer a convenience of fully automatic operation with no refueling, and can spend overall from $12,000 to $20,000, you can go for a standby home generator system with an auto transfer switch. The generator is installed outside and will run from the fuel line you use for your home's heating, such as natural gas or propane. The transfer panel is mounted indoors. Residential grade stationary systems (8-20 kW) start at about $1,900 and may cost up to $6,000 depending on wattage and options. You will also need to spend $5,000-15,000 for professional installation (electrical wiring, connection of the fuel line, etc.) The actual installation cost will depend on the project complexity, the length of the lines, and of course on the contractor you chose. Bear in my mind not all otherwise good electricians know what it takes to properly integrate a generator into a home and are truly familiar with the generator-related codes. When you interview them, among other things, you may want to ask how many gensets have they installed during the last year. Also check that the electrician is a certified installer, otherwise the warranty may be voided.
For the basic household needs I would choose Generac PowerPact 7,000 watt model 6998. It is one of the cheapest automatic home generators on the market. If you want to run a central a/c up to 5 ton you may likely need a 15-20kW system. In this power range I would consider 16,000 watt Generac Guardian® 007228 and Briggs and Stratton 040756. See also a detailed overview and specifications of some 17/16kW systems. An important warning! Before buying a natural gas-powered system be sure to check the capacity of your service meter- it should be imprinted on its nameplate. Older ones may have 250 CFH or less. This may not be enough if you picked a genset rated above 12 kW (see this chart for the CFH requirements). Your utility may charge you anywhere from $100 to $5,000 to upgrade your meter- call them up to find out their fees. Some may waive the charge if you are also installing a standard appliance that needs high gas flow rate.
PROS:
BEST CHEAP PORTABLE FOR A FEW CRITICAL APPLIANCES
For about $400 you can get a basic gasoline-powered portable device like WEN 5600 that provides 120V with up to 4,500 watt. It can run 2-3 “cord and plug” devices (such as a fridge and a room a/c). However, I would not go for a gasoline-fuel model- as you realize, gas may not be available in your area after a major natural disaster. A Consumer Reports survey of owners of portable models once revealed that 22% of them ran out of fuel during storm Sandy. In coastal Florida most gas stations were already out of fuel even before hurricane Irma arrived. That's why if you are looking to buy a portable generator for emergency power, I recommend either propane or a dual fuel model. What's good about propane is dealers usually keep filled BBQ tanks in stock and their refill does not require electricity. So, if you are willing to spend a couple hundred dollars more, I would choose a dual fuel Duromax XP4855EH or Westinghouse WGen3600DF. PROS:
- Low cost (around $500-600);
- Can be used right out of the box (well, almost: some assembly and grounding connection may be required).
- You will need to move around a few hundred pound device and run extension cords through your windows or doors.
- It won't energize hard-wired appliances and lights unless you install an additional changeover system.
BEST MID-SIZE PORTABLE FOR SELECTED DEVICES AND LIGHTS
You can buy a 6 to 8 kW genset for about $1000. It will provide 120/240V and can power most home appliances, except for high-power ones (such as central a/c). In this category my picks are Westinghouse 7500/9500 watt dual fuel WGen7500DF and 7500W Champion 100165 9375. You can still use any of the above devices with extension cords just like the smaller one in the first option. However, for extra $1000-$1,500 or so, you can have a manual interlock or a transfer panel professionally installed in your basement and connected to an outdoor inlet. The transfer panel will need to be wired to selected home lines that you want to backup. This arrangement will allow you to run your hardwired devices and lights just by starting your your generator and plugging it into the inlet via a single generator cord. For Home Generator Selection, Sizing and Connection Get My Complete Guide and Review
- With a transfer system you'll have to connect a single generator cable rather than many extension cords;
- You can energize fixed appliances and lights;
- You have flexibility with fuel selection
- Higher cost;
- It obviously takes certain amount of time to get a required permit and to do the interlock and inlet wiring.
WHOLE HOUSE AUTOMATIC SYSTEM
If you prefer a convenience of fully automatic operation with no refueling, and can spend overall from $12,000 to $20,000, you can go for a standby home generator system with an auto transfer switch. The generator is installed outside and will run from the fuel line you use for your home's heating, such as natural gas or propane. The transfer panel is mounted indoors. Residential grade stationary systems (8-20 kW) start at about $1,900 and may cost up to $6,000 depending on wattage and options. You will also need to spend $5,000-15,000 for professional installation (electrical wiring, connection of the fuel line, etc.) The actual installation cost will depend on the project complexity, the length of the lines, and of course on the contractor you chose. Bear in my mind not all otherwise good electricians know what it takes to properly integrate a generator into a home and are truly familiar with the generator-related codes. When you interview them, among other things, you may want to ask how many gensets have they installed during the last year. Also check that the electrician is a certified installer, otherwise the warranty may be voided.For the basic household needs I would choose Generac PowerPact 7,000 watt model 6998. It is one of the cheapest automatic home generators on the market. If you want to run a central a/c up to 5 ton you may likely need a 15-20kW system. In this power range I would consider 16,000 watt Generac Guardian® 007228 and Briggs and Stratton 040756. See also a detailed overview and specifications of some 17/16kW systems. An important warning! Before buying a natural gas-powered system be sure to check the capacity of your service meter- it should be imprinted on its nameplate. Older ones may have 250 CFH or less. This may not be enough if you picked a genset rated above 12 kW (see this chart for the CFH requirements). Your utility may charge you anywhere from $100 to $5,000 to upgrade your meter- call them up to find out their fees. Some may waive the charge if you are also installing a standard appliance that needs high gas flow rate.
PROS:
- Hands free operation;
- Practically unlimited run time (except for maintenance shut down).
- Highest cost;
- Requires expensive installation and possibly the meter upgrade;
- Setup and permits obviously take time.