Best Whole House Generator 2021 Updated – Home Standby Generator Reviews

Updated On: August 21, 2021
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If you live in an area that is hit by frequent storms or power cuts, investing in a whole house generator will be a wise decision.

Whatever may cause the power cut, we all know that during this period, we face a lot of problems. You can’t turn on the AC or the heater, electronic devices don’t work, and you have to live in the darkness at night. Power cuts are bearable if the electricity is gone for a brief amount of time. Today we’ll help you choose the best whole house standby generator so that if you reside in locations where you face long power cuts, then you can be comfortable.

Best Whole House Standby Generator Reviews

Almost all of the generators you will read about will claim to be perfect in all ways. But most of the time, this is not true. Check out our list of the best whole house generator to know what great options you have and which ones perform better.

Champion Champion 8.5-kW Home Standby Generator
    • Gas Output: Rated 7500 Watts
    • Propane Output: Rated 8500 Watts
    • Noice Label: 59.5dB (From 23 Feet)
    • Gas Consumption: 139.8 ft3/h @ Full Load
    • Propane Consumption: 1.5 gal/h @ Full Load
    • Weight: 386.1lbs
Briggs
&
Stratton
Briggs & Stratton 10000 watt Generator For Home
    • Gas Output: Rated 9000 Watts
    • Propane Output: Rated 10000 Watts
    • Noice Label: 75dB (From 23 Feet)
    • Gas Consumption: 169 ft3/h @ Full Load
    • Propane Consumption: 1.82 gal/h @ Full Load
    • Weight: 272lbs
Generac Generac 70311 11kW Home Standby Generator
    • Gas Output: Rated 10000 Watts
    • Propane Output: Rated 11000 Watts
    • Noice Label: 63dB (From 23 Feet)
    • Gas Consumption: 159 ft3/h @ Full Load
    • Propane Consumption: 1.97 gal/h @ Full Load
    • Weight: 348lbs
Generac Generac 70351 16Kw Air-Cooled WiFi Home Standby Generator
    • Gas Output: Rated 16000 Watts
    • Propane Output: Rated 16000 Watts
    • Noice Label: 66dB (From 23 Feet)
    • Gas Consumption: 309 ft3/h @ Full Load
    • Propane Consumption: 2.94 gal/h @ Full Load
    • Weight: 409lbs
Kohler Kohler 20000 Watt Air-Cooled Standby Generator
    • Gas Output: Rated 18000 Watts
    • Propane Output: Rated 20000 Watts
    • Noice Label: 69dB (From 23 Feet)
    • Gas Consumption: 281 ft3/h @ Full Load
    • Propane Consumption: 3.9 gal/h @ Full Load
    • Weight: 500lbs
Briggs
&
Stratton
Briggs & Stratton 20k Watt Home Standby Generator
    • Gas Output: Rated 18000 Watts
    • Propane Output: Rated 20000 Watts
    • Noice Label: 64dB (From 23 Feet)
    • Gas Consumption: 260 ft3/h @ Full Load
    • Propane Consumption: 3.75 gal/h @ Full Load
    • Weight: 484lbs
Generac Generac 7043 Home Standby Generator
    • Gas Output: Rated 19500 Watts
    • Propane Output: Rated 22000 Watts
    • Noice Label: 67dB (From 23 Feet)
    • Gas Consumption: 310 ft3/h @ Full Load
    • Propane Consumption: 3.87 gal/h @ Full Load
    • Weight: 466lbs
Generac Generac 5735 GP17500E Portable Generator
    • Starting Power: 26,250 Watt
    • Running Power: 17,500 Watt
    • Noice Label: Not Tested
    • Operating Time: 10 hours (50% Load)
    • Fuel Tank Size: 16 Gallon
    • Weight: 390lbs
Briggs
&
Stratton
Briggs & Stratton 76107 25kW Home Standby Generator
    • Gas Output: Rated 25000 Watts
    • Propane Output: Rated 25000 Watts
    • Noice Label: 66dB (From 23 Feet)
    • Gas Consumption: 368 ft3/h @ Full Load
    • Propane Consumption: 4.3 gal/h @ Full Load
    • Weight: 1063lbs
Generac Generac RG03015ANAX 30kW Liquid Cooled Standby Generator
    • Gas Output: Rated 30000 Watts
    • Propane Output: Rated 30000 Watts
    • Noice Label: 73dB (From 23 Feet)
    • Gas Consumption: 492 ft3/h @ Full Load
    • Propane Consumption: 5.4 gal/h @ Full Load
    • Weight: 807lbs
Briggs
&
Stratton
Briggs & Stratton 60000-watt Home Standby Generator
    • Gas Output: Rated 55000 Watts
    • Propane Output: Rated 60000 Watts
    • Noice Label: 68dB (From 23 Feet)
    • Gas Consumption: 682 ft3/h @ Full Load
    • Propane Consumption: 8.9 gal/h @ Full Load
    • Weight: 2020lbs

Champion 8500 Watt Home Standby Generator

FeaturesValue
Natural Gas Output
Propane Output
Rated 7500 Watts
Rated 8500 Watts
Rated Voltage120/240
Transfer Switch50 Amps
Natural Gas Consumption
Propane Consumption
139.8 ft3/h @ Full Load
1.5 gal/h @ Full Load
Noise Level59.5dB (From 23 Feet)
Engine Oil TypeMobil 1 5W-30 Full Synthetic
Weight With386.1lbs
DatasheetDetails

Many of the generators that are available today tend not to work in extreme climate situations. This is quite a bummer because areas that have these extreme conditions are the ones that get the most power outages in the first place.

And the Champion 8.5kW, with its ability to work in temperatures rising from -22 degrees to 104 degrees, gets rid of that problem. There are no warming kits necessary, as well. When there is a power outage, this unit starts automatically. An onboard battery charger keeps the unit charged at all times.

You also have the freedom to connect the system to both a propane and gas line according to your preference. When running on propane, the product will give you 8500 watts of power, and when running on gas, you will get 7500 watts. This is enough to run a small house.

Besides the auto-start feature, the generator also performs a self-diagnostic test on itself every week and notifies you about any problems that the system is having so you can be ready with your power system at all times.


The gull-wing design also allows you to easy access to the engine in case you want to check for yourself what’s going on, although the control panel does give you a thorough view of the control system.

Instead of using just a noise-canceling muffler, there is a sound-dampening lining and a low-tone muffler to make the generator one of the quietest ones available. With 59.5 dBA, you can easily place this beside your house without the product making any sound pollution.

Pros
  • Added dampening lining along with a low-tone muffler to cancel noise
  • Gull-wing design gives you full access to the engine
  • The unit performs self-diagnostic tests
  • Portable
  • Runs smoothly in all kinds of temperature
Cons
  • Auto-start feature is a bit jittery

Briggs & Stratton 10000 watt Generator For Home

FeaturesValue
Natural Gas Output
Propane Output
Rated 9000 Watts
Rated 10000 Watts
Rated Voltage120/240
Transfer Switch200Amp
Natural Gas Consumption
Propane Consumption
169 ft3/h @ Rated Load
1.82 gal/h @ Rated Load
Noise Level75dB (From 23 Feet)
Engine Oil Type5W-30 Full Synthetic
Weight With272lbs
DatasheetSpec Sheet

Often we tend to think that small generators have a lower power output. This model is here to prove us wrong. Although this unit is very compact and mini in dimensions and looks almost like a portable generator, the system is capable of providing 10000 rated watts, which is enough to run a small house.

Within seconds of sensing a power outage, this product is ready to get going. The auto-start feature makes sure that you do not have to wait for more than a minute to get back the power to run your appliances.

Made with high-quality galvanized steel, this product truly is the best standby generator. The exterior protects all the contents inside and keeps the generator looking new and scratch-free.

This rust-resistant unit can also be placed as close as 18 inches from your home. Pre-installed mufflers make the system soundproof and eliminate any loud noise. In case of a fire, the thermally protected fuel system shuts itself down so that there are no severe accidents. You can run this model on both a natural gas line and propane.

The 570cc engine is made to be air-cooling as well, so there are no chances of overheating. Easily access and control the entire system with the user-friendly control panel.

To balance the power load of your house along with all the high-wattage items in your house, there is a power management 200 amp transfer switch. This also ensures that your family gets uninterrupted and smooth power output.

Pros
  • Compact size
  • Fast auto-starting option
  • Made with high quality galvanized steel to protect the generator
  • Durable
  • Air-cooling 570cc engine
  • The system automatically shuts down when there is a fire
  • 200 amp transfer switch balances the power load
  • Rust-resistant
Cons
  • Need additional parts in installation

Generac 70311 11000 Watt Home Standby Generator

FeaturesValue
Natural Gas Output
Propane Output
Rated 10000 Watts
Rated 110000 Watts
Rated Voltage120/240
Transfer SwitchNot Included
Natural Gas Consumption
Propane Consumption
159 ft3/h @ Rated Load
1.97 gal/h @ Rated Load
Noise Level63dB (From 23 Feet)
Engine Oil Type5W-30 Full Synthetic
Weight With348lbs
DatasheetManual

Generac is one of the brands that you’ll see mentioned quite a few times here. This is because the brand is well known for making long-lasting, sturdy, and safe standby home generators for all types of houses. 

And this particular version from the brand is an updated one that is air-cooled and can be permanently connected to your house through an automatic transfer switch. Although you do have to buy this transfer switch separately, this is quite the feature to have.

You can run this Generac generator with natural gas or LP (Liquide Propane). Giving you 10kW, this one can easily run a medium-sized household. The enclosure of the generator is corrosion-resistant and made with aluminum.

There is cover access that keeps any snow, rainwater, dust, and debris out of the generator, preventing clogged keyholes. You also don’t have to worry about frozen locks as the exterior keeps snow out of the way. A durable generator like this one will last you through any tough weather conditions.

For ease of use and maintenance, you can connect the system to your mobile phone, PC, or tab to keep an eye on the generator from anywhere in the world. The monitoring system will show you important information like what the battery status is and when the generator needs maintenance.

All the history logs, maintenance alerts, and battery monitoring information are provided to you in any language that you prefer.

Pros
  • Can be permanently connected to your home through an automatic transfer switch
  • The weather-resistant enclosure keeps all debris, dust, snow, and rainwater out of the system
  • No need to worry about frozen locks and clogged keyholes
  • Can be connected to your existing gas line
  • Stores up to 50 logged activities in history
Cons
  • Transfer Switch not included

Generac 70351 16kW Air-Cooled WiFi Home Standby Generator

FeaturesValue
Natural Gas Output
Propane Output
Rated 16000 Watts
Rated 16000 Watts
Rated Voltage120/240
Transfer SwitchNot Included
Natural Gas Consumption
Propane Consumption
309 ft3/h @ Rated Load
2.94 gal/h @ Rated Load
Noise Level66dB (From 23 Feet)
Engine Oil Type5W-30 Full Synthetic
Weight With409lbs
DatasheetSpec Sheet

One thing that bothers most homeowners after they have bought a generator is how often the product needs maintenance. Most of the time, people also forget about doing this, and this results in the machine not working properly when you need it to.

This model, powered with a pressure-lubricated engine, decreases the amount of maintenance needed. As the product was made to work in tough conditions, this one is quite durable and will last you for years to come.

With a reading of 66dB, noise is something that you can forget about. Although the mufflers that you already get in this make a very low noise, you have the option of adding in more store-bought mufflers to eliminate the noise.

As the model is made for constant regular use, while being low maintenance, the self-test technology examines the product to see if anything is wrong.

With a true power technology that makes the harmonic distortion less than 5%, you get cleaner energy for your house. The model is also known to be quite fuel-efficient. But you don’t get an automatic transfer switch with this generator. You need to purchase separately.

The exterior of this one is also impressive. An aluminum enclosure with a Rhinocoat powder finish makes the product last longer and stay strong in tough climates. 16000 watts that you get from this generator will be enough to run all your necessary appliances smoothly.

If you want a generator that will last through any weather condition and will be able to give you a constant, uninterrupted power supply, go for this one.

Pros
  • Pressure lubricated engine
  • Low maintenance
  • Quite enough for any residential neighborhood
  • Made for constant and regular use
  • True power technology decreases harmonic distortion to less than 5%
  • Aluminum enclosure made with Rhinocoat powder finish
Cons
  • No automatic transfer switch

Kohler 20RESCL-200SELS Air-Cooled Standby Generator

FeaturesValue
FeaturesValue
Natural Gas Output
Propane Output
Rated 18000 Watts
Rated 20000 Watts
Rated Voltage120/240
Transfer Switch200 Amp
Natural Gas Consumption
Propane Consumption
281 ft3/h @ Rated Load
3.9 gal/h @ Rated Load
Noise Level69dB (From 23 Feet)
Engine Oil Type5W-30 Full Synthetic
Weight500lbs
DatasheetSpec Sheet

You know you can trust a model for your home when the product has been known to serve great in hospitals and schools. Thanks to the commercial engine that this one runs on, you can get long hours of uninterrupted smooth service, making it the best home generator out there.

I mean, if it can run a whole hospital, it can surely run your house. One of the best benefits that you get from generators like these is speed. When there is a power outage, you will have to wait no more than 10 seconds for the generator to start its magic. This can be quite helpful when watching TV or cooking.

The auto-start generator can give you 20000 watts of output. An air-cooled system prevents overheating and keeps all the appliances connected to the unit safe.

You might think that a generator this powerful will harm a few of your sensitive electric equipment, but this thing provides clean energy at all times with a lower than 5% total harmonic distortion level. So any computers or TV screens are safe when connected to the generator.

Coming with a pre-installed polymer base, this product is ready to be installed. No need to build an extra concrete pad for this generator. The corrosion-proof casting on top of the product also protects it from any tough weather conditions keeping it looking brand new.

Not only does this model have an online tracking system, but the product also has a program to send you text alerts if anything is wrong and requires maintenance.

Pros
  • Can get started in under 10 seconds
  • Corrosion-proof casting keeps the exterior looking fresh, clean and new
  • Pre-installed polymer base
  • Can be monitored through your phone
  • Great for larger homes
  • Sends you text alerts to let you know if anything is wrong
Cons
  • Many user compalin about their Customer Service

Briggs & Stratton 20k Watt Home Standby Generator

FeaturesValue
Natural Gas Output
Propane Output
Rated 18000 Watts
Rated 20000 Watts
Rated Voltage120/240
Transfer Switch2 X 200 Amps
Natural Gas Consumption
Propane Consumption
260 ft3/h @ Rated Load
3.75 gal/h @ Rated Load
Noise Level64dB (From 23 Feet)
Engine Oil Type5W-30 Full Synthetic
Weight484lbs
DatasheetSpec Sheet

Providing you with 20000 watts, this generator can easily run a house that is 12,000 square feet. If you do not need that big of a generator, this is a size that you could consider.

One of the reasons this generator is so famous is that it is very safe for your house. The product is reliable and knows to be one of the least dangerous and accident-prone generators out there. The NFPA has approved this one to be safe enough to be placed about 20 inches from your house!

This is quite close and a great option for people who own small lots and do not have that much room to spare.

Now, you might think that placing a whole house generator so close to your home might cause a lot of sounds. But Briggs & Stratton has you covered. Even though this is quite a powerful generator, the system is designed to be very quiet, keeping your comfort in mind.

As this system was made, keeping in mind that users would want to place this close to their homes, the unit has an air ventilation system so that all the toxic fumes and carbon monoxide that is produced are blown away from your house.

If you want you can get an indoor installation, there is a transfer switch that lets you do that.

Pros
  • Can be placed 18 inches from your house
  • Perfect for small lot owners
  • Approved by the NFPA to be safe enough to be placed so close to your house
  • All the toxic fumes are blown away from your house
  • Makes no noise at all
  • A transfer switch allows both indoor and outdoor installation
Cons
  • Must be installed by a professional

Generac 7043 – 22kW Home Standby Generator

FeaturesValue
Natural Gas Output
Propane Output
Rated 19500 Watts
Rated 22000 Watts
Rated Voltage120/240
Transfer Switch200 Amps
Natural Gas Consumption
Propane Consumption
310 ft3/h @ Rated Load
3.87 gal/h @ Rated Load
Noise Level67dB (From 23 Feet)
Engine Oil Type5W-30 Full Synthetic
Weight466lbs
DatasheetSpec Sheet

Living in a big house with a lot of people means that you need a sturdy, powerful and large generator to get you through those tough dark power outage times. The Generac 7043 is just what you need if that is the situation you are facing.

With a capacity of 22000 watts, you get enough output to run most of the appliances that you need. No need to make that limited list of appliances that can be plugged into the generator. For ease of use and versatility, this generator can be used on both propane and natural gas.

You can connect the generator to your home gas system. Doing this will give you 19500 watts to use. A lot of people struggle to choose between which one to go for – a propane-operated generator or a gas-operated generator? Now there is no need for you to choose at all.

On the generator, there is an LCD that you will find quite useful. This screen shows when the next routine checkup should be scheduled and also what the condition of the battery is. The system is multilingual, so you can choose whatever language you want to operate the generator with.

Besides this, thanks to the modern and innovative design of this product, you will be able to keep an eye on your generator at all times through the Mobile Link Monitory System. So even if you’re not home, you can check the status of your generator.

Pros
  • Can be run on both propane and gas
  • LCD control panel with a multilingual operating system
  • Can be linked with your mobile
  • Weather-resistant
  • Has a self-test mode and will let you know when a checkup is needed
Cons
  • Battery not included

Generac 5735 – GP17500E Portable Home Generator

FeaturesValue
Output PowerStarting: 26,250 Watt / Running: 17,500 Watt
Noise LevelNot Tested
Operating Time10 hours / 50% Load
Fuel Tank Size16 Gallon
Starting MethodElectric
Weight390lbs

Although this generator weighs almost 400 pounds, the product was made with portability in mind. This thing comes with an outer casing that is attached to wheels so you can carry it wherever you want. So when you buy this, you get a combination of portable and whole house generator.

As this unit runs on gasoline maintenance is quite easy. Gasoline can be bought easily, and a lot of it can be stored at your own house with the correct safety precautions taken.

You won’t have to fill up the tank that often, though. It is because this generator has a 16-gallon tank. This makes it possible for you to run this for 10 straight hours with a 50% load. Powerful generators like these make your life more convenient.

It is obvious that a generator this powerful is not going to be the quietest one. But users have never found this product to be unbearably loud. There is a muffler attached to it to take care of this, but if you feel like that is not enough for you, you can always add more mufflers or build a shed around the product.


Batteries are included with the purchase, and the generator has an electric start system. A small screen shows you the running hour, and the system automatically shuts down when there is a low oil level preventing your generator from damage.

Also, to mention, the casing that this product comes in is a hardened cradle that not only keeps your generator safe but also helps make it more durable.

Pros
  • Battery included
  • Very powerful
  • Has a 16-gallon tank for gasoline
  • Can run for 10 hours smoothly
  • Added mufflers cancel a lot of noise
Cons
  • Needs quite a bit of fuel to run properly

Briggs & Stratton – 76107 25kW Home Standby Generator

FeaturesValue
Natural Gas Output
Propane Output
Rated 25000 Watts
Rated 25000 Watts
Rated Voltage120/240
Transfer Switch2 X 200 Amps
Natural Gas Consumption
Propane Consumption
368 ft3/h @ Rated Load
4.3 gal/h @ Rated Load
Noise Level66dB (From 23 Feet)
Engine Oil Type5W-30 Full Synthetic
Weight1063lbs
DatasheetSpec Sheet

The exterior of a generator is as important as the interior. If the exterior itself is harmed, the parts inside are harmed, and thus, the integrity of the generator is hampered. Made with galvanized steel, this is something that you would want to have. Your generator will keep on looking new for quite a while.

Unlike a lot of the generators in the market, this one can work well in tough climates. The rust-free generator cans serve you great in storms, snowstorms, and even tornados. These are the kind of situations when you genuinely need an extra power supply as you face a lot of frequent power cuts in times like these.

When there is a power cut, the generator can sense it and start working automatically. You get 25kW to power whatever appliances that you want to run. This amount of power is enough for a 1900 square feet house with a 5 ton AC, as well.

Installing and dissembling this unit is easy and can be done with a little bit of patience. You can do the job yourself. But it is better to have an expert.

If you want to keep an eye on the status of your generator, you can install a wireless monitoring system. This will let you check up on the device and let you know if it needs any maintenance. Battery levels and running hours are also shown in the monitor.

Like most other Briggs and Stratton generators, this one can also be placed quite close to your home. As the model is noise-free and also blows away any toxic fumes, placing it so close to your home is completely safe.

Pros
  • Made to work great in tough climates
  • Monitoring system can be installed so that you can always keep an eye on your generator
  • Easy to disassemble and install
  • Rust-free galvanized steel protects the components
  • Affordable
Cons
  • No significant cons found

Generac RG03015ANAX – 30kW Liquid Cooled Office Standby Generator

FeaturesValue
Natural Gas Output
Propane Output
Rated 30000 Watts
Rated 30000 Watts
Rated Voltage120/240
Transfer SwitchNot Included
Natural Gas Consumption
Propane Consumption
492 ft3/h @ Rated Load
5.4 gal/h @ Rated Load
Noise Level73dB (From 23 Feet)
Engine Oil Type5W-30 Full Synthetic
Weight807lbs
DatasheetSpec Sheet

Made with high tech features, you could call this one a generator of the future. So that there is no confusion when you try and operate this unit, you get an LCD screen that is multilingual and has color-coded features.

You get to know what is happening inside the machine when it is running, how many watts are needed, the running hours, and a lot more from this feature.

This part also comes with USC flash compatibility, smart battery charging, and the ability to adjust the voltage. Work in the dark with ease with the backlit membrane and styled buttons.

Although all these features might make the product look a bit complicated, running the system is quite easy and user-friendly. Features like these allow you to play around with the equipment that you have bought and make adjustments to it without having to call an electrician.

The auto-starting feature turns the generator on when there is a power outage. A generator this big can easily provide adequate power to a moderately big house.

Besides these, this unit also has a quiet test feature where the generator runs a weekly test to make sure that everything is working properly. If any problems are found, you are notified on the LCD screen or your phone through the mobile monitoring system so that you can check and fix the issue immediately.

Pros
  • Units are liquid-cooled
  • USB flash compatible
  • All details about the generator are informed to you through the multilingual LCD screen
  • Quiet test feature takes a weekly checkup of the product
  • Can be linked to your mobile for you to monitor as well
Cons
  • Known to be a bit louder than the other products

Briggs & Stratton 60000-watt Office Standby Generator

FeaturesValue
Natural Gas Output
Propane Output
Rated 55000 Watts
Rated 60000 Watts
Rated Voltage120/240
Transfer SwitchNot Included
Natural Gas Consumption
Propane Consumption
682 ft3/h @ Rated Load
8.9 gal/h @ Rated Load
Noise Level68dB (From 23 Feet)
Engine Oil Type5W-30 Full Synthetic
Weight2020lbs
DatasheetSpec Sheet

This commercial-grade generator will be a great option for people with larger homes. Getting generators that are made for small or medium-sized lots can be quite rough on large homeowners as it seems to be quite not enough for them. Also, getting smaller-sized generators can cause overheating.

So, a commercial-grade generator will only work to your advantage by providing you a swift and quick power supply. You won’t have to wait for a long time for your power to come.

When providing power to a large office of a home like this, fuel becomes a big concern. Most generators that are made for big places need a lot of fuel to run. This can turn out to be quite expensive. Fuel-efficient generators like these make it easier for you to maintain the product and lower the cost. This way, your product will also last long.

Large generators are known to be the noisiest. But this one comes with its pre-installed mufflers that work together to give you a quieter environment. The product is also weather protected so you can use this in any climate without needed any external heating devices to get this thing working.

As this product runs on natural gas, you need to connect it to your home gas system. This is a cheaper option than using propane, but it can be hard to get a hold of in some areas.

Pros
  • Commercial-grade and best for larger homes
  • Weather protected
  • Fuel-efficient, so maintenance cost is reduced
  • Provides power with speed when there is a power outage
  • No chances of overheating
  • Although it is big, it is not loud
Cons
  • No self-testing feature

How to Choose the Best Whole House Generator

With the number of options available in the market today, choosing which type of generator you need for your house can be quite confusing. They all have some factors that pull you. While reading the description of the products, most seem to be great. So how to know which factors differentiate a good generator from a bad one?

Fuel Efficiency

Generators that are not fuel-efficient will cause you to buy more fuel regularly. They need a lot more fuel to run than the fuel-efficient ones. This is also not good for the environment. Get an efficient generator that will use the amount of fuel provided accurately and smartly to save you money.

Modern technology has made it possible for us to buy a generator that is designed to consume less fuel. Although this dies to depend from brand to brand.

Size

This is not the physical size but rather the amount of wattage you are provided with.

You must make sure that you are buying a backup power system that can run your house. You cannot buy a smaller generator and then expect it to run your house with multiple appliances attached to it. This will cause over-heating and result in unwanted accidents or end up damaging all the equipment that is attached to it.

On the other hand, buying a larger generator will just be a waste of money as there will be leftover wattage that you are not using.

Management and Control System

Nowadays, you can get a generator that has mobile monitoring systems. Through this, you can connect the operating system of your generator to your mobile phone and keep an eye on it all the time.

Information such as the battery life, running time, last used, and engine status is displayed to you so you can be updated on the condition of your generator at all times. This also gets you to know when you need to schedule maintenance for the tool and what repairs you need to make.

These control systems are also multilingual, so you can choose from whichever language you are comfortable in. Generators that do not have this feature will be an outdated version.

Besides these, operating the generator manually should also be a piece of cake. Look out for clear and well-spaced buttons and glow-in-the-dark LCD screens.

Physical Size

The physical dimension of your generator will be a matter of concern when you bring it in for installation. Generators have to be placed at a distance from your house. There is a safety code for this, as placing it too close might be risky in case there is an accident.

So, if you buy a generator that is too big, you might not have enough space for the product in your lot.

This is a great issue for small homeowners. So, before your purchase, go through the instructions on the distance you will need to maintain between your house and the place you are gonna keep it and then buy one according to the space you have.

Buying smaller and narrower generators are always encouraged as the models are better for installation, and maintenance. A factor like this will also come in handy when you move from one place to another.

Noise

No matter how good of a generator you get, the product will make some noise. That is just how the models work. Being completely dead silent is physically impossible or machines like these. But when you make your purchase, you do need to look out for the dB reading.

The generator you buy cannot be too loud. Even if you are okay with the noise, your neighbors might not be. So, getting a generator that is okay to be used in a residential area is quite important.

Propane VS Gas

While buying the house generator, you need to know which source it will run on. There are options in the market, like diesel and gasoline. You will have to choose which one you want depending on its availability in the region you live in.

As you are buying a whole house generator for times when the power is gone for hours, it is not a good option to buy a generator with a fuel option that requires you to drive in the darkness to go buy it. This is probably not safe and not a smart choice. That is why buying easily accessible fuel is always encouraged.

You could choose a gas run generator and then ask your local natural gas service to help you out when needed, or you could also choose the diesel option and keep the diesel stored safely at home. Many people don’t feel safe storing propane at home, so they might feel better with the other option.

As these are the most popular options to choose from, here are a few pros and cons of both so that you can decide for yourself which one you want.

Propane

The most common option as a fuel for your generator is propane. It is what most people choose, and the product has not yet disappointed anyone. You can easily get access to propane as well. If you want, propane can be bought in bulk and stored at home also. Out of the two, propane has a better energy density.

Many people might not want to buy a generator that runs on propane as the fluid is a little bit more expensive to buy. But Propane has a lot of advantages and a few disadvantages.

Pros
  • Can be stored at home safely
  • Better energy density
  • Easily available in most regions
Cons
  • Higher in price

Gas

Although this is the cheaper option, gas is quite hard to get your hands on. You have to contact your local natural gas providing service to get a hold of it. This can’t be stored at home on your property as gas is extremely dangerous and could cause accidents.

When compared to propane, gas is much cheaper, and so people are more drawn towards the product.

Pros
  • Cheaper option
Cons
  • Not easily available in all areas
  • Cannot be stored at home
  • Not the better option when considering energy density

How Big of a Generator Is Required to Run the Whole House?

When we talk about how big of a generator you need, we mean how much electrical output they can give, not the physical dimensions. Knowing just how much electric output you need is vital. Generators come with a wide range of output supplies.

If you decide to buy a generator that gives you more watts than you need, you will be paying a lot of money for the maintenance of something that you don’t need. On the other hand, settling down for a generator that has a lower supply of electric output will put too much pressure on the generator and cause it to overheat.

This will also harm all the electric appliances that are connected to it along with the generator itself.

To know how big of a generator you need, you have to find out how much wattage your house needs and what appliances you need to be comfortable in a situation like this. Take a look at these steps that you could follow to easily determine this:

Make a List

To start, make a list of all the appliances that you want to run when there is a power outage. Choose only the items that you are sure you need. You can eliminate devices that you only use for leisure and keep in your list the essentials. Choose wisely, and don’t let your list get too long.

Calculate the Starting and Running Wattage

After you have decided on which appliances you want to run, calculate their starting power and also their running power. Most electric appliances have this written on their label. If you can’t find it there, a quick google search of the product will answer your question or you can use our generator wattage calculator for the best result

Add

All the starting and running wattages that you have calculated must now be added to determine the kind of generator you need. If you’re not confident about the result that you have calculated, you can use a wattage calculator for more accurate results. Also, you can ask your local electrician to do this.

Buy

Lastly, after you’ve done all of the tasks above, you decide on which generator you want to buy. We recommend going a little over your estimated calculation just to be on the safe side.

As we’ve mentioned before, putting too much pressure on your generator might cause overheating and could ultimately destroy all the appliances connected to it.

Frequently Asked Questions

There are a few things that you should know before you buy a generator for your whole house.

Q: How loud is a generator?

A: Nowadays, generators are not that loud. Although noticeable, the sound will not disturb your conversations. Most of the generators, at 20 feet, are 66dBs. This is not painfully loud.

Q: How long will the generator last?

A: On average, a good generator will last about 15 years. So, there is no need to worry about replacing your generator for quite some time.

Q: What do I need to do for maintenance?

A: You need a professional to get it serviced at least once every year for it to work without any problems. You can do some basic maintenance by yourself as well.

Q: What is the cost of running the generator?

A: This depends on the type of fuel you are using and also the run time. On average, while the generator has a 50% load, you’ll be expected to pay around $20/$30 per hour.

Q: What fuel supply should I get?

A: There are mainly two options that you can choose from, and they are gas and propane. Propane is easier to find while gas is the cheaper option. So, choose whichever you think is best suited to your needs and the area that you live in.

Final Words

With thorough details provided to you about how to buy the best whole house standby generator and what factors to keep in mind before making the purchase, we’re sure you’ll be able to choose the best standby generator.

We’re confident that one of the products on our list will be the perfect generator for you.

About Steven Smith

For the last 20 years, I have been working as a professional contractor in many construction projects. From my childhood, I love to work with different kinds of power tools. In my spare time, I love to do a different kind of DIY project. It gives me a kind of inner satisfaction.

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