Best Standby Generators for Your Home

Power outages are becoming more frequent and prolonged due to rising environmental disasters. If you want to keep your home running smoothly during these times, a standby generator is your best friend. Unlike portable generators, standby generators are stationary units installed outside your home, connected directly to your electrical panel. They automatically kick in when the utility power goes out, ensuring a seamless transition to backup power.

When choosing the right standby generator for your home, several key features should be on your radar: power output, fuel type, automatic transfer switch, and noise level. It's crucial to choose a generator with enough power output to meet your home's needs, especially if you run multiple appliances simultaneously. Standby generators typically run on natural gas, propane, or diesel, each with its own advantages. An automatic transfer switch is a game-changer, switching the power source from the utility grid to the generator without manual intervention.

What is a Standby Generator?

A standby generator is your home's best friend during a power outage. Unlike portable generators, which require manual setup and fueling, a standby generator is a stationary unit installed outside your home, much like a central air conditioning unit. These home standby generators are connected directly to your electrical panel. They're designed to automatically kick in when the utility power goes out, ensuring a seamless transition to backup power.

Standby generators are typically fueled by natural gas or propane, making them a reliable and efficient power source. They can keep essential appliances and systems running, such as:

• Lights
• Refrigerators
• Air conditioning units

So you can maintain a sense of normalcy even during extended power outages. With a standby generator, you won't have to worry about:

• Spoiled food
• Uncomfortable temperatures
• Being disconnected from the world

Getting a standby unit is a very smart decision. Power outages are getting more frequent and prolonged due to rising environmental disasters. If you want something powerful but portable at the same time, then check out 50 amp generators, because standby generators are stationary. They'll run all the essentials and they can be moved around. Discover complete range of generators at our store.

Here are some of the best standby generators, which are very popular among homeowners:

Generator	Power Output (LPG)	Power Output (NG)	Features
Generac Guardian 22KW	22KW	19.5KW	Air-cooled, all-aluminum durable enclosure
Generac Guardian 24KW	24KW	21KW	All-aluminum enclosure, latest Generac's G-Force Engine
Champion 8.5KW	8.5KW	7.5KW	Quality all-weather steel enclosure, auto-start and low oil shutoff

A Generac standby generator protects your home and gives you peace of mind. When the power fails, you'll be ready. With automatic operation and 24/7/365 support from their Wisconsin headquarters, a Generac backup generator gives you added protection in an increasingly uncertain world. Check out Cummins generators at our store.

How to Choose the Best Standby Generator

When selecting the best standby generator for your home, it's crucial to consider several key factors to ensure you get the right unit for your needs. I'll guide you through the essential aspects to help you make an informed decision.

Determine Your Power Requirements

To choose the right standby generator, you must first assess your power needs. Make a list of the essential appliances and devices you want to keep running during an outage, such as refrigerators, air conditioners, sump pumps, and lighting. Add up their wattages to determine the total power requirement. It's recommended to add a 20-25% buffer to account for future additions and peak power demands.

Consider Engine and Fuel Type

Standby generators are available with different engine types and fuel options. The most common choices are:

• Natural Gas: If your home has a natural gas connection, this is a convenient and reliable option. Natural gas generators offer a continuous fuel supply without the need for refilling.
• Propane: Propane generators are a good choice for homes without natural gas access. They require a propane tank that needs periodic refilling.
• Diesel: Diesel generators are known for their durability and long lifespan. However, they require regular maintenance and fuel stabilizers for extended storage.

Consider the availability and cost of each fuel type in your area when making a decision. Have a 1500 sq ft house? Read our guide on choosing the right size of generator for your 1500 sq ft house.

Evaluate Noise Levels

Standby generators can produce significant noise, which may be a concern in residential areas. Look for models with sound-attenuating enclosures and low decibel ratings. Quieter generators, such as those with noise levels around 60-70 decibels, are more suitable for homes. Always check local noise regulations to ensure compliance.

Look for Essential Features and Warranty Coverage

When comparing standby generator models, consider the following essential features:

1. Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS): An ATS seamlessly switches power from the utility grid to the generator during an outage. It eliminates the need for manual intervention, ensuring uninterrupted power supply.
2. Remote Monitoring: Some generators offer Wi-Fi or cellular monitoring capabilities, allowing you to check the unit's status, receive alerts, and control settings remotely through a smartphone app.
3. Weatherproof Enclosure: A durable, weather-resistant enclosure protects the generator from the elements, ensuring reliable operation in various conditions.
4. Warranty: Look for generators with comprehensive warranty coverage, typically ranging from 5 to 10 years. A longer warranty period indicates the manufacturer's confidence in the product's quality and durability.

By carefully evaluating these factors, you can select the best standby generator that meets your power requirements, fuel preferences, noise tolerance, and desired features, ensuring reliable backup power for your home during outages.

Key Factors That Impact Generator Performance

Choosing the right standby generator is crucial for ensuring optimal performance and reliability during power outages. Let's dive into the key factors that influence generator performance.

Proper Sizing Based on Your Home

Properly sizing your standby generator is essential for meeting your home's power requirements. I recommend making a list of all the appliances and devices you want to power during an outage, such as:

• Refrigerator and freezer
• Lights and fans
• Air conditioning or heating system
• Sump pump and well pump
• Electronics like TVs, computers, and phone chargers

Add up the wattage requirements for each item, then add a 20-25% buffer to account for peak demands and future needs. Choose a generator with a power output that meets or exceeds this total wattage.

Reliable Brands and Models

Investing in a reliable, high-quality generator from a reputable brand ensures long-lasting performance and peace of mind. Some top standby generator brands include:

Generac

Generac is the nationwide best-selling backup generator brand, offering a comprehensive range of home standby generators. Their Guardian Series provides powerful and reliable backup power solutions with the following key features:

Key Highlights:

• Power Range: 10kW to 26kW
• Fuel Options: Natural gas and liquid propane
• Innovative G-Force Engine designed specifically for standby generators
• Mobile Link™ Remote Monitoring
• True Power™ Technology for clean, smooth power delivery
• 5-Year Limited Warranty

Champion

Champion Power Equipment offers robust home standby generators designed for American families, with notable characteristics:

Key Highlights:

• Power Range: 8.5kW to 22kW
• Quiet Operation: 59-63 decibels
• Best-in-class 24-volt starting system
• aXis Platform for advanced load management
• Meets EPA and California Air Resource Board Requirements
• Consumer Reports "Best Buy" rating

Cummins

Cummins provides reliable standby generators for residential and light commercial applications:

Key Highlights:

• Power Range: 13kW to 36kW
• QuietConnect™ technology
• Low noise levels
• Advanced remote monitoring capabilities
• Durable and efficient design
• Suitable for homes and small businesses

Look for models with features like automatic transfer switches, remote monitoring capabilities, and weatherproof enclosures for added convenience and durability. Still not sure? Read our full generator buying guide.

Installation and Maintenance Requirements

Proper installation and regular maintenance are key to ensuring your standby generator performs optimally when you need it most. Consider these factors:

1. Professional installation: Hire a licensed electrician to properly connect your generator to your home's electrical panel and ensure compliance with local codes and regulations.
2. Fuel supply: Ensure you have a reliable fuel source, such as natural gas or propane, with an adequate supply line to power your generator during extended outages.
3. Regular maintenance: Schedule annual maintenance checks with a qualified technician to inspect, clean, and test your generator, ensuring it's ready to operate when needed.
4. Warranty coverage: Choose a generator with comprehensive warranty coverage for parts and labor, providing added protection and peace of mind.

Factor	Importance
Proper sizing	Ensures adequate power for essential appliances
Reliable brands	Provides long-lasting performance and peace of mind
Professional installation	Ensures safe and compliant operation
Regular maintenance	Keeps generator ready to operate when needed

By considering these key factors, you'll be well-equipped to choose a standby generator that delivers optimal performance and reliability when you need it most.

Top Standby Generator Options

When it comes to choosing the best standby generator for your home, there are several top options to consider. Let's take a closer look at the most popular types of standby generators.

Whole House Generators

Whole house generators are the ultimate backup power solution. They're permanently installed outside your home and connected directly to your electrical panel. When the power goes out, the generator automatically kicks on within seconds, providing seamless power to your entire home.

Some of the top whole house generator brands include:

• Generac Guardian Series: Delivering robust whole-house power solutions with models ranging from 8.5kW to 26kW, these generators feature advanced G-Force engine technology and provide seamless backup power through natural gas or liquid propane configurations.
• Champion Home Standby Generators: Offering versatile power ranges from 8.5kW to 22kW, these generators are engineered with innovative load management technology and feature quiet operation under 63 decibels. Their all-weather steel enclosures ensure durability in diverse environmental conditions.
• Cummins Home Generators: Providing reliable residential backup power with models spanning 13kW to 36kW, these generators feature QuietConnect™ technology and advanced remote monitoring capabilities. Their efficient design ensures consistent performance during unexpected power interruptions.

Whole house generators provide the ultimate peace of mind during extended outages. They're able to power all your essential appliances, including your HVAC system, refrigerator, lights, and more.

Portable Generators

For a more budget-friendly option, portable generators are a great choice. While they can't power your entire home, they're perfect for running essential appliances during shorter outages.

The best portable generators for home standby power include:

• Champion Portable Generator: A versatile 8750-watt dual-fuel generator engineered for home backup power, featuring flexible fuel compatibility with gasoline and propane. Its electric start mechanism and robust design make it an ideal solution for powering essential household appliances during unexpected power interruptions.
• Cummins Portable Generator: Delivering 11,000 starting watts and 8,300 running watts, this high-performance generator offers advanced digital monitoring capabilities. Its sophisticated load management system and durable construction ensure reliable power delivery across various residential and light commercial applications.
• Generac Portable Generator: A powerful 9,500-watt dual-fuel generator featuring cutting-edge remote start technology and an impressive 17.5-hour continuous runtime. Designed for maximum flexibility, this generator provides reliable backup power with convenient operational features for homeowners seeking dependable emergency electricity solutions.

When choosing a portable generator for standby power, look for models with high wattage output, dual fuel capability, and features like low-oil shutoff and overload protection.

Natural Gas Generators

If you have access to natural gas, a natural gas standby generator is an excellent choice. These generators are connected to your home's natural gas line, providing an unlimited fuel supply during outages.

Top natural gas standby generator options include:

Generac 7043 Home Standby Generator

22kW air-cooled generator running on natural gas/LP, with True Power™ Technology and 5-year warranty.

Cummins Natural Gas Generator

Powerful 100-160kW natural gas generators with multiple configuration options, featuring Stamford/Marathon alternators and robust engine specifications.

Champion 12000 Watt Tri-Fuel Generator

12,000 running watts with CO Shield technology, capable of running on natural gas, propane, and gasoline with electric start.

Natural gas generators offer the convenience of an unlimited fuel supply and clean, efficient operation. They're a top choice for whole home backup power.

Pros and Cons of Standby Generators

Advantages of Standby Generators

1. Automatic Operation: Standby generators automatically kick in within seconds of a power outage, providing seamless backup power without any manual intervention. This is a huge advantage, especially if you're away from home or asleep when the outage occurs.
2. Whole-House Power: Standby generators can power your entire home, including essential appliances like refrigerators, air conditioners, sump pumps, and security systems. You won't have to pick and choose which appliances to run, as you would with a portable generator.
3. Permanent Installation: Since standby generators are permanently installed outside your home, you don't have to worry about setting them up or storing them when not in use. They're always ready to go when you need them.
4. Fueled by Natural Gas or Propane: Most standby generators run on natural gas or propane, which are clean-burning fuels that are readily available. If your home already has a natural gas line, you'll have an unlimited supply of fuel for your generator.
5. Low Maintenance: Standby generators require minimal maintenance, such as changing the oil and air filter periodically. Some models even have self-diagnostic features that alert you when maintenance is needed.

Disadvantages of Standby Generators

1. High Upfront Cost: Standby generators are a significant investment, with prices ranging from several thousand to tens of thousands of dollars, depending on the size and features. This upfront cost can be a barrier for some homeowners. Learn more about the costs of generators in our comprehensive guide.
2. Professional Installation Required: Unlike portable generators, standby generators must be professionally installed by a licensed electrician. This adds to the overall cost of the system and can take several days to complete.
3. Limited Portability: Standby generators are permanently installed, so they can't be moved from one location to another like portable generators can. If you need backup power for multiple properties, you'll need a separate generator for each one.
4. Noise and Emissions: Although standby generators are quieter than portable generators, they still produce some noise and emissions when running. This can be a concern for homeowners with close neighbors or strict local noise ordinances.
5. Requires Fuel Storage: If your standby generator runs on propane, you'll need to have a large propane tank installed on your property. This can take up space and may not be allowed in some areas due to local regulations. 

Conclusion

Investing in a standby generator is a wise decision that provides peace of mind and ensures my home stays powered during unexpected outages. By considering factors like power output, fuel type, noise level, and essential features, I can select the best standby generator for my specific needs. While there are some drawbacks, such as higher upfront costs and installation requirements, the benefits of having a reliable backup power source far outweigh these concerns. With the increasing frequency and duration of power outages, a standby generator is an invaluable investment that keeps my home running smoothly, no matter what challenges come my way.

Q: What is a whole-house generator?

A: A whole-house generator is a backup power system designed to provide electricity to an entire home during a power outage. It automatically activates when there’s an outage, ensuring reliable power to all essential appliances.

Q: How do I choose a generator for my home?

A: Choosing a generator involves assessing your power needs, considering the watts of power required to run essential appliances, and evaluating the installation cost. It's important to select a generator that can provide power to your entire house during an outage.

Q: What are the installation costs associated with whole-house generators?

A: Installation costs for whole-house generators can vary widely based on the generator model, installation complexity, and local labor rates. On average, installation can range from $3,000 to $6,000, including the cost of the generator itself.

Q: Are Cummins generators reliable for home use?

A: Yes, Cummins generators are known for their reliability and performance. They are designed to offer consistent power for residential applications and are a popular choice among homeowners looking for a dependable backup power solution.

Q: What should I consider when selecting the best home standby generator?

A: When selecting the best home standby generator, consider factors such as power output (watts of power), fuel type, the generator's runtime, maintenance requirements, and user reviews of the best models to ensure it meets your specific needs.

Q: Can a whole-house generator power my entire home during an outage?

A: Yes, a properly sized whole-house generator can power your entire house during an outage, provided it is capable of generating enough watts of power to meet your home's electricity demands.

Q: How do Generac generators compare to other brands?

A: Generac generators are often praised for their ease of use, automatic transfer switch capabilities, and robust customer support. They are frequently rated highly in reviews of the best whole-house generators on the market.

Q: What maintenance do whole-house generators require?

A: Whole-house generators require regular maintenance to ensure reliability. This includes oil changes, filter replacements, and periodic testing to ensure the generator is operational when needed. Following the manufacturer's maintenance schedule is essential.