There’s no denying that homeowners here in the United States are increasingly grappling with the challenges posed by the country’s ageing power grid and rising energy prices. These frequent blackouts, whether caused by severe weather, infrastructure failures, or grid overloads, disrupt daily life and pose significant inconveniences. As energy costs continue to soar, finding a reliable and cost-effective backup power source has become more important than ever. This is where a whole house generator comes into play.
In this article, we will explore what is the best whole home generator, provide tips for choosing one, and discuss some other critical factors to help you choose right backup power for your home.
Different Types of Whole Home Generators
Whole house generators come in various types, and each has its own sets of advantages and drawbacks:
Standby Generators
These generators are permanently installed outside the home and connected directly to the electrical system. Standby generators typically run either on natural gas, propane or diesel. Depending on the transfer switch used, these generators automatically activate during power outages, providing reliable power to the household. The drawback for these generators, however, is that they can be expensive to install and maintain.
Portable Generators
These generators are versatile and can be moved from one location to another. Portable generators usually run on gasoline or diesel, and there are portable solar generators, too. They require manual setup and operation and are more affordable than standby generators. The disadvantage of portable generators is that they offer limited power and shorter run times.
Related Article: Generator for Mobile Home
Solar Generators
For homeowners looking to reduce their carbon footprint and reliance on fossil fuels, solar generators are the ideal choice for a whole home generator. These generators harness energy from the sun through solar panels and store it in batteries to be used when needed. Solar generators, compared to their conventional counterparts, are environmentally friendly, quiet, and more cost-effective in the long run.
Key Considerations for Best Whole Home Generator
Choosing the best whole home generator involves several key considerations. This decision is not just about finding a unit that fits within your budget, but it is also ensuring that the generator can deliver your specific power needs and integrates well with your home’s existing electrical system. Here is a list of a few things to consider when you’re looking for a whole house generator:
Power Requirements
One vital step that you should take when choosing a generator for your home is to determine your household’s power needs first. You can do this by simply listing down the essential appliances and their wattage. Doing this will help you choose a generator that can handle your load during an outage.
Continue reading for more tips to help you determine the ideal generator size to run a whole house.
Fuel Type
Conventional generators typically use fuels to run, including natural gas, propane, diesel and gasoline. While homeowners often prefer the first two mentioned fuels because of convenience and longer shelf-life, diesel and gasoline are more readily available. However, a better alternative to traditional fuel-based units is solar-powered generators, as these generators use renewable energy, eliminating the need for fossil fuels, which is more cost-efficient and eco-friendly.
Noise Level
Some generators can be quite noisy to run, which can be a nuisance. If this is a concern for you and your neighbors, look for models with noise-reduction features.
Installation and Maintenance
Standby generators often require professional installation, which can add to the cost. Another factor to consider is the generator's maintenance requirements, such as servicing and fuel management.
Environmental Impact
If you’re environmentally conscious, a solar generator would be an excellent choice as it reduces greenhouse gas emissions and reliance on non-renewable resources. Traditional generators run on fossil fuels that emit significant amounts of greenhouse gasses, which are harmful to the environment.
Budget
Of course, another important factor to consider is your budget for a whole home generator. Although standby generators offer robust performance, they can become more expensive. Portable and solar generators can be more budget-friendly options.
What size generator do I need to run a whole house?
Determining the right size generator for your home is crucial as this will ensure that it can handle your power needs without overloading. Here’s a quick guide to help you calculate the appropriate size:
- List all the essential appliances and systems you need to run during an outage. These could include refrigerators, HVAC systems, lights, or essential medical equipment.
- Next, calculate the wattage. Look for the wattage of each appliance, usually found on the label or in the user manual. Add the wattage of all the essential appliances you want to power to get a total.
Note that some appliances, like refrigerators and air conditioners, require more power to start than when running continuously. So, make sure to factor in the starting wattage or surge wattage. A good rule of thumb is to add a safety margin of about 20% to 30% to our overall wattage to account for additional power needs or future appliances. - You can also consider consulting a professional electrician to accurately assess your energy requirements. They can help you determine your household’s power requirements and recommend a suitable generator size.
Quick Tip: A generator with a 5,000 to 7,000-watt capacity can deliver the energy requirements of a typical household. However, larger homes or households with higher power demands may require a generator with a 10,000-watt capacity or higher.
The Best Whole-Home Generator
Looking at the various types of generators, the best option may be solar generators for their numerous benefits. Solar generators produce clean energy, reducing your carbon footprint and reliance on already depleting fossil fuels. They do not emit greenhouse gases, making them an eco-friendly choice. Solar generators operate silently in terms of noise pollution, making them ideal for residential areas where noise can be a concern.
As for costs, although the initial investment for a whole-house solar generator and solar panels can be high, solar generators offer long-term savings. In addition, there are federal and state incentives for homeowners who install solar systems in their residences. You can read more about the Federal Solar Tax Credit here.
Compared to traditional generators, solar generators have fewer moving parts, which means it requires lower maintenance. A maintenance for a whole-house solar generator only usually requires routine cleaning of solar panels and periodic battery checks.
For reliable, efficient, and user-friendly solar generators, you can check out our whole-home generators at Nature’s Generator. Powerhouse is an all-in-one solar generator system that includes solar panels, battery storage, and inverter. It is designed to be easy to set up and use, making it an excellent choice for homeowners new to solar power. Even better, our systems are designed to be scalable, which means you can expand your set-up as your household’s energy demands increase.
Let’s Wrap Up
Choosing the best whole-home generator involves careful planning and consideration of several factors. Although traditional standby generators have their merits, solar generators are becoming a compelling alternative with numerous benefits.
Investing in a whole-home generator is a worthwhile decision, especially beneficial if you live in an area prone to power outages. With the right generator, you will have peace of mind knowing that you are prepared for any power failures that can come your way.
We want to give credit where credit is due. Professional writer, Ishna Sablaya, contributed research and content to this blog titled: What is The Best Whole Home Generator. Thank you, Ishna, for your contributions!
