How to Pick the Best Home Generator - The Simple Guide

Power cuts can strike at any time - are you prepared? This guide will help you choose the best home generator to keep your family safe and comfortable.

Home Generator: A home generator is a device that generates electricity to power essential appliances and devices during power outages. It is typically powered by a fuel source such as gasoline, propane, or diesel, and can provide temporary power to a home until the grid is restored. 

Imagine a thunderstorm that knocks out power for hours or even days. 

Not a hard reality to imagine when 2020 broke the record for the year of most power outages across the US. Present-day homeowners average around seven hours of power interruptions a year, more than 100x more than it was in the early 2000s.

And the number of power outages is only rising.

With severe and extreme weather becoming more commonplace, homeowners are looking for the best home generator, as well as other new and innovative ways, to keep the lights on, appliances running, and essential devices charged up.

There's nothing worse than having a life-saving device, like a respirator, running, only to have it cut short by a power outage.

One of the best solutions is using a whole-house generator that can make all the difference between comfort and discomfort during an extended power outage or when you need access to emergency power.

But if you're new to the world of generators, it can feel a little overwhelming trying to figure out what's a worthwhile investment.

That's what this guide is all about, as we dive into how you can choose the right generator for your homes. 

We'll provide valuable insights on the types of home generators, power requirements, fuel types, portability, noise levels, and budget - everything you need to know to make an informed decision.

Let's begin.

Just want to cut straight to the action? Jump to the "A Step-By-Step Guide to Choosing the Right Generator to Power Your Home" part of the guide!

 

Why is picking the right generator for your home important?

Selecting a whole-house generator means you can supply backup power to your home.

Selecting the right whole-house generator means you'll get access to the backup power you actually need. This reduces the risk of falling short when it comes to powering your essential devices and being no better off than if you had no generator.

There are a few considerations you need to think about.

You don't want to be stuck with a generator that's too small, loud, or costly to buy and maintain. 

You also want to ensure it generates an output that's big enough to cover your electrical needs, and your devices won't be left struggling.

That's why you need to take the time to pick a generator that matches your needs, preferences, and budget.

 

An Introduction to Choosing a Modern Generator

There are two main types of home generators: portable and standby generators. 

Portable generators are ideal for occasional use and are easy to move around. They run on gasoline, propane, or diesel and come in various sizes, depending on the power output. 

On the other hand, standby generators are permanent installations that switch on automatically when the power goes out. 

They're more expensive and require professional installation, but they provide a higher power output and can run for days at a time.

There are also inverter generators that may be suitable as energy-efficient backup home generators for running several smaller appliances, but they usually don't produce enough power to keep your appliances going.

All these home generators can be fueled in different ways, including through solar power, propane, or natural gas, recharged by grid power (if you're using portable power stations that run on batteries), and so on.

That being said, there's no right or wrong answer here as to which is best since it depends on your individual needs. However, the best approach is to get clear on what you need and then go from there.

So, grab a pen and paper, and let's start to build up a picture of what kind of generator is best for you.

 

The power requirements of your home

First things first, start with the power requirements of your home.

You need to determine how much power you will need to keep the lights on, run the refrigerator, charge your phone, and power other essential appliances.

You'll also need to consider each appliance's starting and running wattage. For instance, a refrigerator requires a higher starting wattage than a running wattage.

Of course, during a power outage, you might not need all your devices turned on or charging, so list all the essential appliances and add up how much power they need to run simultaneously.

The most accurate way to do this is to go around your home and check the labels or stickers on each appliance or use an electricity usage monitor that you plug into a wall outlet and then attach your appliance. 

The latter is the best approach since older devices can experience wear and tear and a performance decline that may end up with them being less economical. 

 

Available fuel types

How your fuel your generator is important to consider because it directly influences how much you're spending to run your generator, what kind of output it can produce, how available the fuel is, and the kind of experience you'll have.

Gasoline home generators are widely available, easy to use, and offer high power output.

However, they require frequent refueling, and gasoline can be expensive.

Propane home generators are efficient, clean-burning, and have a longer shelf life than gasoline. They are also more expensive and require a larger storage tank. 

Diesel home generators are highly efficient, durable, and can run for extended periods. However, they're expensive and require professional installation.

Portability and noise level

Are you planning on keeping your portable generator in one place, or do you want to move it around?

By moving it around, we're referring to if you want to run your generator alongside your RV or while you're out camping. However, since we're looking at home generators, the chances are you'll want to keep it in one place.

Of course, portable or stationary generators can both be used at home if you desire.

If you're shopping for a portable generator, consider the weight, size, and ease of transport when choosing a portable generator. 

Noise level is another important factor to consider, especially if you live in a neighborhood with strict noise ordinances. A generator that's too loud can be a nuisance to you and your neighbors.

Your budget

The final consideration is the budget. 

Home generators come in various price ranges, and you should choose one that matches your budget. 

It's best to consider the initial cost of the generator, the cost of fuel, and the cost of maintenance. You should also factor in the price of professional installation if you choose a standby generator.

The Different Types of Home Generators

Considering your requirements, it's time to consider what kind of generator is best for you. There are a few options, so read through them all, and you should have a clearer idea of what type to focus on.

Portable generators

Portable generators are typically less expensive than standby generators and are designed to supply power to a few essential items. They're usually powered by gasoline or natural gas ( known as gas-powered portable generators) and can be moved around to different locations.

However, they are generally less powerful than a standby generator and can be quite loud.

Advantages

• Lower cost
• Portable and can be moved around
• Can power a few essential items

Disadvantages

• Less powerful than home standby generators
• Requires refueling to keep running

Standby generators

Home standby generators are designed to power an entire home and are typically (although only sometimes) more powerful than portable generators. They're typically permanently installed and are powered by natural gas or propane.

However, they're more expensive than portable generators, require professional installation, and take a ton of effort and expense to move again.

Advantages

• More powerful than portable generators
• Can power an entire home
• Permanent installation

Disadvantages

• More expensive than portable generators
• Requires professional installation
• May require a permit or inspection

Inverter Generators

Inverter Generators Explained: Pros & Cons in 4 steps // Comparison Vs. Normal Generator

Inverter generators are a popular choice for those who need portable, lightweight power for camping, tailgating, or powering small electronics during a power outage. 

Unlike conventional generators that produce AC power and can cause voltage fluctuations, inverter generators produce high-quality power that's safe for sensitive electronics.

Inverter generators offer a compact size and lightweight design, making them easy to transport from one location to another, but this does come at the cost of having a small power output. 

This is not usually enough for portable power stations like this to be used as a full home generator.

Interestingly, however, inverter generators also offer impressive fuel efficiency thanks to their innovative technology that adjusts engine speed to match power demand. 

This feature not only reduces fuel consumption but also helps to extend the lifespan of the generator.

Advantages

• Compact size and lightweight design
• Quiet operation
• Produces high-quality power that is safe for sensitive electronics
• Fuel-efficient technology

Disadvantages

• May not be powerful enough to run larger appliances or power an entire home, averaging a max power output of around 4000 watts.
• Higher price point than traditional portable generators
• May require more maintenance due to their complex technology

For powering your home, choose between using home standby generators, as they'll deliver more than enough power for all your devices.

However, there are many modern portable generators that are powerful enough to meet your needs.

A Step-By-Step Guide to Choosing the Best Home Generator to Power Your Home

Now you know everything you need to know about available generators, now it's the final step of actually choosing which unit is best for your home.

Step #1 - Determine the total power required

To determine the total power required, add up the wattage of all the appliances and electronics you need to power. 

Start by listing all the appliances you want to keep on during a power outage. These could include appliances such as the ones below, and we've included average watts of power ratings to help you ballpark the size of the portable generator you want.

• Refrigerator (100 - 400 watts): Keeping your refrigerator running during a power cut is crucial to prevent food spoilage.
• Freezer (35 watts): If you have a freezer, you'll want to keep it running to avoid losing any frozen food.
• Water pump ( 220 watts ): A generator can keep your water pump running, allowing you to access water for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
• Lights (10 - 60 watts): Power outages can be disorienting in the dark. Keeping lights on can help you move around your home safely. The power usage depends on whether the bulbs are energy-saving or not.
• Heating and cooling (750 watts): In extreme weather conditions, keeping your heating or cooling system running is important for maintaining a comfortable temperature inside your home.
• Medical equipment: If you or a family member relies on medical equipment like a CPAP machine (30- 60 watts), oxygen concentrator, or dialysis machine, keeping them running during a power cut is critical.
• Internet and communication equipment (6 watts): In today's world, staying connected is more important than ever. A generator can keep your internet and communication equipment, like phones and laptops, running.
• Garage door opener (100 watts): A generator can keep your garage door opener working, allowing you to get your car out in case of an emergency.
• Security system (4 - 15 watts): A power cut can leave your home vulnerable to break-ins. Keeping your security system running can provide peace of mind.
• Television and entertainment equipment (120 watts): Although not as essential as other appliances on this list, keeping a television or entertainment system running can provide some comfort and entertainment during an extended power cut.

Use an electricity usage monitor and check the stickers to see precisely how much energy these devices use and make a running count.

Your final figure will determine the size generator you need to use.

Step #2 - Consider the starting wattage and running wattage

The figures above are averages, and the actual electricity usage of each device will vary dramatically.

For example, a water pump will only need to be on the part of the time and only when it's in use, which may only be for a few minutes per hour. 

A freezer and refrigerator also use less electricity to keep running than it does to start up. That's because the compressor needs to turn on. 

This difference is huge.

The average freezer takes about 1,800 watts of electricity to turn on and only 180 watts of power to keep running, so if you can avoid turning your freezer off, you'll consume less.

Keeping your fridge and freezer outside will require less energy to stay cool (imagine keeping a freezer in your garage when outside temperatures are below freezing).

Lights, as well, depending on whether they're energy-saving bulbs, and air conditioners will only turn on and off as required. 

Bringing all this together, you'll see that your electricity usage can vary dramatically, so bear this in mind.

This is why using a monitor is a good idea, so you can see exactly how much you're using at any one time.

Averagely, however, this will add up to around 5,000 to 7,500 watts, so you'll be looking for a portable generator or home standby generator that size.

Step #3 - Choosing the fuel type

The fuel type that a portable generator uses is another important factor to consider. The most common fuel types for generators are gasoline, natural gas or propane, and diesel. 

Each fuel type has its advantages and disadvantages (see the section above), so it's important to consider which will work best for your needs.

Here at Krato Power, we recommend our DuroMax 13,000-watt Tri-Fuel Portable Generator that lets you get the best of every world.

These portable generators might be small, but they're punchy.

Delivering an incredible 13,000 watts of electrical power, this is enough punch to power every single appliance in your home nearly twice over. 

That means all your essential appliances can run, plus you can charge your phones and laptops, run your internet, and even run your game consoles simultaneously.

And, as the name suggests, you can run these generators on propane, gasoline, or gas right out of the box. It doesn't matter what fuel is available, what's more affordable, or what you have lying around; this generator can take it and power your home.

You'll also get access to a fantastic range of other features, including;

1. Remote control to operate the portable generator from a distance
2. An integrated carbon monoxide alert monitor for detecting dangerous fume levels, with automatic safety cut off
3. A durable construction that's built to last for years, whatever conditions you're in

And it's portable thanks to the built-in wheels, so you can set it up and take it wherever you want and make the most of these generators however you wish to use them!

Step #4 - Define your budget

Investing in a generator is not just about buying the portable generator itself but also the associated costs such as maintenance, fuel, and installation.

Generators can, of course, vary in price depending on their price depending on their output, running time, and available connections.

According to Check a Trade, generators average between $300 (1kW units) up to $7,500 (15kW units), with some larger, more commercially sized units costing up to $25,000 or more, so it depends on your budget.

The DuroMax generator sits at $2,500 with a massive 13kw (13,000 watts) output and provides seven outlets for connecting all your cables and appliances for your entire house.

Maintenance-wise, you're looking at an average of $200 to $600 a year to keep everything running optimally, and fuel will depend on what're the present costs in your area.

Following these steps, you'll be ready to decide and choose the right portable generator for your home!

Conclusion

Choosing the right generator for your home can be a complex decision, but it's essential for ensuring that you and your family are prepared for power outages. 

By simply following this guide, however, you should have no problems making the right choice. 

Ready to invest in a generator that serves you?

Here at Krato Power, we're leading experts in portable generators, inverter generators, and small engines that keep you powered up and running when you need it most.

Whether you're powering your home, office, business, or camping trip, we have everything you need to take the stresses and worries out of your electricity needs.

With the right generator and a little bit of preparation, you can rest easy knowing that you and your family will have power during any unexpected outages.