Having a backup generator sometimes is the best way to stay prepared through storms or unexpected outages, but there are so many to choose from, you may be thinking, "where do I start?" We've done the work for you by ranking dozens of backup or standby generators based on factors like pricing, warra Contact online >>
Having a backup generator sometimes is the best way to stay prepared through storms or unexpected outages, but there are so many to choose from, you may be thinking, "where do I start?" We''ve done the work for you by ranking dozens of backup or standby generators based on factors like pricing, warranty, noise level, energy output, load management and high-temperature shutdown.
Here are our top five picks for backup and standby generators.
We developed our list of the best backup generators by first identifying competitors that met basic criteria, then reviewing the 16 most widely available generators from that list and scoring them all based on 34 different attributes. We further pared our list down to the top five backup generators. Our ratings take into consideration factors like pricing, warranty, noise level, energy output, load management and high-temperature shutdown. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Why you can trust Forbes Home: The Forbes Home team is committed to bringing you independent, unbiased ratings and information. We use data and expert advice to inform all of our content. Plus, our advisory board of licensed professionals fact-checks and reviews our content for accuracy and relevancy.
Champion''s 14-kW model provides the best of both worlds in terms of power and affordability. The model retails for about $4,000 at Norwall Power Systems, placing it in the middle of price among the models we reviewed. Its energy output ranks favorably though other brands cross the 20 kW threshold.
What''s great about this model is its battery is rated to operate in temperatures ranging from -22 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit. Though it has 14,000 watts of power, the aXis Load Management Module allows homeowners to choose which appliances they need to run and which appliances would be nice to run during an outage.
The Champion 12.5-kW model has all of the same features as the 14-kW model, just less power. You''d expect a little better price for a less powerful unit, but it retails for around $3,700 at one retailer but can be found for as low as $3,350.
Champion''s 8.5-kW model will power essential home appliances and do so quietly. Its 59.5-decibel level ranked second among all the models we reviewed.At $2,779, it''s among the most affordable models we reviewed. Plus, it''s still backed by a 10-year warranty. However, it doesn''t come with a battery or with remote monitoring.
Generac is among one of the most respected generator manufacturers in the business, and its air-cooled standby generator maintains that high standard. This model is about the quietest out there for the amount of power it generates. Generac''s air-cooled standby generator will power your whole house during a power outage.
Generac touts it as the lowest cost per kilowatt of any air-cooled standby generator, but it still retails for $5,699 at The Home Depot. Of course, a higher-powered unit will cost more and it will consume more fuel than smaller models.
Generac''s Guardian 3-Phase 20kW Automatic Standby Generator brings nearly the same power as its biggest models but it doesn''t come with everything you might expect.
This model will power your entire house and you can monitor it while away from home. Generac generators have the ability to withstand 150 mph winds and offer best-in-class power.This model carries a $4,881 price tag at Northern Tool, which makes it slightly cheaper than other Generac generators that provide slightly more power.
Backup generators, as their name suggests, provide backup energy to your home appliances and devices in case of a power outage. Unlike standby generators, which are permanently installed and automatically detect a power outage and supply power when needed, backup generators are not permanent installations and are only meant to provide temporary power in instances when power fails.
Backup generators are not able to automatically detect a power outage in the way that their standby counterparts can. Instead, when there is an outage, the generator''s engine must be manually started, meaning you must be on-site to get it running. Once it''s turned on, power is created by setting up extension cords directly from the generator to any desired appliances.
Installing a backup generator for your home must be completed by a professional.The cost to purchase and install a backup generator that provides between 8 and 24 kW or enough electricity to power most appliances and some devices in small homes or critical appliances in large homes averages around $5,000 and ranges from $3,000 to $9,000 depending on size and the complexity of the installation. The price of the generator itself is only part of the total cost.
The price of the generator you purchase will depend mainly on its electrical output. The products listed in this review range from about $3,200 to $5,500. However, smaller backup generators that power only minimal critical devices are available for as little as $300, while whole-house or commercial generators of up to 48 kW can be purchased for $25,000.
The typical cost for labor to install a backup generator in your home ranges from $1,500 to $5,000, depending on the size of the model you choose and the complexity of the installation. Items such as a concrete pad to rest the unit on adds $50 to $75 per square foot, while installing a transfer switch can add between $800 and $2,000 to the project.
The amount of power you think you''ll need for your house during an outage is critical to picking the right generator. If you''re comfortable with just keeping the most vital components of your home running, you could get by with a generator with less power. But if you want full power as usual, you''re looking at bigger generators.
A typical home needs around a 20,000-watt generator to power everything while a 5,000- to 7,500-watt generator can power items like a refrigerator, furnace and water. Pay special attention to a generator''s starting watts rating and its running watts rating. Starting watts skew higher because they account for the extra power needed to start appliances.
The fuel you''ll use to power a generator will likely be the same type as you use for your home because standby generators tap into existing gas lines. Propane gas runs more expensive than natural gas and has experienced shortages in years past, but propane is more efficient than natural gas.
Another consideration related to the fuel source your generator runs on is how much of it is needed to operate the machine. Generally, the more electrical output a generator can produce, the more fuel it will need to burn. Although backup generators can run on several types of fuel, the most common ones, and the models in our review, can be fitted to run on natural gas (NG) or propane (LP).
Fuel consumption ratings are typically provided in gallons per hour of propane or LP, and cubic feet per hour of natural gas when the generator operates at 50% power. Expect fuel consumption ratings at half-load to be around 1 gallon NG or 98 cubic feet of LP per hour for an 8.5 kW unit and around twice that for a 20 to 22-kW generator.
If you''re planning to tap into an existing gas line, then the installation is pretty straightforward. However, it''s best to leave the work to a pro. Installation can get complicated depending upon the levelness of the spot you want the generator installed, possible building permits and the need for an electrician. AlltimePower suggests a rule of thumb for estimating installation costs for a generator to be about 75% of the cost of the generator.
Few things are as jarring as when a home loses power during a storm. Panic-searching for candles or other lighting devices is stressful, not to mention sweating the refrigerator situation as food and frozen items begin to warm.
A standby generator kicks on as soon as there is a power outage so you don''t have to worry about spoilage or fumbling around to find a flashlight. Plus, with uninterrupted power, you can remain informed on any developments with a storm.
A standby generator provides additional security against other events that can cause a power outage, like an electrical overload, a nearby downed power line or an overtaxed air conditioning unit. A standby generator can be a lifesaver during hot weather when the power goes out.
These days most people backup their computer files to the cloud, but for those who don''t, a power outage has the potential to lead to a loss of digital information. For those who have home servers or work in IT from home, having an emergency power source is vital.
For those who require medical devices to be powered at all times, having a standby generator is a sound idea. Having a fuel-powered backup generator might not be easy for someone with medical issues to get running as it would be to have a standby generator in place.
Standby generators are certainly worth the investment if you need constant power, like the security of uninterrupted power or live in an area with frequent power outages. For those with medical devices in their homes that require electricity, a generator is a must-have. A backup generator also is handy for keeping your security system devices operating during a blackout or weather event, along with powering your Wi-Fi system to keep you connected.
To determine the best backup generator, the Forbes Home Improvement editorial team analyzed 16 major products, with each product''s star rating determined by evaluating a variety of metrics, including:
Because a homeowner’s buying decision often comes down to cost, pricing was a major determining factor in our review. MSRP listed prices are from the manufacturers’ websites, while estimated prices and installation costs have been averaged from third-party cost evaluation sites and retailer listings from sources such as Home Depot, Amazon, Lowe’s, and others, if specified.
Consumer protections are a crucial factor when choosing a big-ticket item such as a backup generator. Typical generator warranties range from 3 to 10 years. Longer warranties were awarded higher ratings in our review.
Each generator we reviewed was evaluated based on the noise level (dbA) listed by the manufacturers. Lower noise levels scored higher and carried a 15% factor in our decision.
Although the total energy output needed for each consumer varies according to the size of their home and their electrical consumption needs, we awarded higher points based on the efficient transfer of energy from fuel to electrical current.
Generator load management increases efficiency and prevents overloading the system. The tool protects your investment. Each generator was awarded a slightly higher rating score if it offered a load management option.
High-temperature shutdown ability is important for protecting your generator from damage due to overheating. Points were awarded to generators possessing a high-temperature shutdown feature.
During a power outage, a typical standby generator can run for two to three weeks if connected to a gas line. A standby generator can last between 20 and 40 years with proper maintenance. Proper maintenance does include running the generator for about half an hour weekly while checking oil, keeping it clear of snow or other debris and performing other maintenance tasks.
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