Our shortlisted top 5 best whole house generator reviews can help you to find the best standby generator for home use that is suitable for your house!
No matter where in the world you live in, having a backup power source for your home is a smart idea. You never know when an emergency power outage can happen.
If you are not prepared, you might have to spend hours, if not days without any electricity which in this day and age, is unthinkable. And the best way to prevent that is by installing a best standby generator for your house.
A generator is a great tool to have to get you through these situations. With a good generator taking care of your emergency needs, you do not have to feel scared and insecure in case of power outages.
But finding the right generator is easier said than done. Not many people have the prerequisite knowledge required to make the correct choice when buying a generator to cover the entire house. That is where we come in.
In this article, we will take a look at a few of the highly reliable whole house generators to take care of all your necessary appliances without any issue.
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Best Whole House Generator – Top 5 Reviews of 2023
If you do not have any previous idea on the topic, it might be difficult to figure out which is the best product. Without the proper knowledge, you risk making the mistake of investing in a unit that cannot serve you well. However, you do not need to be intimidated cause we are here to guide you.
In the following section of the article, we will give you a quick rundown of the top 5 whole house generators that you can buy from the market without any regrets.
1. Kohler 20kw Whole House Generator
Starting up our list is a well-made unit by a well-known brand. This 20-kilowatt generator by Kohler shows how the company gathered its goodwill with the people in its features and build quality. It comes with an anti-corrosion enclosure that further enhances the durability of the unit.
The device provides clean power to all the electronics in your house without any trouble. Because of its 20000-watt capacity, you can safely power your entire home and all the electronic equipment. When the power goes out suddenly, the 200-amp transfer switch safely routes the power through the generator.
In essence, it is a standby generator. Thanks to the auto-start technology, you do not have to worry about turning it up every time the power goes out. After the initial setup, you can leave it wherever it is, and as long as there is fuel in it, it will start up automatically.
In addition to auto startup, it also features excellent noise reduction technology. Noise can be a hassle with any powerful generators, and this unit tackles it quite effectively. The device also comes with a fantastic air-cooling system. Add that with the durable enclosure, the unit is protected both inside and outside.
Pros:
- High power capacity
- Low noise operation
- Auto startup technology
Cons:
- Initial set up cost is high
For the people looking to power their home efficiently, this unit is no doubt one of the best choices. It brings you an excellent build-quality, and fantastic features which are worth every penny you pay for it.
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2. Generac 7043 Home Standby Generator
Coming in at close second, this high-quality standby generator is just the device to get for anyone with massive power needs at home. It promises clean power because of the True Power Technology integrated into the unit. With a total power capacity of 22 kW, this generator is a beastly machine.
This generator comes with a pressure-lubricated engine that brings you reliable performance with little to no maintenance. The tough aluminum exterior of the device is coated with Rhino Coat powder that makes it resistant to corrosion, further extending its lifespan.
The device also comes with an LCD display with multi-language support enabled. You can monitor things like battery status, maintenance requirements, etc. with a simple glance. Additionally, you can pair your smartphone with it and check the status of the device anytime, anywhere.
Furthermore, it runs with a lower RPM that translates to quieter operation and less fuel consumption. It also has auto-start and shut-off enabled to save you the hassle of running to the generator in case the power runs out suddenly. This feature prevents a lot of waste when it comes to fuel.
Pros:
- Durable Aluminum enclosure
- Bright LCD display
- Requires low maintenance
Cons:
- Louder than expected
Despite being a bit louder than what you initially expect it to be, the other sectors of the device are well-built. If you can compromise on the noise factor, there is no good reason not to invest in this whole house generator.
3. Briggs & Stratton 10000-watt Standby Generator
Do not let the 10-kW power tag fool you. This machine is capable of handling major household power requirements without breaking a sweat. In fact, manufacturer claims that this machine can handle all the requirements of a 4200 sq. Feet home equipped two 3- ton air conditioner.
Because of the Symphony II Power Management system in the device, it is capable of delivering power to even the most demanding appliances despite its lower capacity. On the plus side, it saves you a lot of money on fuel. Since it delivers a lower wattage of power, it requires less fuel.
This robust generator comes enclosed in a Galvanneal Steel enclosure. An extra coating of black powder ensures that it is protected against corrosion, moisture, and any other environmental hazards. The unit is certified for meeting all the safety standards of the National Fire Protection Agency.
Looking at the control panel, you get a digital display with a clutter-free UI that tracks and monitors your maintenance interval and fuel status. Thanks to the auto start technology, you do not have to start it up every time the power dies. Just wait 30 seconds, and you will see your house light up as the generator kicks in.
Pros:
- Low fuel consumption
- Strong and durable enclosure
- Safe to use
Cons:
- Not very affordable as a 10-kW generator
Briggs and Stratton have been producing generators for a long time and looking at this product; you can clearly see how far they have come over the years. This generator is a perfect addition to any household.
4. Briggs and Stratton 8000 Watt Standby Generator
As you can see, another product from Briggs and Stratton made its way to our list of best whole house generators. And similar to the previous product, this one is also a low power unit, that deceptively holds enough strength to power demanding appliances without breaking a sweat.
Its total power capacity is 8 kW, which may seem too low for the entire house at first glance. However, the 50-amp transfer switch is more than capable of handling all the power requirements of any basic household. And thanks to the low wattage, the fuel consumption is also quite low.
Durability-wise, this machine is built like a tank. The transfer switch is one of the critical components of a generator. And in this unit, the switch comes encased in a weather-resistant enclosure. Furthermore, the exterior of the machine is made using Galvanneal steel, which resists corrosion and can withstand any weather conditions.
One of the best features of the unit is its Quick Response system that can monitor power outages and turn on or shut off the generator automatically. With some extra investment, you could get a wireless monitor to track the conditions of the unit remotely. Despite all the excellent features in the unit, the price is very reasonable.
Pros:
- Durable build quality
- Quick Response system
- Low fuel consumption
Cons:
- Wireless monitor sold separately
For anyone looking to buy a fantastic unit without breaking the bank, this generator is a perfect choice. All the features of the unit show how the manufacturers were unwilling to compromise with the quality.
5. Generac 7040 Home Standby Generator
Finishing off our list of reviews, we have another device from Generac. This device, despite being the last one we review, should not be underestimated. It has a large 20 kW power capacity and plenty of features under the hood to keep even the neediest of user occupied.
Do not make the mistake of rushing to your decision when you look at the unit the first time. It may not look much, but the construction of the unit is robust and sturdy, making it one of the most durable units on the market. Featuring an aluminum steel enclosure, it comes coated with Rhino Coat powder finish to ensure you get a long life out of it.
The G-force engine in the unit is capable of dishing out 18-20 kW of power in case of sudden outages. With such high capacity, you will be able to run any demanding appliance in your house. Furthermore, it comes with a 200-amp transfer switch capable of detecting power loss and starting up in an instant.
Thanks to the auto-start, you can sleep at night in peace, knowing that the generator will handle itself when the power goes out. Add that up with its low noise operation, and you get a perfect unit in your hands. It also comes with a monitoring system that can be paired with your smartphone to remotely monitor fuel levels and maintenance status of the device.
Pros:
- Amazing build quality
- High power capacity
- Remote monitoring system
Cons:
- Not very pleasing aesthetically
Let’s face it; looks do not matter all that much if the device can serve you well during emergency outages. If you are looking for a functional unit that does its job perfectly, you cannot go wrong with this machine.
Best Whole House Generator – A Definitive Buying Guide
Buying a generator with enough juice to power an entire house is no easy task. You need to consider several different factors if you are to end up with the best product. Most people who buy it without enough information about the subject, end up with a unit that is not capable of providing sufficient power to the house.
To ensure you end up with the right device, in the following section of the article, we will take a look at some of the things you should consider when buying the best standby generator for home use.
1. Power
This factor really comes as a no-brainer when you are looking to buy a whole house generator. To check if the device you are getting has enough power, you need to add up the total wattage consumption of the electronics in your house and cross-check it with that of the generator.
2. Size
The size of a whole house generator is measured in kilowatts. It dictates the total load capacity of a specific device, which is a vital aspect of what makes the right product. Ideally, you would want a unit that has a minimum size of 20 kilowatts. Any less, and you might end up with something that is less than perfect for your needs.
3. Fuel Type
A generator typically uses three types of fuels, propane, diesel or natural gas. You should make your decision based on which fuel source is more available to you. Some generators even have alternate power options that allow you to use more than one fuel type. It might be a viable route if you want some flexibility in your selection of fuel.
4. Ease of Installation
Although, in most cases, you would not be setting up the device yourself, it might be worth checking if it is easy to install. If you are a DIY-person and want to take the hassle yourself, this factor is even more critical. You should get an instruction manual with any generator you buy to provide the information required for installation.
5. Durability
With any new device you purchase, durability is always a concern. You want to make sure there is no compromise with the build quality of the unit. Furthermore, take a look at whether you will have the manufacturers’ support if any problem occurs with your device.
6. Noise
With any powerful generators, noise is a major issue. If you do not want to deal with the loud buzz and hum created when producing electricity, you should look for a unit that features some sort of noise cancellation technology. It might seem like a small thing, but you would be amazed and frustrated with how loud the noise gets in no time.
7. Additional Features
You should actively look for any additional utility that may come with a generator when choosing one. Something as small as transport wheels make it easier for you to move it around and set it up wherever you wish. Other features to check when buying a generator are, auto shut-off, alternate fuel capability, automatic start, etc.
How to Set Up A Whole House Generator
In the next section of the article, we will give you a step by step guideline on how to set up a generator for your entire house.
- The first step is to identify the appliances you want to power with the generator. Calculate the amount you would need, and cross-check with the ability of the machine you have in your hand.
- Next, you want to install a wiring system. There are a few different options you can choose; we will go with an interlock kit. These are easy to install and comes with all the instructions required for set up. However, in some areas, interlock kits are not legal. So, make sure you check up on the laws regarding its use for your specific region.
- You need to install an inlet box on an outside wall of your house. This box will allow you to hook up the generator to the rest of the house. It is best to leave this job to the professional; otherwise, your insurance might not cover any damages caused because of it.
- Position the generator according to the recommendation of the manufacturers. Additionally, you would want the generator to have some sort of shade above it and a base to keep it above ground, to protect it against rainfall or snow.
- Connect the generators’ cord to the inlet box and make any other necessary connections to the generator.
- Double-check the engine, and fuel levels. Depending on the unit, the engine might require preheating.
- Turn on the generator
- You can test out the connection by turning off the power at the mains. If everything goes well, your house should now be powered through the generator in case of power failures.
A generator is not something to be taken lightly. You can easily hurt yourself if you are not careful and do not know what you are doing.
If you are not confident about your ability, it would be wise to hire a certified professional to set up the device for you. Although it might cost you some money, it would ensure that your health and life are not put at risk.
Safety Tips When Using A Generator
Now that you know how to set up your generator, you must be itching to set it up in your home. However, before you leave us, there are some words of caution that we should give you. Safety is a prime concern whenever you are operating a device capable of delivering high powered currents.
The tips mentioned below will help you prevent any accidents that may happen due to wrongly handling the generator.
- Generators emit carbon monoxide fumes, which can be deadly when inhaled. So, you should never operate it in closed space. Always keep the generator in a well-ventilated environment, preferably outside.
- When connecting appliances to the generator, make sure you are using heavy-duty cords instead of flimsy ones.
- Before plugging the appliances, make sure to turn on the generator first. Turn your devices one after the other slowly in case of power outages. Turning on all of them at once runs the risk of overloading your unit.
- Do not keep the generator in a wet condition. In the rainy season, make sure you place the device in a place where rainwater cannot gather up. Additionally, make sure your hands are dry before operating it. Remember, electricity and water do not make a good combination.
- When putting in fresh fuel, make sure the generator is turned off and cool.
- Do not let children come near the device, especially when it is running.
- Do not touch the generator when it is active.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Ideally, you would want a unit that has a minimum of 6000 watts of power. However, this value changes if you want to run multiple demanding appliances such as air conditioners. A minimum of 8000 watts of power should suffice for any average homeowner.
Hiring a professional electrician to install a new generator is always a smart idea, especially if you do not know what you are doing. Our section on how to set up a generator should give you a general idea on the process if you want to do it yourself.
Yes, definitely. With a whole house generator, you will be sure that you do not need to worry about power outages. During emergency situations, power may go out for days on end. Without a whole house generator, you will be stuck in your house, without even a single light, let alone other things such as heating or air conditioning.
A standby generator is a device that is always on but stays idle until it detects a power outage. When the power goes out, the unit automatically turns on restoring the power to the house without requiring you to start it up manually. These are the perfect choice for whole house generators since you do not need to take the hassle of waking up in the middle of the night to turn it on.
Usually, portable generators are better suited for parties or garages. They come in handy when you need emergency powers to run a few appliances. But when it comes to supplying power to a house, they fall short in strength. That is why it is better to go with a stand-by unit to meet the power requirements of any house.
Final Thoughts
With a generator standing by, you do not have to worry about sudden power outages during storms or other disasters. You will be safe knowing that all the appliances in your house will keep running smoothly as long as there is fuel in the tank. We hope our article on the best whole house generator could help you find the right unit for your home.
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