Which generator should i buy for my home

Certain models produce enough energy to meet all the power demands in a home. It can be connected to a breaker panel with a transfer switch to run hardwired equipment, such as a well pump.

It's noisier than large inverter and home standby generators. It usually runs only on gasoline and uses a lot of it compared with inverters. And it's bulky; most weigh close to pounds. It shouldn't be used in rain or snow without protection, such as an open-sided tent. It can be connected to your breaker panel to run hardwired equipment, such as a well pump. It's quiet and produces steady power ideal for sensitive electronics, such as stereo equipment.

And it's fuel-efficient. Cons: It's expensive. It can power everything in a typical home simultaneously, up to its maximum output. It can be set up to run indefinitely on natural gas or can be fueled by propane. There's no need to connect cables, flip a switch, or start the engine. Cons: With few exceptions, it's more expensive than other types of generators. Installation costs can run into the thousands—and they're not included in the price range we list above. Editor's Note: A version of this article also appeared in the September issue of Consumer Reports magazine.

It has been updated to reflect new safety advice and newly tested models. Damaging storms can happen anytime. As a classically trained chef and an enthusiastic DIYer, I've always valued having the best tool for a job—whether the task at hand is dicing onions for mirepoix or hanging drywall. When I'm not writing about home products, I can be found putting them to the test, often with help from my two young children, in the s townhouse I'm restoring in my free time. Sign In. Become a Member.

Remember Me. Forgot username or password? Not a member? Need further assistance? Please call Member Services at How to Choose the Right Size Generator. CR's experts help you find the best model for backup power when the lights go out. Consumer Reports recommends a portable generator only if it passes our newly expanded CO safety technology test.

Even if your generator has this potentially lifesaving feature, we still advise consumers to follow our longstanding safety guidelines: Always operate a generator a minimum of 20 feet from your home, with the exhaust directed away from any windows, doors, air conditioners, and other structures.

Consider these options to make sure you get the best generator for your needs. More brands than ever offer models with this technology, including heavyweights such as Generac, Honda, and Ryobi. In fact, we have over a dozen generators in our ratings with a CO safety shutoff. Low-CO Engine An additional safety feature that brands such as Ryobi and Echo are using to guard against risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Automatic Start When the power goes off, the generator goes on—without you lifting a finger. Electric Start Several portable models offer this push-button alternative to the hassle of pull-starting the engine. Stationary models have automatic starting. Alternative Fuel Capacity Most portable models run only on gasoline, though some come equipped to run on a propane tank or natural-gas line and others can be converted with kits. Fuel Gauge Especially during long blackouts, you may appreciate the ability to see at a glance how much fuel remains in your portable generator.

Low-Oil Shutoff If oil falls below minimum levels, the generator shuts down to prevent engine damage.

See the next section on transfer switches. Removable Console This connects to the generator so that you can plug in appliances without running potentially risky extension cords outdoors. The short answer: It safely connects a home standby or portable generator to your circuit panel via one cable. And a transfer switch is infinitely more convenient. With a transfer switch, you can power entire circuits in your home with no extension cords. With a stationary model, the transfer switch turns on automatically.

Be sure to have your electrician walk you through the procedure. One tip that will make prioritizing easier is to determine which outlets and appliances are controlled by each circuit breaker in your panel, and label them accordingly. That way, you can make sure the electrician connects the circuits for all your essentials. Want to save money? We respect your privacy. All email addresses you provide will be used just for sending this story. Sign In. Become a Member.

Remember Me. Forgot username or password? Not a member? Need further assistance? Please call Member Services at Sign in or Become a Member. Generator Buying Guide Last updated: July 20, An electric stovetop requires nearly twice the power that a microwave needs, and if you have the latter, the former is non-essential.

Many of these essential appliances use more wattage when they are first starting up than when they run through their cycle.

This is called surge wattage, and it is important to account for it when calculating the size of the generator you need to keep them running during a power outage. For example, a central air conditioning unit weighing two tons needs 3, watts to run but 8, to cycle on.

Similarly, a refrigerator can run on watts but requires 2, at the beginning of its cycle. You could overload your generator if you fail to account for the surge wattage. There are a couple of ways to find out the exact surge wattage for your particular appliances.

If your appliance still has a label from the manufacturer, it should carry the information as well. Having identified the essential appliances you need to run and calculated both the wattage needed to run them and the surge wattage needed to start them up, this gives you your upper power need limit. When you purchase your generator , look for one that is slightly above it. This prevents you from overloading your generator, which can not only shorten its useful life but potentially harm your appliances and electronics as well.

Generators usually come in predetermined sizes, such as 8. If your desired wattage falls between the two sizes, round up to the larger one. For example, if you need a generator that provides at least 10, kilowatts, the best choice would be the A kilowatt generator would waste money producing much more power than you need, but an 8.

Once you choose a generator that slightly exceeds your power needs, you still have to keep it running , probably for hours at a time. Selecting a high-efficiency generator helps you to save money on fuel.