Best Home Generators of 2024

March 29, 2024      

Choosing the right generator is more than a simple purchase; it's an investment in comfort and peace of mind. While portable generators offer a quick fix, they often require more setup and deliver less power. On the other hand, a standby generator is like having your own personal power station, ready to light up your entire home at a moment's notice, without any intervention from you. It is crucial to select the appropriate generator that meets your requirements and installation needs.

When purchasing a house generator, make a list of your key appliances (refrigerator, lighting, air conditioner) and estimate their wattage needs. This will assist you in figuring out how much watts (power output) your generator will need to produce.

When evaluating the runtime needed, take into account the fuel consumption and the normal duration of outages in your area. Most portable generators are gasoline-powered and generally can keep lights on and fridges running, but little more, for several hours. They can't be depended on for longer-term backups, such as when you expect power to be out for several days.

Natural gas generators need to be permanently connected to a home's natural gas supply; the generator can operate as long as the gas supply remains uninterrupted. Generally, natural gas and propane are considered cleaner-burning sources of fuel and provide on-demand sources of power. In our quest to find the best home generators, we've delved into the details, scrutinizing factors like size, wattage, fuel source, battery life, and maintenance requirements across dozens of models.

Best Overall: Generac Guardian 24kW Standby Generator, Model 7209

Air-cooled generators are the typical choice for backup residential power. This type of generator offers simple maintenance and affordability. The Generac Guardian 24kW is one of the largest air-cooled generators available, providing up to 24,000 watts of power when connected to a propane fuel supply. Homeowners looking for a generator that can handle increased power demands will appreciate this capable unit. It also offers Wi-Fi capabilities so you can keep tabs on the unit’s operation from anywhere.

This popular generator model maximizes power output but minimizes space requirements. The housing of the unit is 4 feet long and 2 feet wide, which is larger than the most compact generators available but on par with typical whole-home generators. Generac also equipped this unit with a Quiet-Test weekly self-test mode that operates at just 57 decibels. During regular operation, the generator is rated for 67 decibels, which is average operating noise but impressive for a generator of this power capacity. Keep in mind that this model doesn’t include a transfer switch, so you’ll need to purchase that separately.

Best Budget: Generac PowerPact 7,500 Watt Generator

A basic but well-equipped home generator, the Generac PowerPact is an excellent budget buy. Designed to serve as a backup generator for the most essential appliances, this model includes an automatic transfer switch that can cover up to eight circuits. It supplies up to 7,500 watts of power when using propane but can also operate on natural gas—however power output is limited to 6,000 watts.

As expected for a bare-bones generator, this model doesn’t have the ability for Wi-Fi monitoring. It also lacks an engine hour meter, but an aftermarket meter can be installed to help you keep up with routine oil changes and maintenance. To make maintenance and repairs easier, three sides of the aluminum enclosure are removable.

Learn more at South Shore Generator Sales & Service, contact us.

Source: thespruce.com

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