Searching for a Home Generator? Keep These Things In Mind

March 7, 2025      

Choosing the right generator for your home is a matter of balancing cost with the power output you need. Here’s everything you should consider when shopping for a generator.

Cost

The cost of a home generator is directly tied to the fuel type and power output. Generators that use gasoline are generally the most affordable. Gas powered generators range in cost from $500 for a 3,600 watt portable model up to $1,000 for a large 9,500 watt portable generator. Standby generators that can produce up to 18,000 watts or more can cost $6,000 to $10,000, not including the cost of installation.

Power station generators that use rechargeable batteries are considerably more expensive for the amount of power they produce. A 4,000 watt portable power station costs around $3,000.

Power requirements

Purchase a generator that will provide enough power to suit your needs. If you’re only looking for a generator to power small appliances, lights, and tools, a 2,000 to 3,000 watt generator should suffice. Looking for a generator to provide emergency power for heating and cooling or to power larger appliances like a refrigerator for an extended period? You’ll want a generator that produces between 6,000 and 10,000 watts. If you want to power your entire home during an outage, go with a generator that produces at least 10,000 watts.

Not sure what size generator you need? List the appliances you want to power, then add up each appliance's total starting watts and running watts (if it has a motor). Purchase a generator that can handle the combined wattage of these appliances without exceeding 90% of its capacity.

Fuel

Generators run on gasoline, liquid propane, natural gas, or rechargeable batteries. Gas generators give you the best bang for your buck. They are cheaper than power stations, produce greater wattage and can run indefinitely, as long as you have a supply of fuel on hand. That said, they’re also loud, produce toxic exhaust fumes that require them to be set up outdoors and away from the home, and require more maintenance. Power stations or solar generators may be pricey and have limited output, but they run in near silence and are safe to use indoors.

Size

The size and weight of a generator is directly proportional to its power output. A small 2,200 watt gas-powered inverter style generator is about the size of a tool box and weighs less than 50 lbs. A large capacity 4,000 watt portable power station is similar in size to a piece of carry-on luggage and weighs around 100 lbs. Large gas powered portable power stations are bigger and can weigh upwards of 200 lbs. or more. Standby generators weigh hundreds of pounds, require permanent installation outside of your home and are typically about the size of two central AC units. Final thoughts on the best home generators

When shopping for a generator for your home, purchasing one that meets your electricity demands is crucial. A smaller generator will suffice if you only want to keep the fridge cool and some lights on during a power outage. If you want your home to function the same as it does on the grid, then you may want to consider a large portable generator or even invest in a standby generator. Fuel type is also a consideration. While gas powered generators offer the most output and longevity, power stations are a nice alternative if you don’t want the noise and exhaust fumes that come with a gas powered machine.

If you are considering a generator for your home, contact South Shore Generator Sales & Service and get started on your backup power plans!

Source: SFGate

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