A whole house generator is a great way to keep your home powered up during power outages. But before you start shopping for one, it’s important to know what to look for.
Choosing the right generator can be tricky, but it doesn’t have to be. Using a whole house generator comparison chart can help you choose the best model for your needs.
Engine Capacity
One of the most important things to consider when shopping for a whole house generator is its engine capacity. These units have gas engines that convert chemical energy into rotational energy and then convert it to electricity.
There are many different types of gas generators on the market, so it’s important to understand the specific features that matter most to you. For example, if you have a large family or a lot of high-powered appliances, you’ll want to choose a model with the biggest motor, but you might not need an engine that is capable of turning in a million watts of power.
The best way to find out which is right for you is to use our free whole house generator sizing calculator. This tool will give you a quick estimate of the appropriate generator size for your home and show you the top rated generators. Then you can compare them in real time to find the best match for your needs.
Power Output
Whole house generators offer backup power to your home’s critical devices in case of a power cut. This means that they can prevent the disruption of food spoiling, air conditioning systems and other household electronic appliances when the power goes off.
The power output of a generator is a crucial factor to consider when shopping for one. This can be measured in watts where a higher wattage rating will provide more power to your household appliances.
This is important because it can help you determine the right size generator for your needs. A generator that is too small can’t adequately supply power to your entire home while a generator that is too large can waste fuel and may not be able to handle certain appliances.
To calculate the total wattage you need for your generator, use the wattage guide below and write down the watts of all the appliances and systems in your home. Once you’ve gathered these numbers, add them to your calculator results and divide by 1000 to get kilowatts.
Efficiency
A whole house generator is a backup, or standby, generator that provides power to all of your household devices and appliances when utility power goes out. They supply power to air conditioning, refrigerators, water heaters, well pumps, and septic pumps.
One of the biggest benefits of a whole house generator is that it operates more efficiently than a portable unit. Its large motors are liquid-cooled and can run for longer periods of time without overheating or wasting fuel.
This is a huge benefit in areas that experience frequent, prolonged power outages. In the most extreme situations, a whole house generator can provide a reliable source of electricity for days or even weeks, helping to protect you and your family.
These units are installed outside of your home and connected to a fuel line, typically natural gas or propane. They produce between 22 and 40 kilowatts (kW) of power, which is enough to power all of your household appliances and devices.
Noise Level
Generators produce a lot of noise during their normal operation. Fortunately, there are several ways you can make them quieter.
The most important thing to keep in mind is that everyone hears differently. It’s very difficult to create a universal sound-level measurement that applies to everyone.
Rather than providing a decibel rating, generator manufacturers will often use microphones to measure the noise produced by a generator set and compare it to ambient noise.
This method is very accurate because it takes into account the reverberation time of both the generator set and ambient noise.
This is why you should always get a full noise level reading before making any noise mitigation decisions for your generator. This way you can be sure to comply with local codes and avoid any issues with your neighbors or the authorities.