Whole house generators (also known as standby generators) are a great way to protect your home and family from power outages. They’re also more energy efficient than portable generators.
They come in a variety of sizes and use different fuels. Depending on your needs, a qualified technician will help you determine which system is best for your home.
Powerful
One of the most important factors when choosing a whole house generator is its power capacity. Generally, a generator with a higher power capacity will offer more power output, but it may require more fuel than a smaller unit.
A whole house generator can help you avoid disruptions when power goes out, allowing you to keep the lights on, appliances running, and the food in the refrigerator. You also can save money on your energy bills.
These standby generators run on natural gas or liquid propane, and they can connect to a line that you use for your gas range, furnace, dryer, and other home needs. This can reduce the amount of fuel you need for your generator, making it more affordable and less messy to maintain.
If you want a whole house generator that is built to last, look for a model with a large engine capacity. Typically, you can find 200 or 400 CC engines that provide power to the entire home.
Easy to Operate
A whole house generator is a great solution to power outages. It kicks on automatically and supplies the energy you need to stay powered up until your power is restored.
They’re easy to operate and don’t require you to plug in cords. This means you can keep on cooking, reading, watching TV, and using your computer – even when the power goes out.
Some models also include a transfer switch that shifts electricity from your home’s grid to the generator when the power goes out. This is important for ensuring your generator has enough power to run all of the critical electrical circuits in your house.
A good whole house generator is a smart investment, as it will provide you with peace of mind and help to ensure the safety of your family members. It’s especially useful for those with medical equipment or those who want to continue to use their appliances when the power is out.
Quiet
Whole house generators are a great solution for power outages, but they can be noisy. The noise they make depends on the model, the terrain, and your specific wind and weather conditions.
The best way to minimize the noise produced by a whole house generator is to buy one that is engineered to be as quiet as possible. There are many ways to accomplish this, including installing sound-absorbing enclosures and acoustic barriers.
If you don’t have the budget or space for a complete soundproofing project, the easiest and most cost-effective way to minimize generator noise is to install a good quality acoustic barrier. These barriers can be purchased in a variety of shapes and sizes and are designed to deflect and obstruct the noise from your generator.
While you’re at it, get a generator with a Quiet-Test weekly self-test mode that operates at just 57 decibels during regular operation. The name of the game here is to minimize your noise impact on your neighbors while ensuring you have enough backup power in the event of a blackout.
Affordable
A whole house generator is a great investment if you live in an area where power outages are common. These appliances not only help you stay connected, but they can also increase your home’s value when it’s time to sell.
They can help you and your family stay safe during a power outage by supplying the electricity needed to keep all of your electronics running, as well as any medical equipment you may have. For instance, if someone in your home needs to use a ventilator or oxygen concentrator, you’ll want to make sure they can do so without having to worry about their health.
The generators you choose should have enough power to keep your lights on, your fridge cold and your laptop up and running during a prolonged outage. A good rule of thumb is to look for a generator that has at least 10 kilowatts of starting power and a total of 20 kW running power.