When choosing the best whole home generator for your needs, consider four key elements: power requirements, cooling systems, fuel types, and noise levels.
Power requirements
To determine how much power you will need for your generator, you can use an online wattage calculator or the wattage information on your appliances or your utility bill. We recommend multiplying the total wattage of your appliances by 1.5 to give yourself a safe margin of error. A small to medium-sized home in the United States typically uses at least 5,000 to 7,000 watts, so you should expect most generators to have at least 8,500 to 10,000 watts.
Cooling mechanisms
When you decide what level of power you need from your whole house generator, you should consider whether you want an air-cooled or liquid-cooled system. An air-cooled generator passively uses ambient air to cool the motor or relies on a fan to maintain temperature.
Liquid-cooled alternators pump coolant through the engine block. This coolant absorbs heat from the engine, then passes through the radiator, where it cools, and then returns to the engine to maintain the proper temperature.
Air-cooled generators are typically less efficient, and tend to have a shorter lifespan when used in whole-house settings. They often overheat and then shut off automatically. Liquid-cooled generators tend to perform better, especially if you live in an area where temperatures often reach over 100 degrees, because they are less likely to overheat.
Types of fuel
Home generators use either liquid propane from a tank or natural gas from a utility line (or dedicated tank). Propane is cheaper and less polluting, but using natural gas means you won’t have to refill your tank (although that’s not an option if you’re looking to go off the grid).
Make sure you purchase the right type of generator for the fuel you’re looking to use, or check to see if it can be easily converted from one fuel source to another (most can).
budget
Choosing the right whole house generator based on your budget requires careful consideration of your power needs and available options. While these generators provide excellent backup power solutions, your choice should be consistent with your financial constraints.
Understanding your budget is the first step. Whole house generators come in a variety of sizes and capacities, each with a suitable price range. Small generators that power basic circuits are usually more budget-friendly than larger units that power an entire house.
It is essential to balance your budget with your power requirements. Evaluate which appliances and essential systems need backup power during a power outage. This assessment will help you determine the generator capacity that best suits your needs without overspending.
transfer key
When purchasing a whole house generator, it is important to make sure you purchase the right transfer switch. This component is an essential link between the generator and your home’s electrical system. It allows for a smooth transition to backup power during a power outage.
You will need to evaluate your power requirements to choose the ideal transfer switch for your entire home generator. The size of the generator determines the capacity of the transfer switch you will need. A transfer switch that matches the output of your generator ensures that power is distributed efficiently throughout your home’s circuits.
At the same time, consider the complexity of your electrical system. Automatic transfer switches provide easy power restoration by detecting outages and facilitating a smooth transition to generator power. They are especially useful for those seeking a hands-off experience. Manual transfer switches, on the other hand, are more budget-friendly and require manual intervention to redirect power. Balancing convenience and cost-effectiveness is critical.
Noise level
Whole house generators can run very loud (65 decibels on the low end to 69+ on the high end), so it’s important to take this range into account when purchasing and placing a generator.
