Imagine a sudden storm knocks out the power. Your lights go out, the fridge stops humming, and the house goes quiet. How long can you comfortably manage without electricity? For many homeowners, that silence is more than just an inconvenience; it’s a major disruption to daily life, safety, and comfort.
Choosing a standby generator for your home might seem like a complicated task. You face tough questions: Which size do you need? What fuel source is best? And how do you ensure it kicks on automatically when you need it most? It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the technical details and the investment required.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down everything you need to know about standby generators in simple terms. You will learn exactly what features matter, how to match a generator to your home’s needs, and the key steps to installation. Get ready to secure your peace of mind before the next blackout hits.
Top Standby Generator For Home Recommendations
- Remote Monitoring Anywhere: With Generac 7043 22kW Mobile Link Wi-Fi connectivity, effortlessly track generator performance from anywhere. Stay updated on status and maintenance alerts, ensuring peace of mind even when you’re away
- Whole House Protection: Enjoy comprehensive coverage with Generac's 200 Amp NEMA 3R smart switch, designed for outdoor use with an aluminum enclosure. This ensures that your home remains powered and protected during power outages
- Long-Term Assurance: Backed by a 5-Year Limited Warranty, this automatic transfer switch delivers lasting performance and peace of mind, ensuring your investment in a Generac transfer switch will serve you well for years
- High-Quality 22kW Power: True Power Technology delivers clean, stable 22,000 watts with under 5% harmonic distortion. Generac’s low-maintenance engines run quieter and use less fuel for efficient, reliable home power
- Crafted for Excellence: Proudly engineered and assembled in the USA, our generators stand as testament to quality and craftsmanship. The purpose-built G-Force Engine is designed to handle the demands of usage, ensuring reliability and reduced maintenance
- Remote Monitoring Anywhere: With Generac 7172 10kW Mobile Link Wi-Fi connectivity, effortlessly track generator performance from anywhere. Stay updated on status and maintenance alerts, ensuring peace of mind even when you’re away
- Whole House Protection: Keep your home powered during outages with Generac’s 100 Amp 16-circuit transfer switch, designed for seamless integration with whole house generators. Its durable aluminum enclosure ensures reliable outdoor use and coverage
- Long-Term Assurance: Backed by a 5-Year Limited Warranty, this automatic transfer switch delivers lasting performance and peace of mind, ensuring your investment in a Generac transfer switch will serve you well for years
- High-Quality 10kW Power: True Power Technology delivers clean, stable 10,000 watts with under 5% harmonic distortion. Generac’s low-maintenance engines run quieter and use less fuel for efficient, reliable home power
- Crafted for Excellence: Proudly engineered and assembled in the USA, our generators stand as testament to quality and craftsmanship. The purpose-built G-Force Engine is designed to handle the demands of usage, ensuring reliability and reduced maintenance
- Remote Monitoring Anywhere: With Generac 7210 24kW Mobile Link Wi-Fi connectivity, effortlessly track generator performance from anywhere. Stay updated on status and maintenance alerts, ensuring peace of mind even when you’re away
- Whole House Protection: Enjoy comprehensive coverage with Generac’s model 200 Amp SER transfer switch, designed for outdoor use with an aluminum enclosure. This ensures that your home remains powered and protected during power outages
- Long-Term Assurance: Backed by a 5-Year Limited Warranty, this automatic transfer switch delivers lasting performance and peace of mind, ensuring your investment in a Generac transfer switch will serve you well for years
- High-Quality 24kW Power: True Power Technology delivers clean, stable 24,000 watts with under 5% harmonic distortion. Generac’s low-maintenance engines run quieter and use less fuel for efficient, reliable home power
- Crafted for Excellence: Proudly engineered and assembled in the USA, our generators stand as testament to quality and craftsmanship. The purpose-built G-Force Engine is designed to handle the demands of usage, ensuring reliability and reduced maintenance
- PrecisionPower Technology delivers best-in-class power quality with less than 5 percent total harmonic distortion for clean, smooth operation of sensitive electronics and appliances
- Generac's G-Force Engine is a purpose-built, pressure-lubricated engine capable of handling the rigors of generator use, resulting in power that’s more reliable and requires less routine maintenance than any competitive engine.
- Quiet-Test Self-Test Mode runs at a lower RPM for a five or twelve minute test, making generators significantly quieter than other brands while consuming less fuel.
- Smart, User-Friendly Controls. Honeywell Generator's Sync Controller features a multilingual LCD display that allows users to monitor battery status and track maintenance intervals to ensure your generator is always in top operating condition.
- Tough, Durable All-Aluminum Enclosures: Our RhinoCoat powder-coated finish helps make corrosion-resistant aluminum perfect for all weather conditions.
- Switch between gasoline (14500 surge watts, 11500 running watts), propane (12500 surge watts, 10300 running watts), and natural gas (10500 surge watts, 8750 running watts) with a simple turn of the selection dial
- Operates at 120V and 240V, making it perfect for transfer switches and emergency backup
- The WEN Watchdog CO Shutdown Sensor helps protect both you and your family by automatically turning off the generator if dangerous levels of carbon monoxide are detected
- Electric start powers the 500c 4-stroke OHV engine with the turn of a key, while the 8.2-gallon tank provides up to 12 hours of half-load runtime
- Includes four 120V 5-20R outlet, a 120V/240V transfer-switch-ready NEMA L14-30R outlet, a 120V/240V transfer-switch-ready NEMA 14-50R outlet, a 12V DC automotive outlet, a bottle of oil, a 6-foot LPG connection hose, an NG quick-connect adapter, and a three-year limited warranty
- PrecisionPower Technology delivers best-in-class power quality with less than 5 percent total harmonic distortion for clean, smooth operation of sensitive electronics and appliances
- Generac's G-Force Engine is a purpose-built, pressure-lubricated engine capable of handling the rigors of generator use, resulting in power that’s more reliable and requires less routine maintenance than any competitive engine.
- Quiet-Test Self-Test Mode runs at a lower RPM for a five or twelve minute test, making generators significantly quieter than other brands while consuming less fuel.
- Smart, User-Friendly Controls. Honeywell Generator's Sync Controller features a multilingual LCD display that allows users to monitor battery status and track maintenance intervals to ensure your generator is always in top operating condition.
- Tough, Durable All-Aluminum Enclosures: Our RhinoCoat powder-coated finish helps make corrosion-resistant aluminum perfect for all weather conditions.
- Perfect as a backup power source for larger homes or a dependable source of portable power
- 14,500 peak watts, 11,500 running watts (gasoline); 13,500 peak watts, 10,500 running watts (propane); 12,000 peak watts, 9,500 running watts (natural gas)
- Powered by a heavy duty 550cc 4-Stroke OHV Westinghouse Engine constructed with a durable cast iron sleeve; Runs for up to 19 hours on a 9.5 gal. fuel tank with built-in fuel gauge; up to 7 hours on a 20 lb. propane tank
- Engineered with low THD, so it's safe for sensitive electronics. Power phones, computers, TVs and more. Stay connected with people, news and entertainment during power outages, or on jobsites and campsites. Durable copper windings help your generator produce cleaner power, run cooler and last longer
- All Westinghouse portable generators are gunctionally tested in the factory and may contain minimum residual oil and/or fuel odor; EPA compliant; Backed by 3-Year limited service, labor, and parts coverage and Nationwide Customer Service Network
- 224cc dual-fuel engine runs on both gasoline (6800 surge watts, 5100 rated watts) and propane (6000 surge watts, 4500 rated watts)
- Bonded-neutral 240V configuration provides low-power Level 2 charging for battery and hybrid electric vehicles
- The WEN Watchdog CO Shutdown Sensor helps protect both you and your family by automatically turning off the generator if dangerous levels of carbon monoxide are detected
- Fuel shutoff maximizes the generator’s lifespan by using up the remaining fuel in the carburetor before shutting down
- Includes fuel shut-off to help limit maintenance, onboard wheels, a telescoping pull handle, one L14-30R 120V/240V receptacle, two three-prong 120V receptacles, one TT-30R RV receptacle, one 12V DC receptacle, two 5V USB ports, a voltage selector switch, a tool-free LPG quick-connector, a six-foot-long LPG regulator hose, and a three-year warranty
Your Essential Buying Guide for a Standby Generator for Home
A standby generator is like a superhero for your home during a power outage. It automatically kicks in when the lights go out, keeping your fridge cold and your lights on. Choosing the right one can feel tricky, but this guide will make it simple.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for a standby generator, some features really matter. These details decide how well the generator works when you need it most.
Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS)
This is the brain of your system. The ATS senses when the power goes out. It then safely switches your home’s power source from the utility line to the generator. Look for a reliable ATS. A good one starts the generator fast.
Power Output (Wattage)
You need enough power for your essential items. Generators are rated in watts. Decide what you must run: lights, a few appliances, or your whole house (including central A/C). Bigger homes need bigger wattage.
Fuel Type
Most home standby units run on natural gas or propane. Natural gas is usually cheaper to run and never runs out, as long as the gas lines are working. Propane comes from a tank, which means you must keep that tank full.
Noise Level
Generators make noise when they run. Check the decibel (dB) rating. Lower numbers mean quieter operation. Nobody wants a loud machine running all night.
Important Materials and Build Quality
The materials used affect how long your generator lasts and how well it resists weather.
- Durable Enclosure: The outer casing must protect the engine from rain, snow, and sun. Look for powder-coated steel or heavy-duty aluminum. This keeps the internal parts safe.
- Quality Engine: The engine is the heart of the generator. Brands that use robust, liquid-cooled engines often last longer than air-cooled ones, especially in hot climates.
- Copper Windings: The alternator components should ideally use copper windings instead of aluminum. Copper handles heat better and delivers more stable electricity.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Quality isn’t just about the parts; it’s also about how the system is installed and maintained.
What Improves Quality:
- Regular Maintenance: Just like a car, a generator needs oil changes and tune-ups. A good maintenance schedule keeps it ready to go.
- Professional Installation: An electrician and gas fitter must install the ATS and fuel lines correctly. Proper installation ensures safety and efficiency.
- Voltage Regulation: Good voltage regulation protects sensitive electronics like computers and TVs from surges or dips when the generator starts.
What Reduces Quality:
- Poor Ventilation: If the unit is boxed in too tightly, it overheats. Overheating damages the engine quickly.
- Lack of Exercise Time: Most modern standby units run a short test cycle weekly. If this feature is disabled or ignored, the generator might fail when a real storm hits.
User Experience and Use Cases
How will you actually use this generator? Think about your family’s needs during an outage.
Scenario 1: Essential Backup
If you only need to keep the lights on, the refrigerator running, and charge phones, a smaller 7,000 to 10,000-watt unit might work. The user experience here is “set it and forget it.”
Scenario 2: Whole-House Comfort
If you live in a very hot area and need to run central air conditioning along with everything else, you need a larger unit (16,000 watts or more). The user experience is seamless comfort, even if the neighborhood is dark.
Because standby generators are automatic, the best user experience is often not noticing the power went out at all. The transition should be smooth and silent to the people inside.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Standby Generators
Q: How long can a standby generator run?
A: Natural gas units can run indefinitely as long as the gas supply holds. Propane units run until the tank is empty, so you must monitor your tank level.
Q: Is a standby generator cheaper than a portable generator?
A: The initial purchase price of a standby generator is higher. However, you save time and effort because it starts automatically. You never have to drag it outside or refuel it manually.
Q: Do standby generators need permanent wiring?
A: Yes. They must be permanently wired into your home’s electrical panel via the Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS). This is for safety and automatic operation.
Q: How loud are these generators usually?
A: Most modern standby units operate between 50 dB and 70 dB when running under load. This is about the sound of a normal conversation or a running dishwasher.
Q: What is the typical lifespan of a standby generator?
A: With proper maintenance, high-quality standby generators can last 20 to 25 years or more. They are built for long-term reliability.
Q: Can I run my well pump with a standby generator?
A: Yes, most units are sized to handle the starting surge of a standard residential well pump. Make sure the pump’s starting watts are listed when sizing your generator.
Q: What is the difference between standby and portable generators?
A: Standby units are permanently installed, fuel-connected, and automatic. Portable units are movable and require manual setup and refueling.
Q: How often should I have my standby generator serviced?
A: Most manufacturers recommend an annual service check. This includes checking fluids, filters, and battery health.
Q: Do I need a permit to install a standby generator?
A: Almost always, yes. Permits are required by local building codes for the electrical connections and the fuel line installation.
Q: What happens if the gas line is damaged in a storm?
A: If the natural gas line is physically damaged or shut off, the generator will not run due to lack of fuel. This is why propane backup is sometimes preferred in areas with older underground lines.