Today, weather conditions are ever-changing. You cannot predict when the next blackout or power outage will occur. The best way to cover yourself from these inconveniences is getting a home generator.
However, what’s better than having the best standby generator for home use? It provides continuous power and a sense of security when there an emergency. It also gives a peace of mind knowing when there is power blackout, or there is any power interruption, it will kick in.
Another thing, with a home standby generator, you don’t have to worry about how long the power will be out. It will have you covered the whole time.
One thing you need to know is, the best standby generator for home use requires quite an investment. Therefore, you have to ensure you buy the ideal model for your needs. Moreover, to ensure you get the most straightforward process ever, my guide will help you with the search.
Contents
6 Best Standby Generators for Home Use for 2021
For a straightforward selection, you need to have a list of the top models from which you can select the best to buy. Here is a list of the top best standby generators I’ve carefully chosen. They are all high performance, durable, efficient, and reliable.
1. Generac 6237 Guardian Series Standby Generator
The first standby generator is the Generac 6237. It’s a unique unit for reliable home backup power, security, comfort, and protection. As a high-power Generac standby generator, it will protect your home.
With it running on either liquid propane or natural gas, it ensures you never hassle much for fuel. What else makes it ideal for home use? It provides high power quality with a total harmonic distortion of less than 3%.
That offers clean, smooth power supply to your sensitive appliance and electronics. It also has a durable plated steel enclosure, which is perfect for all weather conditions. The casing can also handle high winds of up to 150 MPH, no worries during storms.
Pros:
- All-Weather Steel Enclosure
- UL, CUL and EPA compliant
- True Power Technology
- Generac OHVI Engine
- Evolution Controller
- Easy Installation
Cons:
- Heavy to carry alone
- Require airflow for cooling
2. Kohler 20RESCL-100LC16 Standby Generator
Kohler 20RESCL standby generator comes next. It’s an air-cooled generator designed to help you keep your family comfortable and safe. It will also help keep your groceries fresh and your basement dry.
The KOHLER 20RESC delivers high-power with reliable energy efficiency. Moreover, the best thing is, it does not compromise its performance. Everything on this standby generator ensures automatic backup power delivery at all times.
It’s designed to use the exclusive POWER BOOST Technology. That is to allow you to run large appliances at once. It also comes with fascinating motor starting power, power quality, and response time. On top of that, it does come with a corrosion-proof enclosure. That gives it new, upgraded style and protection for harsh weather conditions.
Pros:
- POWER BOOST technology
- Corrosion-Proof Enclosure
- Premium Power Quality
- Powerful Performance
- Quiet Operation
Cons:
- Heavy and large
- Installation takes time
3. Generac 7043 Home Standby Generator
My next model for you is the robust Generac Home Standby Generator. It’s created to deliver 22kW starting power and 19.5kW running watts. With this unit, you get to protect your home and family and keep your life going without power disruption.
The best part is, it uses the True Power Technology to ensure you get best-in-class power quality. Additionally, the technology allows clean power delivery to your sensitive appliances and electronics. It runs on a robust Generac G-Force engine ideal for a long-hours run.
It’s also pressure-lubricated to ensure it handles heavy loads. The generator’s enclosure features from durable, sturdy aluminum material with powder coating. The design allows it to withstand the harshest weather elements.
Pros:
- Durable Aluminum Enclosures
- Smart, Easy-To-Use Controls
- Best-in-class power quality
- Quiet-Test Self-Test Mode
- Generac G-Force Engine
- True Power Technology
Cons:
- A Bit Noisy
- Generac Battery not included
4. Kohler 14RESAL-200SELS Standby Generator
Kohler is a reputable and reliable brand. That’s why I’m confident with this next product from their line. The 14RESAL-200SELS Standby Generator offers the best, premium-quality power.
The energy provided has +/-1% voltage regulation and harmonic distortion of less than 5%. That’s to protect your most sophisticated electronics from power damage.
What’s more, it has a quick response time reducing the time you have to wait for the lights to come back up. Additionally, it runs on a heavy-duty engine built to exceed the power demand required. It also goes through quality inspection to ensure it delivers as expected.
Pros:
- Build to Outlast the Outage
- Reliable heavy-duty engine
- Corrosion-proof enclosure
- Premium Power Quality
- Carb compliant
- Fast Response
Cons:
- High on price
- Not designed for extended run times
5. Briggs & Stratton 40445 Home Standby Generator
Here is another best standby generator for home use that can help you outlast the next power outage. The Briggs & Stratton 40445 generator will help you restore your family comfort and power during the next power blackout.
It uses advanced Symphony II power management for proper orchestration of high-demand appliance. On top of this, it does come in a compact design allowing it to take minimal installation space.
That doesn’t compromise its power. It also runs on a commercial-grade Vanguard engine to provide massive, reliable power. It also comes with a flexible transfer switch providing a plug and play connection.
Pros:
- Commercial-grade Vanguard engine
- Symphony II Power Management
- Flexible, easy-to-use controls
- Compact, reliable design
- 50 amp Transfer Switch
Cons:
- High on price
- Somehow low powered
6. Briggs & Stratton 40396 Home Standby Generator System
Last in the list is another Briggs & Stratton standby generator model, the 40396 home generator system. With this unit, you can now stop worrying about the loss of power in your home. It provides seamless and reliable backup power with seconds of response time.
Its powerfulness relies on the powerful commercial-grade Vanguard engine. Its functionality also works in concert with patented Symphony II Power Management technology. That allows proper orchestration of the high-demand appliances and real clean power delivery.
You know what? With this model, you do not have to disturb your neighborhood with noise as it operates calmly. Thanks to its extensive, exhaust system and the sound dampening technology.
Pros:
- Automotive-style exhaust system
- All-weather resistant enclosure
- Sound dampening technology
- Unique airflow technology
- 150 amp Transfer Switch
- Quiet, operation
Cons:
- Heavier and large
- No cables provided
Best Standby Generator for Home Use [Buying Guide]
Before you invest money on a standby generator, selecting the right model is the crucial thing you need to do. With the best standby generator for home use, you can ensure your family is well-covered in times of power emergencies. So how do you select the right unit? You need to consider the following:
Type of fuel to use
A standby generator is a vast machine, which can run on either diesel, natural gas or liquid propane. If your home is supplied with natural gas, then you can use it to run the generator. It’s much cheaper and requires no refilling.
However, you do need to check on the pressure required to run the standby generator you’re about to buy. If it needs more, then the power company will have to provide a separate meter.
Another option is liquid propane. It’s one of many homeowners favorite since it has a longer service life and can be kept in large tanks. Another thing, liquid propane is readily available when other gases aren’t.
The last option is the diesel types, which is long-lasting and heavy-duty. They are high on price and highly touted.
Today there are fuel conversion kits you can use to transform your generator so that it can use bi-fuel or even multi-fuel. The kit comes in handy during disasters when some gases aren’t available.
Size and Capacity
Often, standby generators are massive units and come in large capacity labeled in kilowatts. To get right, you need to consider the area of installation and the amount of power you need. A massive generator in physical size will need a big installation space.
Note: You need to install the unit away from the windows and doors to avoid CO poisoning.
When it comes to power requirement, make sure that you do the right estimation for the unit to be enough to power your whole house. While performing your calculations, consider the appliances connected to the backup line. You have to add all the starting and running power for the motor-driven appliances like an AC. Once you have the total wattage, multiply it with 1.25 for safety and future needs.
Transfer switch
A transfer switch is necessary when you connect your standby generator to your home. As a smart-circuit, it switches between the backup line and the power-line to prevent back-feeding. That is ideal at avoiding damages to your precious appliances and electronics.
The transfer switch can be either automatic [preferred] or manual. The transfer switch can come with the generator, or you might need to buy it separately. I recommend you consider a model that comes with one.
License and permit
Different nations and states have regulations and requirements on what to install permanently in your home. That includes your standby generator. For a proper installation, you have to check on these state laws before buying. Also, check on the noise levels. Most of the states will need you to maintain some level of noise.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why do I need a transfer switch?
A transfer switch is a safety device ideal for preventing back feeding on the utility line. It allows the generator to supply power to essential appliances only. With a transfer switch, you get to avoid damages to your connected electronics.
What’s the difference between a standby generator and a portable generator?
As the name suggests, a portable generator is a movable power supply, which you can take with you wherever you go. Standby generators, on the other hand, are a fixed power supply, mostly installed inside a house or on a solid base. Additionally, standby generators are enormous in size and capacity compared to portable models.
GLOBO TOOLS OVERVIEW
I can rest assured you can now buy the model you want and which meets your entire requirement. After reading all the above info, you can agree with me that these models are quite similar. Do not get confused again; use the buying guide to buy the model for your specific needs. Good Luck!
Read More:
