Almost every week it’s been known that an average of 3.5 million Americans experiences a power outage in their home. In two years more than 70 million have experienced an outage that lasted more than 24 hours. Storms come and storms go but what happens when the power goes? It leaves you and your family in the dark with tons of problems. So, wondering what are the best standby generators? Here is our list of best standby benerators in 2023.
Places having more chances of hurricanes, tsunamis are more likely to experience long power cuts and outages. So, having a standby generator is really important and almost like a necessity in such circumstances.
Choosing the right one and a durable generator is also as important so that you can rely on it whenever required. We’ve prepared a list of 5 Best Standby Generators for home use from the topmost companies and trustworthy brands that will provide you the power you need in case of emergencies or outages.
5 Best Standby Generators for home use
- Kohler 14RESAL-200SELS Standby Generator
- Generac 7043 Home Standby Generator
- Champion 8.5-kW Home Standby Generator
- Generac 7030 Standby Generator
- Briggs & Stratton 40555 Standby Generator
1. Kohler 14RESAL-200SELS Standby Generator
There’s no doubt about it we now live in a plugged-in society. Years ago if you lost power you’d pull out a few board games, light a few candles and that usually got you through the event.
But, today with home office’s some family members who may require special needs and of course the internet, a loss of power for a few hours or even a few days can be a tough event to go through.
Now another tough thing to go through is choosing the right generator for your home. So, why to go for a Kohler Generator? First of all, Kohler Generators are very reliable and have been building generators for over 90 years so they definitely know what they are doing.
They put a commercial-grade engine at every generator that they build so you know that if you have a Kohler generator behind your house you’re going to have a reliable source that’s working hard to back you up when you need it.
Kohler 14RESAL-200SELS Standby Generator comes with a 100-amp indoor-rated automatic transfer switch along with a 16-circuit load center or an RTX 200-amp outdoor-rated standard automatic transfer switch.
One of the awesome things about this generator is that it is quiet, with sound levels almost similar to a typical central air conditioner, promoting neighborhood-friendly operation.
It’s corrosion-proof enclosure impact has been tested to -30°F and can run on either natural gas or liquid propane with simple switching between natural gas and LPG.
Moreover, you also get concrete mounting pads along with the generator to lower installation costs and time.
They are very powerful units and can power everything from lights and sump pumps to heavy air conditioning units and even sensitive electronics.
Your sensitive electronics need a very high-quality power source or they can actually be damaged. so when you’re using a Kohler generator you know that you’re doing the best that you can to protect those very valuable pieces of equipment.
And, best of all Kohler generators are very fast. Within ten seconds of a power outage, you will have power restored to your home so you can go on living without interruption.
2. Generac 7043 Home Standby Generator
Earlier there was a value barrier for people that needed more than 20 kW. Now we have a 22 kW backup air-cooled generator. Previously if somebody wanted to get this much power they would have to use a liquid-cooled system which is easily double the cost.
So this is the best value in terms of backup power. It comes with all the great features that people have come to expect from The Guardian product lines. It features a Generac OHV engine and comes in an all-weather aluminum enclosure to protect it from the elements which can be installed as close as 18 inches away from a building.
This generator provides the largest amount of power available in an air-cooled backup generator system and it’s true power technology which provides less than 5% THD or total harmonic distortion.
Furthermore, it features LED indicators that display generator status, utility power presence to see if the maintenance required.
3. Champion 8.5-kW Home Standby Generator
Champion home standby generators are one of the best standby home generators that are designed and engineered in the U.S. This 8.5 kilowatt home standby generator is the perfect choice for providing your home with a permanent source of backup power in the event of a power outage.
The champion home standby generator automatically starts and delivers continuous electrical power to your home and since it is connected to your LPG or natural gas system it never needs refueling.
Furthermore, it has an innovative goal wing design that provides easy access to the engine and the control panel for simple installation and maintenance of the unit.
The enclosure is a durable all-weather design that will protect the generator from the elements while also being highly resistant to rust and corrosion.
Additionally, the champion home standby generator features an all-weather composite mounting pad for easy installation. This easy access design allows a full view of the onboard control system which controls all of the functions of the home standby generator including utility monitoring, automatic transfer switches control, automatic start and stop functions, automatic weekly testing and exercise functions, and false indications.
It also comes with an innovative 24-volt starting system. The system is designed to ensure that the generator starts reliably under any temperature ranging from -22 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit.
The onboard battery charger maintains the battery charged 24/7 to ensure plenty of starting power. Champion designed 439 cc single-cylinder overhead valve engine is strength and reliability combined to provide 8.5 kilowatts of power continuously on LPG fuel or 7.5 kilowatts on natural gas fuel.
Besides that, the champion design synchronous alternator is made of a hundred percent copper windings for maximum power while producing less than five percent total harmonic distortion to ensure the safe use of even the most sensitive electronics.
This 8.5 kilowatts rated unit produces 35.4 amps at 240 volts on LPG and 31.5 amps at 240 volts on natural gas. We know that sound matters which is why the champion low tone muffler reduces noise through a unique sound attenuating baffles integral in the muffler and the enclosure.
This along with the sound dampening material lining the interior of the unit makes the champion home standby generator the quietest in its class. Just 59.5 decibels under normal operating conditions the champion home standby series is backed by a 10-year limited warranty.
The power of champion with its innovative power solutions and legendary customer service places the customer as their number one priority.
4. Generac 7030 Standby Generator
Generac 7030 9/8 KW automatic standby generator system is able to power your most essential circuits automatically. Its compact galvanized steel enclosure is great for protection against the elements and is extremely rust-resistant.
It also allows for it to be installed as close as 18 inches away from home or a building. All of your power and control wire connections are available on the outside of the generator for fast installation and three of the four sides come off for greater serviceability.
The unit also has a true power alternator which provides less than 5% total harmonic distortion or THD to power your most sensitive electronics. The power pack features a digital LED display for the controller interaction.
It’s available in its viewing window so you don’t have to open the actual generator enclosure to get at it. The backlit LED buttons are bright so that you can always know what status is in. You can set the exercise automatically by simply holding down a button.
It is also compatible with the remote monitoring mobile link device which allows you to monitor your generator status from anywhere you are, from a tablet smartphone or a computer.
Moreover, it is also an extremely quiet unit, especially when compared to portables. Its galvanized steel enclosure has sound resistant foam on the inside to further deaden the sound emissions.
Portable generators, on the other hand, are open frames. You have to plug extension cords in it and run it to the appliances that you want to power. Also, you have to keep it filled with gas which in the middle of the bed may not be the most convenient thing to do.
Automatic standby generators are hardwired into the home to provide power to the essential circuits that you’ve already selected automatically. It’s also going to run continuously on natural gas or LPG so you don’t have to worry about sloppy refills of gasoline or shutting it down for a while before it keeps going. Just a safer better alternative.
5. Briggs & Stratton 40555 Standby Generator
One lifetime investment in a home standby generator from Briggs & Stratton and not to worry more about the power outages. What you stand to gain outweighs what you have to lose. Night lights are important, keeping your family healthy and well-fed matters.
You can look back knowing you’ve done your part to maintain your household without letting something as unavoidable as a power outage stands in the way of your family’s comfort and well-being. So what do you have to lose?
Home standby generators from Briggs & Stratton are the power experts for more than 105 years and nearly 60 million households rely on every day to power their outdoor equipment. These aren’t just standby generators, they are generators that stand by you.
This standby generator comes with a 200 amp automatic transfer switch along with flexible indoor/outdoor installation. Moreover, it has a 100 amp 16 circuit switch that helps you to power up most of your home, including lights, fridge, and one air conditioning unit up to the size of 5-tons.
With a reliable engine for more than 110 years, Briggs & Stratton 40555 also gives offers a 5-year limited warranty, so you can buy this beast with confidence.
Buyer’s Guide
What is a Standby Generator?
A standby generator is a generator that basically stands by you whenever you need a back-up power and operates automatically. They are permanently connected to your house with the help of a transfer system, hooked up to a fuel source. Just within seconds of a power outage, an automatic transfer switch senses that there is a power loss and begins to supply power to the circuits.
These generators unlike the portable ones which can be moved around are fixed in a specific static position and are much bulkier. They act as a back-up power source in case of emergencies and are generally used in hospitals, government buildings, industries, job sites, homes, etc.
Types of Standby Generators
- Diesel Standby Generators
- Gas Standby Generators
- Bi-fuel Standby Generators
Diesel Standby Generators
Diesel standby generators are generally used in industries. They can operate completely independent of the grid and with their own fuel storage. But, they require refills more often than a gas-powered generator.
Diesel generators are firm and stable, with a long life span and less maintenance is required. Mostly, fuel maintenance is needed to be taken care of.
One of the disadvantages of a diesel engine is that the volume of its motor is louder than a gas-fueled generator.
Gas Standby Generators
Gas generators can usually run on either propane or natural gas. But in both cases, a gas generator needs an ongoing fuel source and is therefore connected to a gas line for continuous power.
Natural gas is considered to be more dangerous to store than diesel fuel. You must note that this factor can also make gaseous generators less stable than diesel in case of a disaster, as they are more likely to create fire hazards.
Things to Consider before buying Standby Generator
Power Requirements
The first thing that you need to ask yourself before purchasing a standby generator is what are your power needs. The smallest units are about 7.5 kilowatts, 12.5 kilowatts is a common size, and you’ll see 20-kilowatts units and even larger.
The easiest way to determine exactly what you need is online by using the champion generator selector tool. There are other ways to make the calculation but this tool allows you to click on all the household items you want to power and then to tally it up and come to a final kilowatt output that you need for the generator for your home.
Maintenance
Well, a home standby generator does not require too much maintenance. You will have to change the oil about every hundred hours of operation. The air cleaner is going to need to be kept clean and the spark plug will have to be replaced from time to time.
You might know that not all generators produce the kind of electricity that is suitable for sensitive electronics. Using a standby generator is a better and safer way to power computers, various home equipment and even appliances with sensitive electronic controls.
The risk of damage from a portable generator these days is pretty low but the risk is even lower with a standby or an inverter. So how do you know if a given generator can put out power that is clean enough for you? Look for a rating called Total Harmonic Distortion or THD. If this figure is not more than 4-5% then you know that the given generator can power everything in your home safely.
Finding an Advisor
Home standby generators aren’t the kind of that most people can install on their own so the next step would be to find some kind of an advisor. To help you choose the size of the unit, the electrical layout and the fuel source that makes sense for you an electrician or a home standby generator dealer is the best person to turn to.
To help you choose the size of the unit, the electrical layout and the fuel source that makes sense for you an electrician or a home standby generator dealer is the best person to turn to.
An advisor will also help you to decide on exactly where to install the unit what sort of support pad you need and whether or not a load controller makes sense for your installation, also sometimes called demand control.
The bottom line is that you’ll be able to power more of your home with a smaller generator and at a lower cost.
FAQ’s
How does a standby generator work?
When your quality power gets shut off a home standby generator senses it and kicks into action within seconds. An automatic transfer switch provides power to specific areas of your home. Once the utility power is back online, the standby generator shuts itself down until it’s needed the next time.
Basically, standbys work more or less automatically. Special circuitry in the system detects when grid power goes down and the instant that happens a switch automatically disconnects your home from the grid and then makes an electrical connection to the generator itself.
While the engine is firing up now when grid power comes back on again the engine of the generator is switched off and the connection is automatically re-established to the grid. You will experience a small pause or flicker and power as the generator kicks in, but, this is just a momentary thing.
How long can a standby generator run?
It might depend on which standby generator you are using. It has been recommended by various manufacturers to use your generator to have a limit of 500 hours of use at the most. With proper maintenance a standby generator can last around 30 years, also depending upon the quality or brand.
How much does a home standby generator cost?
You’ll have to pay anywhere from $2,100-4,500 for the unit itself plus an additional 40- 60% for the installation job.
What size generator do I need?
The key to selecting the right standby generator is to know what it is you want to run. Some people are interested in running the basics, heat a few lights, refrigerator, the microwave, a television, etc, If that’s the case then 3000-5000 watts would be quite enough to manage your needs.
On the other hand, some people want whole-house power and the peace of mind of knowing that their life will carry on unchanged even in the event of an extended power loss.
A few items that can really impact your power needs are central air-conditioning units, semi commercial-grade refrigerators, and freezers, hot tubs and large capacity water heaters. In that case, from 5000 to 6500 watts
How much does it cost to have a Generac standby generator installed?
Usually, you will see most of the Generac home standby generators starts from the range of around $1,949. Your installation costs may vary depending upon the system size, installation considerations, and also local building codes.
Roughly you’ll have to pay 40-60 % of your generator cost. To get clear information we would recommend you to get a free, in-home assessment from a Generac dealer nearby.