The Best Home Generator System: Reviews & Buyer's Guide

For powering an entire house during a blackout, a whole house standby generator is typically the best option. Whole house standby generators are permanently installed outside your home and connected directly to your electrical system. They are designed to automatically switch on within seconds of a power outage, ensuring uninterrupted power supply to your entire house. These generators run on natural gas or propane, providing a continuous and reliable power source without the need for manual intervention. They come in various sizes to accommodate different household power needs, making them ideal for providing backup power to all essential appliances and systems, including heating and cooling systems, refrigerators, lights, and security systems.

How big of a generator do I need to run my whole house?

The size of the generator needed to run your whole house depends on the total power consumption of your household appliances and electronics. As a general guideline, whole house generators typically range from 20,000 to 30,000 watts for average-sized homes. Larger homes with higher power demands may require generators with outputs exceeding 30,000 watts. To determine the appropriate size, conduct a wattage calculation by adding up the power requirements (in watts) of all the devices you want to power simultaneously during an outage. This includes essential appliances like refrigerators, sump pumps, lights, heating and cooling systems, and communication devices. A licensed electrician can also help you determine the right size generator for your specific needs.

What is a generator that would be good for a house?

A generator that would be good for a house is typically one with sufficient power output to meet the demands of your household appliances and electronics during power outages. For most homes, a whole house standby generator with a power output ranging from 20,000 to 30,000 watts should suffice. These generators are permanently installed outside your home and connected to your electrical system, providing automatic backup power when the main power supply fails. Whole house standby generators run on natural gas or propane, offering a continuous and reliable power source without the need for manual intervention. They are designed to power all essential appliances and systems in your home, ensuring comfort, safety, and convenience during outages.

Is a 22kW generator big enough for a house?

A 22kW generator can be sufficient to power many average-sized homes during a blackout. A 22kW generator provides 22,000 watts of power output, which is typically enough to cover the essential appliances and systems in most households. This includes items like refrigerators, sump pumps, lights, heating and cooling systems, and communication devices. However, the actual power requirements of your home may vary depending on factors such as the size of your house, the number of appliances and electronics you need to power simultaneously, and any specific energy-intensive devices you may have, such as electric water heaters or electric stoves. It's essential to conduct a wattage calculation to determine if a 22kW generator is sufficient for your specific needs or if you may require a larger generator.