6 Best Whole House Generators in 2024 | In-depth Reviews & Guide

Best Whole House Generator
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A power outage is no good thing, but it happens and brings along frustration, and it makes you uncomfortable. The absence of electricity for 2 to 3 hours won’t make much difference, but it is a problem if it continues for days. It happens, and that too frequently in disaster-prone areas.

Some will argue that a small generator can run all the necessary appliances then why do we need the whole house generators? You need it because small generators can power only a few appliances while the whole house generator can power the entire house.

Moreover, to run power-demanding appliances, you will need to disconnect other appliances from small generators. That is a hassle when you have to stop the heater so that you can run the dishwasher.

A whole house generator can keep running your fridge, AC and heater, and many other things together, and it will make life more comfortable in longer power outages.

It is better to be prepared for such situations than to be stuck in them. Below we have listed the best whole house generators in the market along with their pros and cons. Go through them and find one which suits your needs.

Best Whole House Generator
Champion 100416 (Best Overall - Best Tri-Fuel Generator)
  • Starting Watts / Running Watts (Gasoline): 10000/8000
  • Starting Watts / Running Watts (Propane): 9000/7200
  • Starting Watts / Running Watts (Natural Gas): 8750/7000
  • Run-Time (Gas): 12.5 hrs @ 50% load
  • Run-Time (Propane): 5 hrs @ 50% load (40lbs propane tank)
  • Start Type: Electric & Recoil
  • Noise Level: 74 dBA
  • EPA & CARB Certified: Yes
  • Weight: 207 pounds
  • Warranty: 3 years

  • (Other Variants available too)
DuroMax XP15000EH(Highest Power Output Generator)
  • Starting Watts / Running Watts (Gas): 15000/12500
  • Starting Watts / Running Watts (Propane): 14250/11400
  • Run-Time (Gas): 8 hrs @ 50% load
  • Run-Time (Propane): 8 hrs @ 50% load (60lbs propane tank)
  • Start Type: Electric & Recoil
  • Noise Level: 74 dBA
  • EPA & CARB Certified: Yes
  • Weight: 380 pounds
  • Warranty: 3 years

  • (Other Variants available too)
DuroMax XP12000EH(Another High Power Output Generator)
  • Starting Watts / Running Watts (Gas): 12000/9500
  • Surge Watts / Running Watts (Propane): 10200/8075
  • Run-Time (Gas): 10 hrs @ 50% load
  • Run-Time (Propane): 5 hrs @ 25% load (5-gallon tank)
  • Start Type: Electric & Recoil
  • Noise Level: 74 dBA
  • Weight: 224 pounds
  • Warranty: 3 years

  • (Other Variants available too)
WEN DF1100T (Cheapest Whole House Generator)
  • Starting Watts / Running Watts (Gas): 11000/8300
  • Surge Watts / Running Watts (Propane): 9500/7500
  • Run-Time (Gas): 8.5 hrs @ 50% load
  • Run-Time (Propane): 6 hrs @ 50% load
  • Start Type: Electric & Recoil
  • Noise Level: 72 dBA
  • Weight: 214 pounds
  • Warranty: 2 years
Champion 100520 (Best Inverter Generator)
  • Starting Watts / Running Watts (Gas): 8750/7000
  • Run-Time (Gas): 10.5 hrs. @ 25% load
  • Start Type: Electric + Recoil with Cold-start
  • Parallel Capable: No
  • Fuel Capacity: 4.2 Gallon
  • Noise Level: 72 dBA
  • Weight: 166 pounds
  • Warranty: 3 years
  • Special Feature: GFCI outlets, Intelligauge display, Quick Drain Oil Tube

(Other Variants available too)
A-iPower SUA12000E
  • Starting Watts / Running Watts (Gas): 12,000/9,000
  • Run-Time (Gas): 9 hrs @ 50% load
  • Start Type: Electric + Recoil
  • Noise Level: 78 dBA
  • Weight: 206 pounds
  • Warranty: 2 year
Westinghouse WGen7500DF
  • Starting Watts / Running Watts (Gas): 9500/7500
  • Surge Watts / Running Watts (Propane): 8550/6750
  • Run-Time (Gas): 16 hrs @ 25% load
  • Run-Time (Propane): 12 hrs @ 25% load
  • Start Type: Wireless, Electric & Recoil
  • Noise Level: 58 dBA
  • Weight: 192 pounds
  • Warranty: 3 years
  • Special Feature: Wireless Start, GFCI Outlets, VFT DATA Display & Transfer Switch Ready Port

  • (Other Variants available too)
Champion 100111
  • Starting Watts / Running Watts (Gas): 15000/12000 watts
  • Runtime: 9 hours at 50% load
  • Fuel tank capacity: 5.9 gallons
  • Size: 33.6 x 26.6 x 33.3 inches
  • Weight: 330 pounds
  • Warranty: 3 year

  • (Other Variants available too)

Best Whole House Generators 2024

1. DuroMax XP12000EH Whole House Generator

DuroMax XP12000EH Whole House Generator

Most homeowners prefer to have a portable generator that can power the house and can also be brought to any other matters where power need arises. The advantage of owning a portable generator filled with enough power to run all the house appliances is many.

This generator is presented with a huge power rating. The Duromax XP12000EH has starting watts of 12,000 and running watts of 9,500. It is enough power to run almost anything, starting from the small night lamps to the air conditioning system and power-demanding tools.

It also boasts easy starting methods, and the generator can be conveniently started with just a push of a button.

Along with the electric start, in case it fails, the recoil start is also provided. Another thing of note is its ability to deliver power on gasoline and propane. This makes it much more reliable if you don’t have access to one, then another can be utilized to provide the power.

You can expect this home generator to run for 10 hours on gasoline and for 20 houses when the propane is used; this is when the connected load is 50%.

The propane is available in the tanks, so there will be no need to store it on the generator. However, to store the gasoline, it has a gasoline tank of 8.3 gallons size.

If we talk about the noise, then it emits 70 dB, which is not less. It shouldn’t come as a surprise considering the power output. In an effort to reduce the noise, the company has equipped it with a larger muffler to suppress the noise coming out of the exhaust.

It is equipped with a low oil level sensor to protect the generator for a long lifetime. It turns off the generator if the oil in the storage is reduced to a very low level.

The “Beast,” as it is nicknamed, comes with the 1-year of manufacturer’s warranty and the lifetime of customer support from the Duromax.

Pros

  • The construction is sturdy and strong.
  • It has an electric start.
  • Dual-fuel capability.
  • EPA and CARB compliant.
  • Low oil shut-off technology.

Cons

  • The oil needs to be changed every month.
  • The warranty is only for a year and that too parts only, no labor.

2. A-iPower SUA15000ECV 15000-Watt Portable Home Generator

A-iPower SUA15000ECV 15000 Watt Portable Home Generator

Another one on the list of our best whole house generators is A-iPower SUA5000ECV. The first we saw was capable of providing 12,000 watts of power.

While this big thing is made out of sturdy and strong material that can provide up to 15,000 watts in times of need. This is so far one of the biggest generators in terms of power on the list.

As mentioned, this is the generator that produces 15,000 starting watts and 12,000 running watts on gasoline. With this power, you can power any electrical equipment in the house, regardless of its power needs. It can power the central air conditioning unit of the house and many power tools at the site.

This power is delivered with the aid of a 680cc power full engine, and it is CARB and EPA compliant. That means you can have this generator no matter where you live, even in California.

The engine requires enough oil to work seamlessly, and if there is not, then the low oil light will glow, and the generator will stop automatically. It will see to the long lifetime of the tool, and it will keep going on years after years.

With this power, the concern arises about the runtime it will provide. Moreover, this only runs on gasoline, which is known for a shorter runtime than propane would provide.

At the connected load of 50%, the generator can supply the power for 7 hours, and on the full load, it reduces to 5 hours. It will be so if the 8 gallons of fuel storage will be full of gasoline.

With this generator as your backup, don’t hesitate to recharge your electrical devices, as it provides clean power with a THD rating of less than 5%. You can power your TVs, and computers or charge mobiles and laptops without worry.

The generator radiates a noise of 85 dB, which is quite loud and may create a problem with your neighbors, so proper quietening measures to lessen the noise are in order. It comes with a 2-year of residential and 1-year commercial warranty.

Pros

  • Massive amount of power.
  • It is RV-ready.
  • Comes with covered outlets.
  • It is userfriendly

Cons

  • It is heavy.
  • It makes a lot of noise.

3. Westinghouse WGen7500DF Dual Fuel Generator for Whole House

Westinghouse WGen7500DF Dual Fuel Home Generator

The next on our list is the Westinghouse Wgen7500DF; this is not as powerful as the former ones but supplies enough to run most of the appliances of the house. If you want to power something that requires a significant amount of watts, this is perhaps not for you.

This whole house generator can work either on gasoline or on propane. The propane holds the advantage of clean and silent burning while the gasoline beats it in power output.

The generator provides 9500 peak watts and 7500 running watts on the gasoline and the propane 8550 starting watts and 6750 running watts. This power comes from a 420cc 4-stroke engine situated underneath the thick and sturdy casing.

It has a gasoline tank that can hold a maximum of 6.6 gallons of fuel, and it can make the generator run for 16 hours when the load is low, a quarter of the total rating. It also has the low oil shut down feature to turn off the generator when the oil level is critical.

The control panel has many outlets to connect a range of appliances; among them, there is a 120V 30A outlet to directly connect the power cord of an RV. The generator is also transfer switch ready, and this eliminates the hassle of connecting adapters.

Another thing to appreciate here is the presence of remote start, which lacked in the last two generators. Now you can turn it on and off from the comfort of your home, no need to come outside. The electric start also offers convenience; just push a button, and the generator will start roaring.

The generator is EPA and CARB-compliant, and this means it obeys all the environmental regulations. This generator is backed by a 3-year of warranty from Westinghouse, and it should place your mind at ease considering if any fault occurs, the company will see it repaired.

Pros

  • It has a powerful engine.
  • It is EPA, CARB, and CSA certified.
  • Features remote start and electric start.
  • Intelligent gauges display all the necessary info on display.
  • It is portable.

Cons

  • Noise level of 72 dB.
  • Weight is more.

4. WEN DF1100T Dual Fuel Whole House Generator

WEN DF1100T Dual Fuel Whole House Generator

WEN is a well-known and respected name in the market for the quality of their generators, and this one is not any less. It comes with a powerful 457cc 4-stroke engine that can run on gasoline as well as on propane.

The generator can run almost anything in the house. It generates 11,000 peak watts and 8,300 running watts, and this is for gasoline. While on the propane, it decreases to 9,500 peaks and 7,500 running watts.

At this point, another thing worth noticing is that this is not an inverter generator, nor it has any other system to provide clean power, so tread carefully when powering electronics. It may burn them out.

With the RV-ready outlet on the control panel, along with many others, this is a favorable option for RV owners. It can power everything you use in RV, even the power-consuming air conditioner.

It is estimated that on gasoline the generator can run for 8.5 hours when the 6.6 gallons tank is full. Whereas the 20-pound propane tank will provide the 3 hours of runtime when the connected load is 50%.

The generator will turn on in a fraction of a second, and very conveniently, without effort, the credits go to the one-touch electric start. Electrical appliances can tolerate voltage fluctuations more than electronic devices, but if they increase above a certain level then they also are prone to damage.

To eliminate this possibility of overvoltage, the generator comes with a voltage regulator. On the other hand, there is overload protection in case the load increase beyond its powering abilities.

To keep an eye on how many hours have elapsed since the generator has been started, there is an LED hour counter. This is a CARB-compliant generator that can be directly connected to the RV and the transfer switch as well.

It comes with a 2-year warranty from the WEN and free customer support from experienced technicians.

Pros

  • A wide range of outlets is provided.
  • Easy to use.
  • Automatic switching between gas and propane.
  • RV ready and transfer switch ready.

Cons

  • A little bit noisy.
  • Not suitable for power-sensitive electronics.

5. Champion 100111 Portable Home Generator

Champion 100111 Portable Home Generator

Champion generators are packed with the latest innovative technology. They offer the best generators, which are reliable, powerful, and equally sturdy. You can expect the same quality in every product.

To know the most vital parameters of the generator, it is equipped with the Intelliguage meter. It tracks the runtime of the generator and shows the battery life along with other important information.

The generator offers an effortless electric start with the use of a battery. This convenience doesn’t vanish in the cold weather like many other generators, and the cold start technology starts it quickly.

It is another 15,000-watt generator on our list. It provides 15,000 starting watts and 12,000 running watts to energize any electrical thing you want. The engine, the heart of the generator, which generates this power, is secured inside a durable cast iron sleeve.

The generator with the 10.9 gallons of huge gasoline tank provides the runtime of 9 houses at 50% load. Despite having a large tank, the support of the wheels and carrying handle makes it very portable. You can use this generator for camping or tailgating with the least effort.

As expected, this whole house generator is noisy but not as much, and it produces a 74 dB of noise level, which is moderate if you consider the power output. You can bring it to the camping ground but will have to take some measures to keep the noise down.

This generator produces clean power, so be worry-free to power your electronics. And if there are any power surges, it shall not damage any appliances or electronics; the inbuilt volt guard will tame this surge.

This generator is EPA and CARB compliant; run it in any 50 states without a second thought. Champion supports this generator with a 3-year of limited warranty and a lifetime of free technical support.

Pros

  • Greater runtime.
  • It is portable.
  • durable and strong construction.
  • Provides clean power.

Cons

  • The noise level is more.

6. Champion 100520 8750-Watt Portable Inverter Generator for Home Use

Champion 100520 8750-Watt Inverter Generator

The lightweight footprint and sturdy design make it the best-suited generator for home backup as well as camping and tailgating power needs.

Let’s start our discussion with the feature which will increase the fuel economy as it comes with the economy mode. When it is turned on, the generator will consume less fuel and may even give up to extra two hours of runtime.

The side benefit of this feature is noise reduction, and the generator will run more quietly.

It makes a noise of 72 dB; this is within the tolerable limit and is lower than a few other models of the same power rating. This is because of the incorporated quiet technology.

The powerful 420cc engine at the generator’s heart produces 8750 starting watts and 7000 running watts. This will be enough to run most of the electrical appliances in the house, but not simultaneously.

The power produced will be clean, the THD rating will be less than 3%, and it will make it safe to power your sensitive electronics without worry. This means the supplied voltage will be fluctuation-free.

The engine uses gasoline to generate that voltage which almost resembles to smooth sine wave, and the gasoline is stored in the 4.2-gallon tank. When the tank is full, the generator will provide continuous power for 10.5 hours at quarter load and 5.25 hours at half load.

The generator is a transfer switch ready; you can easily connect it with the transfer switch with its 30 A twist-lock outlet. Along with that, the control panel consisted of a few more outlets, which you will find very useful.

Also, there are light indicators located at the bottom of the generator, which will indicate the low oil level, overload, and output.

The inverter generator is easy to start and can be easily started with the provided electric start, even in the coldest environment, thanks to its cold start technology. It comes with a 3-year of warranty from the manufacturer.

You can check more details of this generator here.

Pros

  • Produces clean and safe energy.
  • Comes with the economy mode.
  • can be easily started even in cold weather.
  • Easy electric start.
  • 3-year warranty.

Cons

  • Noise level can be disturbing.
  • Problems in reading the intelligauge during the day.

What is a Whole House Generator?

Whole House Generator

Power outages can be a common occurrence in disaster-prone areas, and the electricity will be gone if a recent storm has fallen on the electricity polls. This can result in days or sometimes even weeks without electricity.

This means the food in the fridge will be spoiled in a day or two. The security concerns will increase, especially during the night, and on top of that, the alarm system will be down.

Moreover, a power outage in colder areas will stop the heating system if it runs on electricity. In short, the power outage will give rise to many adversaries.

To be safe from all of these and to keep most of the appliances of your house running, the generators which are used to restore the power to your house are known as whole house generators.

These generators will have a higher power rating, and they are designed to power many appliances of a house. These generators can be connected to your house with the use of a transfer switch, and a transfer switch is equipment that will prevent the simultaneous connection of the generator and electrical grid to the house.

The whole house generators can either be standby generators or portable generators, so which one should you choose? Keep reading to find out.

Portable Vs. Whole House Generator

We recommend you go with the portable generators as they have a few key advantages over standby generators. But, keep in mind your needs, what you expect from your generator. If your needs point towards the standby generator, then there is no point in bringing a portable generator under your roof.

The first difference is the price. Portable generators will have the upper hand in this. The overall cost of them can be much less than the standby generators. Standby generators are not that costly, but their installation increases the cost. Standby generators will need to be installed by professional and certified electricians.

Moreover, if you want to install a generator in your house, you will need a specific permit from the local authorities. This is why the overall cost of standby generators is higher.

While you won’t need any permit for the use of a portable generator, you can bring one at home and can directly attach it to the transfer switch. Other than that, standby generators require frequent maintenance, I mean very frequently, after every single use. This gives rise to frustration over the long term. While the portable generators will require maintenance but not that frequently.

Moving on, if you worry that the portable generator can’t supply enough power as the standby ones do, then you may be slightly wrong on that front.

There are generators in the market with a power rating of up to 15,000 watts, and some of them we have included in our reviews can power most of the appliances that you would like them to.

Another important thing the portable generator has to offer is its portability. You can take it with you wherever you need power, the advantage which the standby generator doesn’t offer.

They are placed at a certain place and stay there forever. You won’t need the power of the generator all the time. When you don’t need it, a portable generator can be stored in the basement or the garage and can be taken out whenever you need it.

Fuels Used in Whole House Generators

All the generators are the same when it comes to working mechanisms; they only differ in terms of fuels. The most common generators you will find in the market are running on gasoline, propane, diesel, and natural gas.

The choice will vary based on your needs, and all fuel types have their advantages and disadvantages. Also, there are generators that can run on more than one fuel, they are known as dual fuel generators.

The working fuel can be changed in seconds with the flip of a switch. If you go with them, then you won’t have to make a choice.

Gasoline

Gasoline is the most common fuel used to power generators, and it is easily available at every gas station. They provide more BTUs compared to propane when burned, and this results in more power output than propane.

But to use it in a whole house generator, it needs to be in more quantity. This may result in remainder fuel, which may go to waste if not used within a certain time period. If you want it to stay good for an extended period, then you can add the stabilizer.

If you store it in more quantity, then there can be a fire risk, as it is highly flammable and dangerous. So refrain from it. Another thing is that gasoline is not clean as propane; the exhaust releases more harmful gases into the environment.

Natural Gas

This is the fuel type that is more suitable for the standby generators as they are available as a direct connection to the house. It can turn out to be a good fuel choice if you already have an existing natural gas line available.

It will reduce the cost of installation. This eliminates the need for fuel storage, and natural gas will always be available as long as the supply lines are damage-free.

If they get damaged in some natural disaster, then you will be without power. Natural gas may not be available in certain areas.

The use of natural gas use is possible only because of the steep increase in technical developments in the past few years. The generator works the same as the gasoline engine, and the difference is just the state of fuel. The gasoline is liquid while the natural gas is in gaseous form.

Liquid Propane

Liquid propane is favored by many homeowners, and this is because this fuel offers numerous advantages. The liquid propane also goes by the name of propane or butane, and it is a mixture of few hydrocarbons, which makes it flammable.

Same as gasoline or diesel, the generator needs to be stored on site. It is generally available in tanks, but for a house, you can have the tank installed underground; its capacity to store the propane can be over 500 gallons.

If you install the tank, then it can last for more than 35 or 40 years. But, the installation of the tank can be a costly process.

Liquid propane is available either in liquid or vapor form. For backup purposes, the vapor form is more suitable. Propane is an advantageous alternative to liquid fuels like gasoline and diesel.

The advantage of using propane is that it burns clean, very clean as opposed to gasoline. Unlike gasoline, propane can be stored for a very long time, for 10 to 12 years, without any detrimental effects, but in colder climates, it will need special attention because it starts to break down when the temperature is low.

The noise of the propane generator will be significantly less due to its modified engine. Moreover, they are inexpensive.

Diesel

Diesel is the solid choice for backup power due to its reliability, and that’s why where the power availability is critical, like at the hospital or the police headquarters, you will see generators that will use diesel as fuel.

Diesel is more thermally efficient than gasoline, and this means it is an economical choice and will be reflected when you use it for larger applications.

Diesel is a more traditional fuel, and it needs to be stored on site. It can be stored for up to 2 years without any degradation and any additives. If you want to store it for more than 2 years, then you will need additives.

Moreover, there is a seldom need to store the generator because it is easily available everywhere. Also, they are less expensive to maintain.

Diesel comes in three forms, regular, bio-diesel, and emulsified diesel. To reduce the emissions, the diesel is diluted by adding water into it, that is, emulsified diesel. Diesel is better and safer to use than gasoline or natural gas.

They exert less mechanical stress on the parts, and if you properly maintain them, they will last for years. But, they will require more maintenance and that too frequently.

Another thing to note is that the diesel engines are loud, this can be a problem for some individuals. They will provide the overall best performance on the connected load of 70 to 80%.

Bi-Fuel Systems

A dual-fuel system offers the best of both worlds. Here you won’t have to make a choice. Because they can operate on two fuels, it can either be a combination of fuels or they are utilized separately.

The transition from one fuel to another will be seamless when one fuel is about to be finished; automatically, another fuel is utilized. Manually it can be done with just a flip of a switch; it’s a very easy process. These systems are more effective and reliable and offer much versatility.

A popular combination of fuels is natural gas and Liquid Propane. This type of generator is generally started on natural gas, and then the fuel transition takes place to the Liquid propane when natural gas is depleted. If the natural gas supply is somehow interrupted, then also the generator will utilize the propane.

For bigger generators, natural gas and diesel are utilized as dual fuels. Diesel acts as a pilot fuel, the generator is started with the diesel, and then natural gas is introduced until the perfect blend of both the fuels is obtained.

The best performance you get is when the mixture is made up of 25% diesel and 75% natural gas. There are tri-fuel systems also available; they utilize three fuels.

Things to Consider before Buying a Whole House Generator

generator connected to the house

If you want to choose the best whole house generator, then keep these things in mind to get the best out of your deal. The best generator for everyone can be different, and it comes down to the use of your generator. For a concise guide on the selection of home generators also see this review.

Power Output

The power output of the generator is the most important thing to consider before making a purchase. If you don’t know what your power needs are, then you will have no clue which generator to purchase. If you calculate your total power requirement, then you can narrow down different generators; it makes the selection much easier.

A generator will have two power ratings, starting watts and running watts. You will have to calculate the maximum starting watts and running watts your house will need. If a generator is too small, then you won’t be able to power the appliances you want it to power, and if it is too big, then its purchase cost and maintenance cost will be higher. You will need more power as the house size increases.

Starting Mechanism

The convenience generator offers in its starting is important. A generator can have a pull start or electric start, or remote start. Most generators come with a combination of two of them. Some generators come with all three starting methods.

The electric start is more convenient than the pull start. In a pull-start, you will need to pull a cord to start the generator, and it can get frustrating in colder weather.

If the generator is big, then it will require more effort. While for an electric start, the generator can be started with just a push of a button.

If a generator has a remote start, then with the use of a key fob, similar to one that comes in a car, you can start it from up to a certain distance.

Safety

Safety is a critical consideration when purchasing a generator. It should be able to keep itself and connected appliances safe. You should go with the generator, which comes with voltage surge protection. If the voltage goes beyond a safe limit, then the supply from the generator to the appliances will be interrupted; this will keep them safe.

Moreover, some additional protection features are overheating and overloading protection. A generator should also have an automatic shutdown feature when the oil and fuel level drops below some level.

Control Panel

The control panel of the generator gives you maximum control over the unit. It should have all the necessary features along with a wide range of electrical outlets.

Moreover, it should be easily accessible and simple to use with all the markings to different outlets and on/off switches. This makes it extremely convenient, and you won’t have to guess which switch is for what purpose.

The control panel makes the monitoring of the unit effortless. The readings like the voltage, frequency, and runtime should be displayed in an easy-to-read manner. It should also notify when the oil needs to be replenished and also when the replacement of the oil filter is required.

Noise

Some generators are noisier, while some are less, even if they produce the same amount of power. The high noise can be disturbing to your neighbor; however, you can take some measures to diminish the dB to some extent.

In the US, there are noise regulations in place; your generator should not produce more than a certain level of noise during a certain time period. So, it can be advantageous if you get familiar with your local noise regulations.

If you don’t want to disturb the harmony of your environment, then you can choose the one which produces less noise while also fulfilling all other requirements.

Size

The size of the generator is proportional to the generator’s power output. If you have determined your power requirement, then your generator can be of small to x-large size. Small generators can power a few appliances while the x-large generators can power the whole house.

If a generator is considerably big, then you will have to make space for its storage.

Transfer Switch

A transfer switch is essential for a safe connection of a generator to the house, and the direct connection will create many safety concerns. To connect a portable generator to the house, the manual transfer switch is an ideal choice.

When getting a transfer switch, make sure it matches the rating of a main breaker of the main panel; this will ensure safe operation. A common transfer switch rating of 200 amps, will be suitable for an average home. This is because the main breaker rating of most houses will be 200 Amps.

If you have a standby generator as a backup, then the automatic transfer will be a good choice. It can sense the absence of electricity from the grid and can signal the generator to supply the power to the house while it disconnects the utility from the main panel.

Fuel Choice

Generators can use any one fuel from gasoline, diesel, propane, or natural gas. They are known as single fuel generators. The generators which use two fuels are known as dual fuel generators, and they are versatile equipment. If you don’t have access to one type of fuel, then you can always use the other one.

The best fuel for you depends on its availability in your locality. It also depends on your personal choice, and all these fuels have some advantages and disadvantages, which we have already discussed.

FAQs

Q. What Appliances can a Whole House Generator Run?

Whole-house generators are designed to handle large loads, and they can ideally run all the things you want them to. But, depending on the generator’s size, it can run the lowest power-consuming lights to power-demanding central AC units.

Note, they can’t run all the appliances for a medium to large house simultaneously, but they can run more than a few necessary appliances.

Q. Which Generator is Better in Terms of The Cooling Method?

The generator is a dynamic electromechanical device, and it has many moving and rotating parts. During its operation, the temperature of the engine and power-generating motor increases drastically, which needs to be cooled down. The cooling can be by the circulation of air or a liquid.

When air is used, it is known as air cooling, and air cooling is generally employed for the generator that produces a power output of less than 22 kW. This is because the air, up to this power output, can handle the temperature. But, if the power output increase beyond 22kW, then liquid cooling becomes necessary.

Liquid cooling is more efficient, but they are expensive. So, the air-cooled generators are a better and more economical choice for up to 22 kW, and beyond that, liquid cooling becomes better.

Q. Can I Install the Generator Myself?

The installation of the generator involves working with 200 amps of power, and if you don’t know what you are doing, then refrain from doing the installation yourself. It will be much better if you hire a professional electrician. Also, for some generators to keep the warranty intact, the installation needs to be performed by certified electricians only. Moreover, they can install it with proper grounding and transfer switch.

However, if you know electrical circuits and equipment, then you can do it yourself; all the steps will be mentioned in the manual. But, to make any changes in your electrical systems, you will need a permit from local authorities in a certain town/city.

Q. What are Safety Measures for Safe Operation of Whole House Generator?

If you want to keep yourself, your loved ones, and also the generator safe, then you must keep these few things in mind and properly follow them.

The placement of the generator is important, don’t ever keep the generator in a closed space. It results in an accumulation of exhaust which can be deadly if breathed in. Also, in confined spaces, there won’t be much ventilation, so the generator will run hot; this reduces its lifetime. So the ideal position is to keep it open and away from the house. If kept beside the house, there are chances of exhaust creeping inside the house from the windows or doors. That is not good. Furthermore, it will reduce the noise level if kept away.

Another thing to keep in mind is during the refill of the tank, first turn off the generator and let it cool down and then only add the gasoline to the tank. Gasoline is highly flammable, and a hot generator can ignite it. The generator is an electrical device, so it isn’t a good idea to touch it when your hands are wet, whether it is on or it is off.

For proper operation, always read all the instructions carefully in the manual and follow them.

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