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Discover the most popular generators for home installation
If you need temporary power for medical, heating, cooling or electrical reasons, Angi electricians can help. Installation for brands such as Generac, Kohler and Cummins.
Top 5 backup generators
Champion AXis 14 kW Home Standby Generator with 200 A Whole Home Switch
at HomeDepot
4.5
Our ratings take into account factors such as price, warranty, noise levels, power generation, load management and high temperature shutdown. All reviews are done exclusively by our editorial team.
Prices
Very good
Guarantee
Excellent
noise level
Very good
4.5
Our ratings take into account factors such as price, warranty, noise levels, power generation, load management and high temperature shutdown. All reviews are done exclusively by our editorial team.
Champion AXis 14 kW Home Standby Generator with 200 A Whole Home Switch
Prices
Very good
Guarantee
Excellent
noise level
Very good
at HomeDepot
why did we choose it
Champion's 14kW model offers the best of both worlds in terms of performance and affordability. The model sells competitively, putting it in the middle of the price range among the models we tested. Its performance works well even when other brands exceed the 20kW limit.
The nice thing about this model is that its battery is rated to operate in temperatures ranging from -22 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit. Despite offering 14,000 watts of power, the aXis load management module allows owners to choose which devices need to be running and which devices perform well during a power outage.
for and against
- 10 years warranty
- reliability
- axle load management
- Difficult DIY installation
- Some noise concerns
- Hard to find, not available on Amazon or Lowe's
Champion 12,5 kW Home-Standby-Generator
e Walmart
4.3
Our ratings take into account factors such as price, warranty, noise levels, power generation, load management and high temperature shutdown. All reviews are done exclusively by our editorial team.
Prices
Excellent
noise level
Very good
4.3
Our ratings take into account factors such as price, warranty, noise levels, power generation, load management and high temperature shutdown. All reviews are done exclusively by our editorial team.
Champion 12,5 kW Home-Standby-Generator
Prices
Excellent
Guarantee
Excellent
noise level
Very good
e Walmart
why did we choose it
The Champion 12.5kW model has the same characteristics as the 14kW model, only less power.
for and against
- weekly self-assessment
- Auto switch included
- steel box
- Installation may require an electrician and a plumber
- Fuses that are difficult to access and prone to blowing
- Hard to find
8.5kW Champion Home Standby Generator with 50A External Switch
at HomeDepot
4.2
Our ratings take into account factors such as price, warranty, noise levels, power generation, load management and high temperature shutdown. All reviews are done exclusively by our editorial team.
Prices
Excellent
Guarantee
Excellent
noise level
Very good
4.2
Our ratings take into account factors such as price, warranty, noise levels, power generation, load management and high temperature shutdown. All reviews are done exclusively by our editorial team.
8.5kW Champion Home Standby Generator with 50A External Switch
Prices
Excellent
Guarantee
Excellent
noise level
Very good
at HomeDepot
why did we choose it
Champion's 8.5kW model will power essential devices and do so silently. At 59.5 decibels, it ranked second among all the models we tested.
It's one of the cheapest models we've tested. Plus, it's even backed by a 10-year warranty. However, it does not come with a battery or remote monitoring.
for and against
- Still
- low fuel consumption
- 10 years warranty
- Hard to find
- Do not turn on the whole house
- Outdated security technology, according to some customers
Generac air-cooled standby generator
at HomeDepot
4.1
Our ratings take into account factors such as price, warranty, noise levels, power generation, load management and high temperature shutdown. All reviews are done exclusively by our editorial team.
Prices
INTESTINE
Guarantee
Very good
noise level
INTESTINE
4.1
Our ratings take into account factors such as price, warranty, noise levels, power generation, load management and high temperature shutdown. All reviews are done exclusively by our editorial team.
Generac air-cooled standby generator
Prices
INTESTINE
Guarantee
Very good
noise level
INTESTINE
at HomeDepot
why did we choose it
Generac is one of the most respected generator manufacturers in the industry and their air-cooled standby generator maintains that high standard. This model is the quietest available for the amount of power it generates. Generac's air-cooled backup generator powers your entire home during a power outage.
Generac advertises the lowest cost per kilowatt of any air-cooled standby generator. Obviously, a high horsepower unit will cost more and use more fuel than smaller models.
for and against
- high energy output
- Still
- remote monitoring
- Higher price than many competitors.
- Several customers had delivery issues
- fuel consumption
Generac Guardian 3 Phase 20kW Automatic Standby Generator WiFi Enabled
4.1
Our ratings take into account factors such as price, warranty, noise levels, power generation, load management and high temperature shutdown. All reviews are done exclusively by our editorial team.
Prices
Very good
Guarantee
Very good
noise level
INTESTINE
4.1
Our ratings take into account factors such as price, warranty, noise levels, power generation, load management and high temperature shutdown. All reviews are done exclusively by our editorial team.
Generac Guardian 3 Phase 20kW Automatic Standby Generator WiFi Enabled
Prices
Very good
Guarantee
Very good
noise level
INTESTINE
why did we choose it
Generac's Guardian 20kW three-phase automatic backup generator offers about the same performance as its larger models, but it doesn't come with everything you might expect.
This model will power your entire home and you can monitor it while you are away from home. Generac generators are designed to withstand wind speeds of 240 km/h and offer best-in-class performance.
This model is a little less expensive than other Generac generators that provide a little more power.
for and against
- Wi-Fi enabled and remote monitoring
- Powerful
- Durable and corrosion resistant
- five year warranty
- Transfer switch not included
- battery not included
Summary: Top 5 Backup Generator Reviews
| Chase | company logo | Forbes House Rating | Forbes Advisor Rating | Prices | Guarantee | noise level | Learn more Call-to-action text | Learn more CTA below text | To know more |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Champion AXis 14 kW Home Standby Generator with 200 A Whole Home Switch |  | 4.5 |  | Very good | Excellent | Very good | buy now | at HomeDepot | |
| Champion 12,5 kW Home-Standby-Generator |  | 4.3 | | Excellent | Excellent | Very good | buy now | e Walmart | |
| 8.5kW Champion Home Standby Generator with 50A External Switch |  | 4.2 |  | Excellent | Excellent | Very good | buy now | at HomeDepot | |
| Generac air-cooled standby generator |  | 4.1 | | INTESTINE | Very good | INTESTINE | buy now | at HomeDepot | |
| Generac Guardian 3 Phase 20kW Automatic Standby Generator WiFi Enabled |  | 4.1 | | Very good | Very good | INTESTINE | View more |
What is a backup generator and how does it work?
Backup generators, as the name suggests, provide backup power to your device in the event of a power outage. Unlike standby generators, which are permanently installed and automatically detect a power outage and provide power when needed, standby generators are not fixed installations intended only to provide temporary power in the event of a power outage.
Backup generators cannot automatically detect a power outage like their backup counterparts. Instead, the generator engine must be manually started in the event of a failure, which means you must be on site for it to run. Once turned on, power is generated by running extension cords directly from the generator to any desired device.
How to Determine Which Backup Generator Is Best for You
need energy
How much power you think your home will need during a power outage is critical to choosing the right generator. If you want to keep your home's most important components running, you can use a less powerful generator. But if you want full power as usual then you are looking for bigger generators.
A typical home needs a 20,000 watt generator to power everything, while a 5,000 to 7,500 watt generator can power items like a refrigerator, oven, and water. Pay special attention to the starting power and operating power of a generator. Output watts distort the most because they represent the extra power needed to operate the devices.
fuel source
The fuel you use to run a generator is likely the same type you use at home, as backup generators connect to existing gas lines. Propane is more expensive than natural gas and has experienced shortages in recent years, but propane is more efficient than natural gas.
Installation
If you plan on tapping into an existing gas line, installation is fairly easy; However, it is best to leave the job to a professional. Installation can be complicated depending on the gradation of the place where you want to install the generator, possible building permits and the need for an electrician. AlltimePower suggests a rule of thumb to estimate the generator installation cost to be around 75% of the generator cost.
Reasons to Buy a Backup Generator
uninterruptible power supply
Few things are as devastating as when a home loses power during a storm. Panicking over candles or other lighting devices is stressful, not to mention the situation in the fridge when food and frozen food starts to heat up.
A standby generator kicks in as soon as the power goes out, so you don't have to worry about damage or looking for a flashlight. Plus, with uninterruptible power supplies, you can stay up-to-date with developments during a storm.
additional security
A backup generator provides additional security against other events that could cause a power outage, such as a power outage. B. Power surges, a broken power line nearby, or an overloaded air conditioner. A backup generator can be a lifesaver in hot weather when the power goes out.
Digital prevention loss
These days, most people back up their computer files to the cloud, but for those who don't, a power outage can result in the loss of digital information. For anyone who has home servers or does IT work from home, a backup power source is essential.
Protect yourself from food loss
The longer you wait for energy to return, the more likely the food will spoil. All of a sudden, your freezer could have a puddle of ice or, even worse, the refrigerator in the garage with prized cuts of meat or seafood could start to defrost. A backup generator can save you from losing a leg of lamb or other expensive food item.
Keep medical devices working
For those who need constant power for medical equipment, a backup generator is a good idea. A fuel-powered backup generator may not be as easy to run for someone with medical issues as having a backup generator installed would be.
To perceive
THIS IS ADVERTISING AND NOT EDITORIAL. Please note that we receive compensation for any products you purchase or subscribe to through this advertisement and this compensation will affect the ranking and placement of the listings listed here. We do not present information about all available offers. The information and savings values shown above are for demonstration purposes only and your results may vary.
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methodology
To determine the best endorsement generator, the Forbes Home Improvement editorial team analyzed third-party data from 16 major companies, and each product's star rating was determined by evaluating a variety of metrics, including:
- Preis (30%)
- Guarantee (30%)
- Noise level (15%)
- Energy output (15%)
- Last management (5%)
- High temperature shutdown (5%)
| Compare the best backup generators |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long does a backup generator work?
During a power outage, a typical standby generator can run for two to three weeks when connected to a gas line. A standby generator can last between 20 and 40 years with proper maintenance. Proper maintenance involves running the generator about half an hour a week while the oil is checked, cleared of snow or other debris, and other maintenance is performed.
Is it cheaper to run a generator on propane or gas?
Natural gas is cheaper than propane, but not as efficient. So when choosing a fuel source, consider how much fuel you need to see which source is the most economical.
Are backup generators worth it?
Backup generators are definitely worth it if you need a constant power supply, for example. 24/7 or if you live in an area with frequent power outages. A backup generator is also excellent protection during hot and cold events that can cause power outages.
What size generator do I need?
Determining generator size for a homeThis depends on the size of the house, the appliances, and the number of devices the homeowner wants to power during a power outage. FORwhole house generatorIt should be around 20,000 watts, while smaller generators rated at around 5,000 to 7,000 watts can power most household items like refrigerators, lights, stoves and water.
Do generators need maintenance?
Yes, generators require regular maintenance. Generators need to run half an hour a week. Monthly generator maintenance tasks include: visual inspection, cleaning the surrounding area, checking oil and coolant levels, checking terminals, wire connections, corrosion or damage to terminals or wiring, and inspecting batteries. In addition to these tasks, you should also change the oil and filter annually, check the fuel filters, transfer switches, spark plugs and endurance test.
How much does a backup generator cost?
The price you pay for a backup or standby generator can vary based on a number of factors such as: B. the size of your home, how much electricity you need, etc. Generators vary in size and typical costs range from less than2.000 $ a 20.000 $or more. Installation costs can also vary.
Information provided on Forbes Home is for educational purposes only. The products and services we review may not be appropriate for your individual circumstances.
Forbes Home adheres to strict standards of editorial integrity. To the best of our knowledge, all content is correct at the time of publication, although the offers contained in this document may no longer be available. The views expressed are solely those of the author and have not been provided, approved or supported by our partners.
Nick Gerhardtcontributor
Nick is a content creator with experience in home renovation, maintenance, repair and trends. When not writing, Nick enjoys rehabilitating vintage or kitsch furniture for his home.
Samantha Alleneditor
Samantha is an editor who covers everything around the home, including DIY and repairs. He has edited home design and repair content for sites like The Spruce and HomeAdvisor. He has also hosted home improvement tips and solution videos and created several home improvement review panels with licensed professionals.
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