Best Generators for Your Home
Remember: For safety reasons, always make sure the items or circuits you’re powering meet your generator’s wattage capacity (a transfer switch can keep track of your wattage levels).
How Much Power Do I Need?
Before beginning your search for the best generator for your home, it’s important to assess your power needs to decide which type of generator is best for you. Here are some key questions to ask yourself:
What will you be powering?
- Do you want to ensure your home or cottage has power if there’s an outage, or do you want portable power for job sites or RVs?
- Do you need to power hardwired items such as a furnace, well pump or air conditioner?
- Do you need to power sensitive electronics? Some generators are designed to produce "clean power" to avoid damaging devices like computers and televisions.
- Do you need your generator to start automatically if an outage occurs?
What’s your wattage requirement?
Some general guidelines are:
- 5,000-7,000 watts (home essentials use)
- 3,000-5,000 watts (job site use)
- 1,000-3,000 watts (recreational use)
What Type of Generator do You Need?
When it comes to choosing the best generator for home use, or your cottage or job site, understanding the differences between standby, portable, inverter and solar generators is essential.
Best Home Standby Generators
Home standby generators are permanently installed, sit outside the home (similar to a central air conditioner unit), and automatically turn on during a power outage making them some of the best backup generators to choose from.
Featuring a higher power output compared to portable generators, standby generators are the best backup generators for supporting multiple large appliances simultaneously. These systems are often fueled by natural gas or propane, making them more efficient, reliable for long-term use and generally one of the best emergency generators you can use.
Pros:
- Automatic Operation. They detect power outages and turn on within seconds.
- High capacity, suitable for running multiple large appliances simultaneously, such as your refrigerator, heating system, and even an air conditioner.
- Fuel efficient, as most run on natural gas or propane, making them efficient for long-term use.
Cons:
Standby generators, however, require professional installation and regular maintenance to ensure they are always ready to provide instant power during emergencies.
How does a Home Standby Generator Work?
When the power goes out, a sensor in the home standby generator system detects the loss of electricity from the main grid. This sensor sends a signal to the generator’s control panel, which then automatically starts the generator’s engine.
Once the engine is running, the generator produces electricity, which is directed through a transfer switch. This switch disconnects your home from the main power line and connects it to the generator, allowing the generator to supply power to your home.
This entire process happens within seconds, ensuring that your essential appliances and systems, like heating, refrigeration, and lighting, continue to operate without interruption.
Best Portable Generators
Portable generators are versatile and can be moved to different locations as needed. They’re perfect to just store in your garage or shed and pull out when you need them. They are ideal for temporary power needs, such as powering tools on a job site or providing electricity for outdoor events. These generators are typically smaller in size and easier to store, making them a convenient option for many homeowners.
Pros:
Affordable, easy to store, and suitable for on-the-go power needs such as job sites, RVs or camping trips.
Cons:
Lower power output compared to standby generators and requires manual refueling (usually gasoline or diesel).
They are ideal for temporary power needs, so you may need to manage their fuel supply carefully during extended power outages.
Safety First: Always run portable generators outdoors — never in your house, garage or basement – to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Keep them at least 20 feet away from windows and doors in a well-ventilated area.
Best Inverter Generators
If you need to power sensitive electronics such as laptops and TVs, inverter generators are the way to go. These generators produce clean and stable power, which is crucial for running smaller electronic devices without the risk of damaging them from over-voltage.
Pros:
Lightweight, quieter than traditional generators, and great for activities like camping or tailgating.
Cons:
- Output is typically lower, making them less suitable for running multiple high-energy appliances simultaneously.
- They run on fuel, so they’ll need to stay outside to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning, meaning you’ll need to run a cord from outside if you’re powering things indoors.
Their compact size allows for easy storage, and many models come equipped with features like parallel capability, giving you the option to connect two units together for increased power. This flexibility makes inverter generators a versatile addition to any home emergency kit.
Best Solar Generators
Solar generators rely on sunlight to recharge, offering an eco-friendly and quiet alternative to fuel-powered generators. Solar generators operate quietly and without fumes, making them a sustainable and user-friendly power solution.
Pros:
Quiet generators, sustainable and because they don’t run on fuel, there are no harmful emissions.
Cons:
- More upfront investment.
- Limited power output.
- Slow to recharge, especially during extended outages in cloudy or nighttime conditions.
Remember, while many models come with a built-in battery management system (BMS) – which ensures clean and safe power by protecting your devices from overcurrent, over-voltage, and over-temperature – their power output may not be sufficient for high-energy appliances.
Despite these drawbacks, the environmental benefits and safety features make solar generators a compelling option for sustainable energy during outages.
Generator Wattage Estimator: How to Calculate Generator Size
Once you’ve decided on the type of generator you need, the next step is determining the size. This step is all about understanding your wattage requirements.
Consider the essential appliances and systems you need to keep running during a power outage, and you’ll be a pro generator wattage estimator in no time.
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Step 1 Make a List of Appliances
Write down all the appliances and devices you want to power. To calculate the size of your home generator, you need to know the approximate wattage you’ll need to keep your essential equipment running.
Think essentials, like your:
- Refrigerator
- HVAC system
- Sump pump
- Lights
- Medical equipment
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Step 2 Check the Wattage
Look for wattage labels on your appliances. These labels provide the starting watts and running watts for your items – which are two important measures used to determine the power requirements of appliances and devices.
Here's the difference between the two:
- Starting Watts, also known as surge watts or peak watts, represent the additional power required by an appliance or device when it is first turned on or when it experiences a surge in power demand. Starting watts are typically higher than running watts, as certain appliances, like refrigerators or air conditioners, need an extra burst of power to start their motors or compressors.
- Running Watts, also known as rated or continuous watts, refer to the amount of power an appliance or device requires to operate under normal conditions. It is the steady amount of power needed during regular use, once the device is already running.
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Step 3 Add Up the Total Wattage
Add the running watts and include the highest starting watts from your list to determine your overall wattage requirements.
For example:
- Refrigerator: 700 running watts, 2200 starting watts
- Sump pump (1/2 HP): 1050 running watts, 2150 starting watts
- Lights (10 bulbs at 60W each): 600 running watts
Total generator wattage required = ~6000 watts
Running Watts |
Additional Starting Watts |
Generator Size |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Compressor – 1 HP | 1,600 | 2,900 | Minimum starting watts for what you need:
|
| Circular Saw – 15 Amp | 1,800 | 2,300 | |
| Microwave | 1,000 | - | |
| Refrigerator/Freezer | 700 | 2,200 | |
| LCD TV | 450 | - | |
| Sump Pump – 1/2 HP | 1,050 | 2,100 | |
| Total | 6,600 | 2,900 | 9,500 |
Running Watts |
Additional Starting Watts |
Generator Size |
|
|---|---|---|---|
Air Compressor – 1 HP |
1,600 | 2,900 | Minimum starting watts for what you need:
|
Circular Saw – 15 Amp |
1,800 | 2,300 | |
| Microwave | 1,000 | - | |
Refrigerator/ Freezer |
700 | 2,200 | |
| LCD TV | 450 | - | |
Sump Pump – 1/2 HP |
1,050 | 2,100 | |
| Total | 6,600 | 2,900 | 9,500 |
By adding the running watts and accounting for the highest starting watts from your list of appliances, you can accurately calculate the overall wattage needed to ensure your generator can handle the initial power demands and continuous operation of your devices.
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! Choose a Slightly Larger Generator
To ensure smooth operation, choose a generator that provides at least 10-20% more watts than your calculated needs. Running a generator at its maximum capacity for long periods can reduce its lifespan.
For example:
- A 1,500 sq ft home may require a generator with a capacity of around 5,000 to 7,500+ watts.
- A 2,000 sq ft home might need a generator with a capacity of 7,500 to 10,000+ watts.
Other Things to Consider When Comparing Home Generators
Generator Fuel Types and Efficiency
Generators can run on various fuels, including gasoline, diesel, and propane. Consider the availability and cost of fuel in your area, as well as the generator’s fuel efficiency. For example:
- Gasoline is widely available and typically easier to store, but it has a shorter shelf life and can become less effective over time.
- Diesel has a longer shelf-life, and diesel generators tend to be more fuel-efficient, making them ideal for long-term use. Diesel fuel, however, can be more expensive and less readily available.
- Propane is another popular option for home generators due to its clean-burning properties and stable storage life, but it may require larger storage tanks and specialized components.
Find a Quiet Generator
Noise levels can vary between different generator models and some can be loud. Ensure that the generator you choose complies with local noise regulations.
Some of the more quiet generators come with sound-dampening features that can significantly reduce operational noise, making them more suitable for residential areas where noise can be a concern. It's also a good idea to place the generator on a stable and level surface, away from windows and doors, to further minimize sound intrusion into your living spaces.
Some generator boxes have the decibel (dBA) level clearly marked on them, to give you a more precise idea of how loud the unit is while running.
Initial and Maintenance Costs
Evaluate the initial purchase cost of your generator and then factor in any ongoing maintenance expenses. Home standby generators typically have higher upfront costs but may offer more convenience and reliability. They should also be serviced at least once per year -- including checking the oil, fuel and filters, as well as performing periodic tests to ensure they’re functioning correctly – while other types of generators may not need it as frequently..
Solar generators rely on sunlight to recharge, offering an eco-friendly and quiet alternative to fuel-powered generators. Solar generators operate quietly and without fumes, making them a sustainable and user-friendly power solution.
How to Safely Operate Your Generator
Here are some general safety tips for operating your generator:
- Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for safe operation.
- Always use gas-powered generators in a well-ventilated or outdoor area to avoid carbon monoxide build-up.
- Operate solar generators in an area with proper ventilation to prevent overheating. Also, store the batteries away from extreme temperature.
- Always pay attention to the generator’s wattage capacity, as overloading them cause excessive heat and damage to the generator.
Get your Home Generator Ready for the Canadian Winter
As the winter approaches, it's crucial to ensure that your home generator is prepared to provide reliable power during those cold Canadian months. Here are some essential tips to get your generator ready for the winter season:
- Check the Fuel and Oil: Before winter sets in, make sure to check the fuel and oil levels of your generator. It's recommended to use a fuel stabilizer to prevent fuel deterioration during the colder months.
- Protect from Freezing: Cold temperatures can affect the performance of your generator. Consider using an insulated generator cover or a cold weather kit to protect it from freezing temperatures. Additionally, for portable versions, ensure that the generator is stored in a dry and sheltered area.
- Inspect the Battery: Cold weather can drain the battery of your portable generator. Inspect the battery and make sure it's clean and fully charged. Consider using a battery blanket or a trickle charger to maintain the battery's performance.
- Test Run the Generator: Schedule a test run of your generator to ensure it's in good working condition. This will not only help identify any potential issues but also provide you with peace of mind knowing that your generator is ready when you need it.
- Clear Snow and Debris: After heavy snowfall, clear any accumulated snow or debris around standby generators to maintain proper ventilation and prevent any potential damage.
By following these winter preparation tips, you can ensure that your home generator is ready to provide reliable power during the cold Canadian winter.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes, you can plug a refrigerator into an inverter generator. Here are some key points to consider:
- Wattage: Ensure the generator can handle the refrigerator's starting and running wattage. Refrigerators typically require 150-400 watts to run, but the starting surge can be much higher, around 800-1200 watts.
- Extension Cord: Use a heavy-duty extension cord rated for outdoor use and capable of handling the wattage. Make sure the cord is long enough to place the generator outside to avoid carbon monoxide buildup indoors.
- Fuel Supply: Keep an adequate fuel supply for the generator, as refrigerators need to run continuously to keep food from spoiling.
Remember to always operate the inverter generator outdoors in a well-ventilated area to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Never run it inside a garage, even with the door open.
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Consider your power needs, the type of generator that best suits your requirements, and your budget. If you’d like to power your entire home automatically, a standby generator is a great choice. For occasional use, a portable or inverter generator might be a better choice.
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The size of the generator needed will depend on your home’s total wattage requirements. For most homes, a generator with a capacity between 5,000 to 10,000 watts will be sufficient to power essential systems. Larger homes may require generators exceeding 10,000 watts.
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Absolutely! If you are looking for a generator to power your job site, keep the lights on at an event, or even keep a bouncy castle inflated at an outdoor birthday party, your local Home Depot has got you covered. Visit our generator rental page to find out more, including pricing and duration.
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While they’re eco-friendly, solar generators are best suited for low-energy needs or as supplementary power, as they rely on sunlight and have lower storage capacity than fuel-based generators.
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Yes, a professional generator installer can assess your power requirements and determine the wattage you need. With their expertise, they can accurately take into consideration factors such as the appliances and devices you want to power, their running and starting watts and recommend a generator that can meet your power demands effectively.