Using emergency generators for the home is an effective way to ensure that essential household appliances remain operational during power outages. Here’s a more detailed guide on how to properly use and maintain these generators:
Emergency Generators for The Home
Assess Your Power Needs
The first step is calculating how much power your home needs during an emergency. Make a list of essential items like refrigerators, lighting, heating or cooling systems, medical devices, and any electronics you need.- Choose a generator with enough wattage to handle these needs. A generator that’s too small could lead to overloading, while an excessively large one may be unnecessarily expensive and harder to maintain.
Selecting the Right Generator Type
- Portable Generators: These are smaller, more affordable, and can be moved around. However, they require manual setup and fuel refills.
- Standby Generators: These are installed permanently and automatically switch on during an outage. They run on natural gas or propane and are more expensive but offer convenience and peace of mind.
Install a Transfer Switch
- For safety reasons, you’ll need a transfer switch to connect the generator to your home’s electrical system. This switch prevents electricity from flowing back into the power grid, avoiding dangerous situations for utility workers.
- It’s recommended to have a licensed electrician install the transfer switch.
Maintain Proper Fuel Supply
- Different generators use different types of fuel—gasoline, propane, or natural gas. Make sure to have enough fuel stored for several days, especially if you live in an area prone to long outages.
Proper Placement and Ventilation
- Never run a generator indoors or in an enclosed space like a garage. Always place it outside at least 20 feet from windows, doors, or vents to prevent carbon monoxide buildup.
- Use a carbon monoxide detector inside the home for extra safety.
Regular Maintenance
- To ensure reliability, run the generator periodically (around once a month) for about 15-20 minutes to keep it lubricated and check that everything is functioning properly.
- Regularly change the oil, check air filters, and make sure the battery (if applicable) is charged.
Powering Your Home
- When an outage occurs, start the generator and allow it to stabilize. Then, turn on essential devices gradually, monitoring the load to avoid overloading the generator.
- Consider using power strips with surge protectors to safeguard your electronics.
After the Outage
- Once the power is restored, turn off the generator before reconnecting your home to the grid.
- Let the generator cool down before refueling or storing.
Safety and Peace of Mind
Emergency generators for the home provide a reliable backup power source. Properly sizing, maintaining, and safely operating your generator ensures it will be ready when you need it most. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and consult with professionals for installations and repairs.
By taking these steps, you can keep your home running smoothly during unexpected outages, ensuring comfort and safety for your household.
Emergency Home Generator Brands
Generac Generator for Home
Product: Generac Guardian Series 22kW Standby Generator- Features: One of the best-selling standby generators, it provides automatic backup power for larger homes. It runs on natural gas or propane, offers Wi-Fi monitoring, and requires minimal maintenance.
- Ideal For: Large households or small businesses needing seamless power during outages.
Honda Generator for home
- Product: Honda EU7000is Portable Inverter Generator
- Features: A quiet and fuel-efficient portable generator. Its inverter technology delivers clean power, making it safe for sensitive electronics like computers and home entertainment systems.
- Ideal For: Homeowners needing a portable yet powerful solution, especially in areas prone to short or frequent outages.
Briggs & Stratton
- Product: Briggs & Stratton 20kW Standby Generator
- Features: Automatically powers your home during an outage, with a compact design for space-saving installation. It runs on natural gas or liquid propane, and includes an automatic transfer switch.
- Ideal For: Mid-sized homes looking for efficient, permanent backup power.
Champion Generator for home
- Product: Champion 7500-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Generator
- Features: This generator can run on both gasoline and propane, offering versatility during fuel shortages. It includes electric start, IntelliGauge for monitoring power usage, and is CARB compliant.
- Ideal For: Homeowners who want a flexible and portable generator for backup, camping, or other outdoor activities.
Kohler Generator for home
- Product: Kohler 20RESCL-200SELS 20kW Standby Generator
- Features: Known for long-lasting durability, this generator offers automatic power during outages. It’s designed for whole-house backup and runs on natural gas or liquid propane.
- Ideal For: High-end homes requiring reliable, full-home backup power with low maintenance.
Westinghouse Generator for home
- Product: Westinghouse WGen9500DF Dual Fuel Portable Generator
- Features: This dual-fuel generator offers 9500 running watts, comes with remote start capability, and is transfer switch ready. It’s highly versatile, running on either gasoline or propane.
Ideal For: Those looking for a powerful, budget-friendly portable generator with flexibility in fuel options.
These brands and products offer a range of options, from portable generators for small home applications to standby generators capable of powering entire homes during extended outages. Each has its own features to meet different needs, from quiet operation to dual-fuel capabilities.
