11 Reasons to Get a Home Generator Guide Review

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One of the gifts you can give to yourself or your family is a home generator. Having a source of backup power is important. We can’t depend on the general power supply 24/7 because it may fail at a crucial moment. Learn more about reasons to get a home generator.

The kind of generator that is best for home use will differ from household to household. You will need to think about the reasons you want one. It will be important to decide if it is worth getting a whole house generator that is hooked up to your house (and permanently installed) or a portable one that you can use for non-emergencies as well.

A generator is simply a machine that converts fuel into electricity. It can provide enough power for a home during outages or other emergencies such as hurricanes, tornadoes, and power grid failure.

Home Generator

These are home appliances that converts gas or diesel fuel to electricity and can be used as a backup source of power. They can also be an additional source of power. 

Many areas experience power outages frequently, while some see it once in a while. But the important thing is your preparations for a backup power during those times.

Without electricity, many things can go wrong in a home. Apart from the obvious which is providing light, many of the appliances we use need constant power to function.

Our food, water, heat, and sometimes health depends on electricity. So, if you’re yet to invest in a home generator, here are some things to know.  

Types of Home Generators

There are many choices when it comes to home generators. The first thing to consider is why you want a generator because there are primarily two different types.

Whole house / standby generator / permanent generator / large generator

Do you want a large generator to come on automatically to power your home when the power goes out? This type of generator is stationary. It is referred to as a standby generator or a whole house generator.

You pay to have it installed properly. This type of house generator is permanently attached to your home. It is built in, and you leave it there. You do not move it around.

When the power goes out, it will come on and continue to power all of your appliances, devices, HVAC, etc. just as it would if there wasn’t an outage. These types of home generators are often hooked up to the natural gas line so there is hardly a break in electricity.

Portable generator / can move around and use for other things / small generator

Another type of home generator is a portable generator. You can use it in emergencies to provide backup power. In addition, you can use it to provide power around your yard, property, and shop or take it with you for outdoor activities.

Portable generators will come in different wattage sizes. Some can be considered small and some can be considered large. However, they are smaller than permanently-attached home generators.

Portable generators are less expensive but smaller and provide less power than standby generators meant to power the entire house.

Depending on the output, in a blackout, you may be able to power a refrigerator and freezer as well as charge up cell phones, an aquarium, or a CPAP machine.

You can also use it around your property as a power source for power tools and other equipment. These are ideal for smaller spaces, such as an RV and camping. Or you can bring it tailgating to power a TV, string lights, and more.

However, when most people think about a home generator, they are referring to one that is meant only for emergencies and not one they can move around in order to power other things.

Inverter generators

If you are considering a generator for your home and want to get one that isn’t permanently installed, you can also decide if you want to buy an inverter generator. The advantage of this type is it is more efficient because it electronically throttles the engine up and down in order to meet the demand. Traditional generators run full tilt all the time.

Inverter generators are a type of engine-generator that is typically more expensive than a traditional generator. The inverter generator, however, is much more efficient and produces less noise.

Inverter generators take the power from the battery and convert it into usable electricity by means of a DC to AC inverter. This makes them better at running sensitive electronics such as computers and televisions, as well as powering lights and other appliances. Inverters also run cleaner, quieter, and safer than traditional generators do. With inverter generators, you can usually enjoy more peace with them than with the others.

Generator fuel types

When you are considering buying a home generator, you need to also think about the fuel types. Generators run on gasoline, diesel, propane, natural gas, and/or solar.

A standby home generator, which is also referred to as a whole house generator, is usually ready to provide power to the house immediately when the general source defaults. Whole house generators are typically powered by natural gas, propane, or diesel.

Portable generators use gasoline. Some models work with just one fuel type. An example of this is a portable inverter generator called Predator 3500 generator. It only works with unleaded gasoline. 

Other portable generators are dual fuel or tri-fuel. A dual fuel generator means the generator will work with gas or another type of fuel. Examples can be propane, diesel fuel, or natural gas. There are also tri-fuel generators which can run on three fuel sources (but one at a time).

If you prefer a portable home generator, you should prepare for gasoline and safe storage for it.

These are examples of propane generators. You can purchase a natural gas generator as a whole house generator — permanently installed to your home. Or you can purchase a portable natural gas generator.

The main thing about using any home generator is to operate it safely by reading and obeying the instructions on the operational manual.

Reasons to get a Home Generator

Reasons to Get a Home Generator

We’ve explained the types of generators available but why do you need one at home? There are many ways you can use a home generator. In addition to being extremely helpful in emergencies, home generators are also great for backup power around your property. Here are 11 reasons to get a generator for home.

Generators for Weather Extremes

Okay, so we know that power outages can happen suddenly when you are not expecting it. There are blackouts and other concerns. If you don’t have a home generator, what will you do?

Sometimes, we lose power due to bad weather conditions. We are left wondering how long the power outage will last? When will the lights turn on? Maybe you are willing to leave it to chance if power outages aren’t common in your area.

However, if you live in a high-risk climate area prone to adverse weather conditions, you must buy a home generator. Some areas experience hot temperatures while others endure very cold weather at certain times of the year. HVAC can be very important, especially if you have health issues.

If you happen to be in areas with extreme climates, you should consider getting a home generator for your portable air conditioner or heating system.

Generator for Home Office

Many professionals are working from home these days. What if you decide to join them, are you going to depend on the general source of light? How will you power your laptop, desktop computer, iPad or cell phone when the battery runs out?

Are you already a work-at-home executive? We advise you to get a home generator soon if you work remotely from home. That way you can protect your business or work from the effects of power failure.

Our Food Depends on Electricity

How are you going to cope if the power goes off when your refrigerator and freezer is packed with food? We usually have many perishables at home, and with an extended outage, you can loose costly food which can be several hundred dollars or more.

Sure, you can eat some of it but you won’t be able to cook the meat and other perishables unless you have a means to do so outdoors.

Having a generator for your home means you can save your food while others in the area may lose theirs, depending on how long the power is out. 

Generator to Protect Your Property

Did you know that power outages can cause damages to your property? Miscreants may use such opportunities to enter your home when you’re away. So, if you need your security system to be active in your absence, get a standby home generator.

Sump Pump Generator

When heavy rains come, many homes rely on sump pumps to avoid flooding their basements. Sump pumps will run often during storms as they work to keep the water out of your home. When the power goes out, the sump pump can’t run.

Having a backup generator to run your sump pump can become essential should the time come when you need to use it. You will be able to prevent a flood in your basement.

Generator for Livestock

Perhaps you have animals which you care for by running electricity. Or you need power for milking machines and other farm equipment you use regularly. Consider how detrimental it would be should the power go out. You may want to consider a PTO generator or a fixed unit for backup power, depending on how much electricity you need. 

Inverter Generator to Power Medical Devices

Many seniors today rely on one medical device or the other. I personally have a CPAP. I have both a small 2000 watt inverter generator and a solar generator I take camping / traveling.

Some of these smart devices depend on reliable electricity to function. If you don’t keep a generator handy, what will they do when the power goes off suddenly?

What about a family member who may need to live on medical equipment due to accidents or prolonged illness? You can’t leave them at the mercy of the public source of power or, you may lose them suddenly.

Honda Generator
Honda generator

Home Generator Ensures Constant Water

Many people who use well water can’t afford to stay without a constant source of power. At least if the power suddenly goes off, you can be sure of clean water for your needs.

Backup Generator to Recharge Car at Home

If you’re driving a Tesla or other car that works with electricity, you should consider a generator as a backup for charging at home. With one, you won’t need to call 911 from a deserted road. Not all generators are capable of charging a car so be sure whichever you choose can.

Protect Vacant Home or Rental Unit

If you have a vacant home that isn’t nearby your primary residence, you will want to consider having an attached generator to the home. You want to give the appearance someone is home to avoid intruders. 

In addition, if you have a rental property, a generator is important to provide uninterrupted power for your paid guests. You want to keep them comfortable to protect your online reviews and to ensure they have a positive experience in your home.

Generator for Outdoor Activities

If you choose a portable generator for home, then you can use it in other ways too. One of the best times to enjoy your home generator is during camping, tailgating, outdoor parties, or when working around the house.

If you buy one of the best portable inverter generators, you can use it for felling trees or pressure washing. Perhaps you enhance your business with electrical power at a farmer’s market, craft fair, or outdoor business convention with lights and other displays.  

Thinking of ways you can use a generator when there isn’t an emergency may make you be able to justify the expense of buying and storing a generator

FAQ’s

What kind of generator is best for home use?

Typically home owners consider whole house generators to be the best for homes.

What size generator is needed to power a house?

You need to calculate the square footage along with the needs of appliances such as the refrigerator, medical equipment, HVAC, and anything else you will need to run such as a sump pump or well pump. What Size Generator Do I Need

Is it worth getting a whole house generator?

It is one of those things where if you have it and need it, it will become invaluable. If you live in an area prone to blackouts due to weather or other reasons, it is worth it. It is also worth it if you rely on power for medical devices, your business or for raising animals (incubators for chicks, milking machines for livestock, etc.) and other pursuits.

How does a generator hook up to your house?

The generator should be hooked up to the house using a transfer switch because it is safer. You should have an electrician install it. You connect the transfer switch to the generator with a genset cord. A genset cord is a heavy-duty cable that you plug into the power inlet box which is installed outside of the home.  

How can I power my house with a generator without a transfer switch?

It is best to have your home generator professionally installed by a technician. It is possible to power a home without a transfer switch, however, we do not recommend doing it on your own.

Recommended Favorite Generators

  • Generac Home Standby Generator with Transfer Switch
  • Kohler Home Generator with Transfer Switch
  • Generac 7036 Guardian Air Cooled with Transfer Switch
  • Honeywell Air Cooled Generator
  • Learn about a Duromax generator, dual fuel and single fuel 

Reasons You Need a Generator for Home

A generator is a machine that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy by electromagnetic induction. It can be fueled by petroleum, natural gas, coal, or other fossil fuels.

There are many reasons to buy a home generator. We all know that our daily lives depend so much on electricity. Therefore, it’s wise to provide an alternative source of power for when the grid goes down or is not available. 

An emergency power generator serves as a temporary source of electrical current to operate lights, refrigerators, heaters, air conditioning systems and many more home appliances like washers, dryers, stoves, computers and televisions. It will charge up mobile phones and other devices as well.

Get the best generator for emergencies for your situation and needs. This way, with a home generator or a whole house generator, you will be ready all the time. At least you can be sure of comfort, protection and productivity, even when others are left without power.