Natural Gas, Propane, and Diesel Home Generators for Sale

Table Of Content

• Summary: The 5 Best Whole House Generators
• The Best Solar Panels
• The Best Inverter Generators for Backup Power Almost Anywhere, Tested
• Briggs & Stratton PowerProtect Standby Generator
• Champion Power Equipment 10000-Watt Tri-Fuel Portable Generator
• What are the maintenance requirements of home generators?

A smartly placed, front-facing exhaust keeps fumes blowing away from your home instead of toward open windows. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and the home generators methodology for the ratings below. Some warranties also cover travel costs for a technician to come and service the generator, but this varies by manufacturer and model. Also, keep in mind that model specifications and local codes may dictate how much clearance is required between the generator and your home. With a yes or no based on whether a generator included overload protection, each product gained or lost points totaling 5% of the total ranking. Those living in warmer regions or simply worried about a generator overheating may appreciate this category at 5% of the total ranking.

Summary: The 5 Best Whole House Generators

When we started and stopped things with bigger motors, like a table saw and air conditioner, the sine wave remained smooth. Running under these heavier loads, we measured the highest sound levels for the EU2200i at 81.2 decibels at the generator. The home generator you need depends on a variety of factors, including the type and wattage of the appliances you want to power. When looking through customer reviews of this product, we saw that several said that the DuroMax generator earned high ratings for its easy-to-understand instructions, reliability, and value. One reviewer said that it was able to power items around their house for 77 hours during a hurricane. Still, we saw that some unsatisfied users said that the generator didn’t work as advertised.

The Best Solar Panels

While the following models vary in fuel type, electrical load, and intended use, each one earned a spot on this lineup by excelling in real-world tests. With gas and propane generators, make sure to turn them off when it’s time to fill the tank. Solar power stations and inverters, on the other hand, can almost always be charged while in use.

The Best Inverter Generators for Backup Power Almost Anywhere, Tested

Many appliances will be labeled with “starting watts” and “running watts.” The former is the power draw when the appliance first turns on, while the latter is the draw once it’s running. The largest models we test deliver at least 10,000 watts of electricity, enough to power everything in an average home. Smaller models provide at least 5,000 watts, enough to power key household appliances, electronics, and systems in your home.

We’re Committed to a Clean Energy Future

• These units cost the most money and should be installed by a pro (so factor in labor costs). An experienced electrician can help with town or municipal permits, noise restrictions, and proper location. SafetyConsumer Reports runs each generator through a variety of scenarios designed to capture the ways in which a consumer might inadvertently misuse a generator. We conduct these tests in a custom-built vessel on the grounds of our Yonkers, N.Y., test facility.

Briggs & Stratton PowerProtect Standby Generator

For more details on program eligibility, incentive levels, and how to apply, please visit our NHESP Fact Sheet. Whether you are considering an energy storage system or have one set up, be sure to review SCE's Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) standards and practices to make sure your system operates safely. Use this tool to learn whether your electricity was shut off during a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS). If you live in a high-fire risk area or other qualifying communities, you may be eligible for equity resiliency incentives through SGIP. Customers who do not live in a high-fire risk area or other qualifying communities can still apply for SGIP general market incentives.

Champion Power Equipment 10000-Watt Tri-Fuel Portable Generator

• Portable power stations are generally heavier than comparable, small inverter generators. And see our Storm & Emergency Guide for expert advice on getting through a weather emergency. Portable generators should not be set-up in an indoor space, nor should they be placed near air conditioners or open windows, as the carbon monoxide exhaust can be deadly in enclosed spaces.

Best for Versatility: Westinghouse Dual Fuel Portable

Home standby generators have the largest power ratings and are usually, though not always, powerful enough to satisfy the electrical demands of an entire home. The downside is that they’re the most expensive to purchase and install and require installation by certified professionals. An electrician is needed to connect it to the electrical panel, and a plumber may be required to connect the propane or natural gas line to the generator.

Choose the Right Size Generator - Consumer Reports

Choose the Right Size Generator.

Posted: Sat, 04 Nov 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

The Obama and Trump administrations’ attempts to regulate carbon dioxide emissions from power plants were struck down by the courts. The Silverado EV is equipped with bidirectional charging capability from the factory. GM’s other EVs, including the GMC Sierra EV Denali, Chevy Equinox and Blazer EVs, and Cadillac Lyriq, will have to wait for over-the-air software updates or even manual updates at a dealership in order to gain the ability. Pre-Owned EV Rebate - $1,000 or $4,000 rebate options are available within 180 days after the purchase or lease of a pre-owned EV. Third-Party Non-Utility Demand Response Contracts – available for residential and business customers.

One practical method is to simply add up the wattage of the appliances you'll want to have access to during an outage. You'll need to regulate usage to ensure that you do not exceed your capacity, but this will allow you to save on both up front costs and fuel. Low-Oil ShutoffIf oil falls below minimum levels, the generator shuts down to prevent engine damage. Typically a standard feature on stationary generators, it’s increasingly common on portables. • They run more efficiently and produce fewer emissions than portable generators, but you should still follow all the same safety precautions. • These start automatically when the power goes out and typically supply more power than the other four options.

The nearest pickup location within a 50-mile radius is automatically chosen when you enter the site. To change your pickup location and see availability for other nearby locations, click the "Change Pickup Location" link on the product page or in the cart. This and many other products are now available for order online and pickup at the Power Equipment Direct warehouse in Bolingbrook, Illinois or at a Ferguson Supply location near you.

We evaluated these generators based on ease of starting, power response, sound levels, value, safety, and reliability to select the top performers. These generators provide up to 2,500 watts of power and usually weigh around 50 pounds, making them perfect for campsites. You can power a fridge and a few lights with these during a power outage, but for anything beyond that, consider the larger generators above. These more modest units are fuel-efficient and quiet, and you’ll pay around $500 to $1,200. Propane generators offer flexibility as they can use portable propane tanks or be connected to a larger, stationary tank. Propane has a longer shelf life than gasoline, but is sometimes less readily available than natural gas and the cost can fluctuate.