Electricity is one of the most important things in history. Without it, our modern devices can’t work at all. Most of the time we take it for granted until we face a power outage. Sadly, power disruption is a common issue all over the world. Thankfully, we have many types of backup generators to ensure never-ending power.
If you are looking for a comprehensive review on generators for home, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will guide you about the best generator brands for your home. Thus, our suggestions are based on the type of your home, its location, and what you need to power. Let’s begin.
Houses with Reliable Power Supply
People who live in areas with no natural disasters usually get an uninterrupted power supply. But, if you experience wildfires or other natural disasters, you might face long power outages from time to time. If you live in a house with power outage issues, you can always rely on a portable generator.
Usually, portable generators operate with an extension or you can connect them to the circuit. In both cases, you need to turn on and off the generator manually.
What is your fuel preference? Do you want a gasoline or diesel generator? The best generator brands offer dual or even tri-fuel generators. Additionally, you can opt to buy a solar generator. Moreover, buying a tri-fuel generator is the best option because you may face a gas shortage during a natural disaster.
For portable generators, you have to refuel as often as you use them. Make sure that you place them at least 5 meters away from windows or doors. It produces carbon monoxide, which is dangerous for your health.
In portable generators, you have many options depending on your requirements. Let’s see the available options.
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Small Generators
These generators are designed to produce about 3,000 watts. So, they can power refrigerators, lights, fans, or microwaves. Also, Small portable generators are good for short power outages.
Medium Generators
Medium generators are also designed for everyday essentials. However, they have large fuel tanks and they can power for longer durations. They offer 3000 to 6000 watts.
With these generators, you can use your microwave and refrigerator at the same time. The best thing about small and medium generators is their portability.
Large Generators
Except for a few appliances that require extra starting watts, you can run almost everything on these generators. Moreover, generators usually have a manual transfer switch, which is safer than an extension cord.
Large generators from the best generator brands provide you 6000 to 9000 watts.
Extra-large generators
With over 10,000 watts, extra-large generators allow you to run everything without any second thought. So, these generators come with an electric start button making it easy to turn on and turn off the generator.
However, many people choose to buy standby generators instead of extra-large generators. Standby generators are recommended when you face frequent power outages. We will talk about these generators later.
Inverter Generators
With a total harmonic distortion (THD) of less than 5 percent, inverter generators are the best option for sensitive electronics. If you want to charge smartphones, run computers or use new devices, you may need an inverter generator.
THD explains the quality of electricity. Any generator with higher THD has the potential to damage your electronics.
Houses with Regular Power Issues
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People who experience frequent power outages need standby generators. An automatic standby generator can power your entire house. Portable generators are not designed for days or weeks of usage. If you live in a hurricane zone, you need a long-term solution.
Standby generators can power your house for days or weeks until the power is restored. Here are a few differences between portable and standby generators.
Fixed Unit
Standby generators are fixed in one place. You can move around these generators like portable generators.
Automatic
Fortunately, you don’t need manual operation with standby generators. Also, they automatically turn on as soon as the main power shuts down.
Output
The best generator brands offer a maximum of 17 kilowatts portable generators. However, you can get up to 150 kilowatts of clean power with standby generators. They can run your entire house without any trouble.
Best Generator for Mobile Homes
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When it comes to the best generator brands for mobiles homes, you have many options. However, you must decide the type of generator before you think of the brand.
For mobile homes, you have to consider the noise restrictions as well. Moreover, if your mobile home park has less frequent power outages, you can go with an inverter generator.
If you face a lot of power issues, you should go with the standby generator. You must check with your mobile home park if they allow permanent generators. For recreational vehicles, you need to meet additional requirements.
Generator for Apartments
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Gas-powered generators are not recommended for apartment owners. However, if you can place your generator 5 meters away from a door or window, you can consider gas-powered generators.
For apartments, the best option is a solar-powered portable generator. You can charge these generators with solar panels and wall outlets as well. Thus, these generators provide 200 to 3,000 watts. So, they can power basic electronics for a few hours.
If you use minimum appliances, you can get power for many hours. For instance, it can power a refrigerator for 10 hours if you don’t connect any other electronics.
Parting Words on the Best Generator Brands
The best part about the solar-powered portable generator is that they have 0 THD. It means that you can use your sensitive electronic items with no worries. People who are concerned about the environment should always go with solar-powered portable generators.
