Choosing the Right Home Generator: Natural Gas, Propane, Diesel or Electric
The good news is there are ways you can at least prepare for power outages, including looking at gas-powered generators, batteries and other ways to provide backup for your home. If you're looking for ways to keep the power at home on during outages, a whole home generator might be a fit. But knowing which one is right for you is dependent on your home and your needs.
Factors to consider when shopping for whole home generator
There are a number of factors to consider when shopping for a whole home generator. First and foremost, you'll want to consider whether a generator is right for your situation. Then you'll need to consider what capacity, fuel type and additional features you might need, all while keeping in mind a budget that makes sense for you.
Do you need a generator at all?
Before anything else, you should ask yourself this foundational question: Do you need one? The reality is that some situations do not necessitate or are not suitable for a whole home generator.
If you live in an apartment complex in a populated city, you are unlikely to need this much power and may face challenges even installing one. You are also less likely to experience long-term power outages if you live in densely populated or wealthier areas. Studies suggest rural and suburban areas and low-income neighborhoods are statistically more likely to face extended outages.
If you are in a smaller space or do not need to power your whole home and instead just need access to essential spaces or appliances, consider a portable generator or even a home power station that can provide power for essential devices like cell phones or small appliances.
Determining wattage needs
Determining the wattage necessary to keep your house powered should the grid go down is a key consideration.
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.
A reputable generator dealer or installer should also be able to help you determine which size you need. It's probably best to speak to more than one so you can compare their answers.
Finding the best fuel
Whole home generators typically use three main fuel options: natural gas, propane and diesel. Each fuel type has its own set of benefits and downsides.
Natural gas generators are popular due to the convenience of a continuous fuel supply provided from the utility grid. They're cleaner-burning and require less maintenance compared to other options. However, gas lines can be disrupted by storms, affecting the generator's functionality.
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. You'll need to monitor and refill propane tanks to make sure you have the fuel necessary to ride out an extended outage.
Diesel generators are often more fuel-efficient than their gas counterparts and can provide a stable power source for extended periods of time. However, diesel generators usually require more maintenance and the fuel can degrade over time. Storage of diesel fuel also requires attention to prevent contamination.
Typically generators powered by gasoline or diesel "must be refilled every 12 to 16 hours depending on the load on the machine," says Don Whaley, former president of Texas operations for Direct Energy and adviser to OhmConnect. "Homeowners choosing this option will need to ensure an ample supply of fuel on hand to carry them through several days of outage."
Batteries can power devices, appliances or parts of homes depending on their size and number.What about an electric home battery?
Electric home battery backup systems store energy that you can use to power your house during an outage. Batteries get that electricity from your home solar system or the electrical grid. As a result, they're much better for the environment than fossil fuel-powered generators. They also might be better for your wallet.
Separately, if you have a time of use utility plan, you can use a battery backup system to save money on your electricity bill. Instead of paying high electricity rates during peak usage hours, you can use energy from your battery backup to power your home. In off-peak hours, you can use your electricity as normal at a cheaper rate and recharge your battery when it costs less.
Batteries connected to solar panels don't require a fuel supply in order to provide power. Solar batteries also come with a high price tag, so the up-front cost will play a major factor for most people.
Keep your budget in mind
While a generator has a host of benefits, the reality is that budget will be one of the biggest determining factors in most peoples' decisions. HomeAdvisor estimates that whole-house generators range in cost from $5,000 to $25,000. This expense, along with the cost of fuel, will be a limiting factor for many households.
If cost is a significant factor, Whaley suggests going with a cheaper, smaller option like a portable generator. "Smaller generators will run refrigerators, lights, televisions, computers and Wi-Fi routers," he says. There are some trade-offs. Most small generators "will not run central air or heat, so if consumers opt for smaller units, they will need to make allowances for heating or cooling their homes in extreme weather conditions."
Whole home gas generators and safety
Whole home generators ensure your safety by keeping essential home systems functioning, but they are not without risks. The potential for carbon monoxide emissions means there is a potential for carbon monoxide poisoning, which can cause headaches and dizziness and even lead to loss of consciousness and death.
To address this, many modern generators come equipped with carbon monoxide shutoff switches that automatically turn off the unit if elevated levels are detected. These are essential to your safety and the safety of others in your home. You'll also want to ensure proper ventilation for the device. Generators should be installed away from windows, doors and vents to prevent exhaust gasses from entering your home.
Whole home gas generator options
There are a number of trusted and reliable brands of whole home generators to choose from, most with modern safety features and flexibility when it comes to capacity and fuel sources that will allow you to find the right option for you and your home. Below are three suggestions of options to get you started, though CNET has not reviewed or tested any of them.
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