Nobody likes living in the dark, which is why we have lights in and out of our homes. But, at times, power outages become inevitable, especially during winters when the temperature falls way below zero degrees. Power outages are quite common in winters, which is why the need of whole house generators becomes unavoidable. Winter is one of the many reasons why power gets disrupted, as there are more reasons as well, such as hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, and fire, etc., to name a few. In all these situations, power usually remains out and it could take multiple days to return. To have your house enlightened in those odd situations, you can buy the best whole house generator. To get your hands on the most efficient and reliable whole house generator, you can go through the best whole house generators consumer reports as mentioned below.
Reviews Of 5 Best Whole House Generators
1. WEN 56200i Super Quiet Portable Inverter Generator
If your motive is to get a few important electrical and electronic appliances running at the time of power outage, then you can rely on WEN portable inverter generator. This product is ideal for powering sensitive electronic items such as computers and laptops. With the starting power of 2000 watts and running power of 1,600 watts, you can expect this generator to work efficiently when you need it the most.
Despite being a powerful machine, it doesn’t produce much noise. The generator runs for 6 hours at a 50% load in 1-gallon tank. Having a weight of 48 lbs, you can move this generator anywhere without much effort. In case, the fuel level is low, then you will see indication lights flashing on the machine, plus the machine automatically shuts down when not in use. This generator gives you the ability to connect up to two generators using WEN 56421 Parallel Connection Kit, but you will have to buy it separately.
2. DuroStar DS4000S Gas Powered Portable Generator
If you reside in an area where power outages occur, but for brief periods, then DuroStar Gas Powered Portable Generator would suit you more than any other generator. While it is an acclaimed portable generator for home use, but if you want to use it in your job site or workshop site, then that is also possible. Even on camping trips, you can accompany this generator and get the power you need to have fun with your mates. A wide assortment of features makes this generator one of the most popular in the niche. Features like air-cooled OHV engine, oil warning indicator, and low oil shutoff are some of the highlighting features of this generator.
When it comes to the power of this unit, then you will get 3,300 watts of running power and 4,000-watt surge, which in my opinion is good enough to power up a house. The generator can work non-stop for 8 hours when it is fully filled with gas. You can run lights, TVs, refrigerator and even a small, portable Air Conditioner on this generator. Overall, a decent generator that is not just high on performance but durability as well.
3. Honda EU3000iS Portable Inverter Generator
This powerful generator is coming from the house of Honda. A 3000-watt product, this portable inverter generator is ideal for situations where you need uninterrupted and quiet power. If you live in an area where power outages are common, but the outages don’t remain for too long, then you can install this incredible generator. Weighing just 134lbs and equipped with electric start, this portable inverter generator is not just ideal for powering up houses, but outdoor settings as well. The inclusion of ‘Eco-Throttle Technology’ makes the unit super-efficient, plus once you fill the tank of the generator to its maximum level, then you can expect it to work for 20 hours straight.
Moreover, the generator shuts off automatically at low oil levels, thus saving you from the hassles of going out in bad weather conditions to get the fuel. The power produced by the unit is clean, thus you can use sensitive electronic devices with it such as computers and compact stereo systems. The generator produces a low noise level, so you won’t be getting any complaints from neighbours.
4. Westinghouse WH2200iXLT Portable Inverter Generator
If you have used conventional generators, then you will feel a significant difference in performance and noise because Westinghouse portable inverter generator works a lot more efficient and quiet. Moreover, the weight of this generator is way too less, 43lbs to be precise. Fuel efficiency is also a major highlight of this generator because it can run up to 13 hours at 25 percent load. If you’ve got one more generator at home and you want to connect both together, then that can also be done using a parallel cord.
As far as the power generated by this generator, then that’s 2,200 watts at the beginning and 1,800 watts during the operation. While this generator can be used at homes, but if someone wants to take it for camping, then that can be done quite easily. Its 1.3-gallon fuel tank will not get empty quickly, so you can enjoy camping outdoors with your mates.
5. Westinghouse WPro12000 Ultra Duty Industrial Portable Generator
When you aim is to operate dozens of electrical and electronic devices in your house at the time of power outage, then you can install this incredible portable generator by Westinghouse. The generator produces 12,000 watts while running and goes up to 15,000 watts at most. The unit is equipped with an ultra-duty 713cc OHV V-Twin Westinghouse Engine that comprises a durable cast iron sleeve along with an automatic low oil shutdown & digital time meter.
The fuel tank of the unit can contain up to 10.5 gallons of fuel and can run for 16 hours straight. Using this portable generator is no rocket science, but on the contrary, it's plug and play because it comes with a remote start key fob, a tool kit, 12V battery charger, oil and oil funnel and a user manual for easy setup and operation. Overall, this is one beast of a generator, especially in terms of performance.
Why Do You Need A Whole House Generator?
The main reason for investing in a whole house generator is to have power in your house. With electricity running in your house, you will not have to bother about the food stored in the refrigerator being spoiled or a flooded basement. It doesn’t matter how bad the weather is outside, you will remain comfortable inside the house. A whole house generator is also useful for homes that are built at remote areas where power outages are pretty common.
Things To Keep In Mind When Buying A Whole House Generator
There are a couple of things that you need to consider when buying a whole house generator, which are:
Fuel Type: Whole house generators are operated with different types of fuel such as natural gas, liquid propane, and dual fuel systems. Natural gas is an inexpensive fuel to use in a whole house generator, plus it ensures long running times as well. Using natural gas as a fuel is environmental friendly as well. Liquid propane is equally efficient, but it needs to be stored at a secured site. Then, there are dual fuel systems in which you vary your fuel use according to your usage. These are way more reliable than the other two types of fuel.
Installation: You can install the whole house generator on your own or by taking help of a professional. Along with the generator, you will have to install an electric sub panel with a transfer switch. After that, you need to redirect one of those circuits from pain panel to sub panel. Identify a safe area where you’ll keep the generator preferably the one with a concrete base. After that, you will have to dig a trench followed by running a gas line from the generator to the gas meter. Then, pull the electric cable from the generator to the house and make a connection between the whole house generator and gas. If you think you can do this much all by yourself, then go ahead with the process. If not, then take help of professionals.
Conclusion
A whole house generator is an integral component in many households because it makes sure that all the electrical and electronic components and devices turn on normally regardless of how bad the weather is. Without a whole house generator, people would have to stay in the dark until the power gets back on, which at times take days. Therefore, the best product that can save them is a whole house generator. If you too are living in an area where power outages are normal, then you should check out the best whole house generators consumer reports and then, pick the best product that matches your requirements and budget.