Top-16 Standby Power Generators for Home. Alternative energy in 2025

Are you planning on saving your money this season? And are not looking for spending extra money on something you are going to purchase for the first time? Generac generators are here to provide you with cheap power solutions. They have been supplying cheap and superior quality generators for more than 50 years.

Initially, Generac gains popularity for developing the first inexpensive home standby generator and now it is known as the number one manufacturer of home backup generators. Their production is not limited to home use, they are also manufacturing generators for industrial and commercial use.

The Generac home standby generator is fixed permanently and they will automatically supply electricity to your entire home during a power breakdown. Moreover, it also depends upon you whether you want them to power your whole home or just a few important electrical appliances. It is all for your ease. Great! isn’t it?

People from all around the world can purchase and get satisfaction from buying the available Generac home standby generators. Since standby generators are not limited to home use they can be installed at your offices; businessmen can flourish and cross their competitors if power is available to them all the time, even during an outage.

Generator Buying Guide

Why do you need a home standby generator?

On a bad weather day, a home standby generator will make you smile in case there is any power breakdown. The brilliantly designed standby generator will automatically sense power breakdown, and then it will turn on and will keep on supplying electricity to your home until the utility power comes back.

We hear it in the everyday news that certain homes are suffering from power outage just because of bad weather, fallen trees, accumulated snow and ice, power grid being gone under maintenance and many other possible reasons. So if you do not equip yourself with home standby generators you will lose your internet, your TV, batteries of your cell phones and laptops and your food will get spoiled.

Personal hygiene can also get affected as there will be no water for bathing or washing your clothes. You will lose your control over the climate, there will be no air conditioning or heating facilities available. You will be more prone to external attacks, electrical security systems will no longer work and darkness will attract the robbers. The monetary loss will increase because obviously, you will think of dining out when there is no electricity.

Another great advantage of the home standby generator is that they feature self-diagnosis which means that they will tell you when your generator will need maintenance. Some best standby generators are so smart that they will let you know via a text or an email [1]. You can also choose the fuel you would want for your generator – propane is known to be safer to store than gasoline or natural gas.

How to Choose the Right Size Standby Generator

First of all, make sure that you are experiencing frequent power breakdowns or even worse, these breakdowns are for a long period of time due to weather calamities. In these situations, standby generators are the best and you will not worry about their slightly high price.

Secondly, you will need to add up the wattages of all the electrical appliances that you would want to power with the generator. Also keep in mind that heavy electrical appliances like air conditioner, refrigerator, and few water pumps sometimes draw more voltage than their rated value. So, you will need to keep that in mind during your calculations, otherwise, you might end up with choosing the wrong size of your standby generator.

The typical power range of home standby generator is from 5,000 watts to 20,000 watts. They will be able to supply electricity to your home up to their maximum power output. Also, there is no need for connecting external cables or switches or manually start the engine.

Transfer Switch for Standby Generator

A generator unit and an automatic transfer switch make up a standby generator. They collectively operate to make sure that generator power is available straight away in case of power breakdown. A transfer switch securely connects your circuit panel with the generator through a power cable. It is important to mention here that if it is installed incorrectly, it can cause danger to human life, can cause your appliances to burn and can harm the generator.

Once installed, transfer switch works by disconnecting from the grid’s power after it has sensed a power breakdown. The switch then commands the standby generator to switch on and supply electricity to your home circuit panel. Likewise, when the electricity grid power returns the transfer switch which will turn off the generator and will reconnect your home circuit panel with utility’s power.

Rules for the operation of the standby generator

Precautions when installing a standby generator

General Precautions

• Exhaust gases produced by generator contain poisonous gases such as carbon dioxide which can cause death in extreme cases. Hence, the exhaust system of the generator should be installed properly, appropriate ventilation must be there and emitted gases should be made to flow away from the inhabited area.
• Keep the land around your generator clean and get rid of any combustible material and clutter that can prove to be dangerous.
• Regularly inspect the equipment and timely replace any defective parts.
• Always remain alert while operating the generator.
• Do not open the generator or do any changes while it is in operation.

  

Electrical Precautions

• Make sure that generator is disconnected from any power source while technicians are installing it or are doing its service.
• Carefully handle any electrical connections like cables wires and terminals. They should be properly insulated and do not touch them with bare hands or if they are wet or your hands are wet. This will prevent any electrical shocks.
• Make sure that your generator and any outer conducting parts have Earth wire.
• Buy the recommended capacity of cables, wires, and cord sets.

Fire and Explosion Precautions

• Do not smoke near the generator as it can prove to be fatal.
• Risk of an explosion will increase if there are any fuel or oil spillages and combustible materials around or near the generator.
• Equip yourself with a fire extinguisher so that you can use it in emergency conditions. Do not use a fire extinguisher which works on carbon tetrachloride since it releases toxic fumes which can damage the insulation of the wires of your generator.

Standby Generator Operation

Most of the available standby generators have automatic operation system. The “standby” and wait for a loss of power signal from the main power grid distribution lines. Once installed and prepared with the required equipment, they are ready to serve you 24/7. No matter, whether the power breakdown happened in the night, or when you are not home and are out on a holiday or go to a grocery store, a standby generator will start automatically to provide power to your required home appliances.

What do you need to do before you start?

In case, your generator is the odd one out and does not start automatically. Take these steps to prepare your generator for operation:

• Read your manufacturer’s manual no matter how much you hate reading. Because every generator has a unique method of turning on and it is always described in detail in the manual. Consult it to make sure that you have correctly assembled your generator and you know exactly how to turn it on.
• Look for any exterior damages or gas leak. It is possible for your generator to get damaged because of bad weather conditions and you probably should not use the gas-powered generator if there is a natural gas leak.
• Buy a cover for your generator and do not operate it openly (unprotected) in a heavy storm. A sudden downpour can cause electric shock and harm to the generator’s engine. So, if you need to run your generator during the downpour simply go and buy a shade for the generator, they are readily available in the market.
• Check the oil level of your generator to make sure that engine is getting proper lubrication.
• Check the fuel level of your generator. Obviously, fuel tank should be full or filled enough to suffice your need.
• Make sure that no load is attached to the generator before turning it on. A sudden gush of current can cause damage to the load.

Rules for starting a standby generator engine

• Next, once the generator is prepared to turn on, it is time to start the generator engine. The following is the general procedure of starting any generator:
• Turn on the fuel valve of the generator. Fuel will be released into the carburetor of the generator to help it start.
• Then turn on the choke by moving its rod from right to left. It will help the engine to run smoothly.
• Next turn on the engine switch or ignition switch.
• In the end, you will need to pull the recoil cord or if your generator has the system of electrical start then you can start your generator without pulling the recoil cord. If somehow your generator is not electrically starting then it means that the battery of your generator is dead so you will simply need to charge the battery with a trickle charger.

Engine shutdown

Engine shutdown kits are getting available in the market. Generator manufacturers which are providing shutdown kits along with their standby generators are often more attractive. But how does the shutdown kit work? You don’t need to be an expert for that, it is fairly simple! In case there is an emergency, all you will need to do is to either press the stop button or you will need to move the switching regulator to the off position and that will immediately turn off the generator.

Planned maintenance of the standby generator

Generally, an average standby generator is bound to last for 10,000 to 30,000 hours. And a standby generator set can have a lifetime of 20 to 30 years. One method of making that sure is to develop a habit of scheduling a planned maintenance of your standby generator. In a maintenance cycle, you will need to do a general inspection of your generator then a scheduled inspection and then in the end, if there is something wrong, you will need to call the experts to do the service of the following important systems:

Change of oil

If your generator is behaving abnormally and there is a need of changing the oil simply consult your generator owner’s manual. There you will find out what type of oil you need and the proper procedure for changing it.

Adjusting the spark plug

Check and adjust the spark plug as mentioned in your generator’s manual. During the days with high temperature, it should be checked regularly and if you find traces of debris over it, clean it lightly using a wire brush. Also look for any gaps and then tighten them with a torque wrench.

Cleaning the air filter

You can either clean the air filter or change it if it looks too bad. Use soapy water to wash the dirty air filter and then dry it using a napkin or any other feasible small cloth.

Storage and transport of standby generator

If you wish to store your generator for long-term, we will recommend you to store it without any gasoline in it. You could store the gasoline in your automobile because most of the generators and the cars use the same type of oil. Further, consult your generator manufacturer’s manual and read the procedure of completely draining your generator.

However, if you do not wish to separately store the gas, you can store it in the generator by using a stabilizer to prevent any corrosion. But make sure that the fuel tank is full and again consult your generator manufacturer’s manual. Also, it is a general recommendation to thoroughly clean the external and internal services of your generator.

As far as the transportation of your generator is concerned, transport carts are available in the market to move around your generator. For short distance movement, standby generator comes with wheels to ease the moment.

Rules for filling a standby generator

If you wish to refill your standby generator, turn off every load and stabilize your generator by letting it operate for a few minutes. After that shut it down and give it time to cool down before you start to refill it.

Champion standby generator

Champion company is famous for selling the best power generation equipment. It has gained this reputation since 2003 and its main headquarters are in Santa Fe Springs, California. You will find all types of generators and generator related products in their stores such as inverter generators, home standby generators, portable generators, winches, engines, and log splitters.

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Briggs and Stratton standby generator

Briggs and Stratton Corporation aims at making people’s lives happier by providing them with power. Its headquarters are based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and it is spread over 100 countries of the six continents. People all around the world completely trust Briggs and Stratton as they have hundred years of experience. They are the world’s biggest small engine manufacturer, number 1 seller of pressure washers and leading producer of power generation, job site, and garden and lawn turf care products.

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Accessories for Briggs and Stratton standby generator

6035 Standby Generator Maintenance Kit

6035 standby generator maintenance kit is suitable for generators with a power range between 10000 to 12000 watts. It comes with a spark plug, oil funnel cap, oil filter, and pre-cleaner filter. It will simply prolong the life of your generator and its engine is guaranteed to deliver peak performance. This one kit is replacing the need of buying separate necessary components.

1916 Oil Immersion Heater

Briggs and Stratton sell oil immersion heaters for standby generators. This will prolong the life of your generated engine during cold start-ups. Further, your generator engine will be provided immediate lubrication as it will keep the oil warm.

6036 Standby Generator Maintenance Kit

6036 standby generator maintenance kit is suitable for generators with the power range between 15000 to 20000 watts. It includes an air filter, oil filter, spark plug, and pre-measured synthetic oil. It will simply maintain the life of your generator and its engine is guaranteed to deliver peak performance. This one kit is replacing the need of buying separate necessary components for servicing your generator.

6231 Standby Generator Cold Weather Kit

6231 standby generator cold weather kit is suitable for generators with a power range between 16000 to 20000 watt. It will make sure that you are getting a reliable generator operation during the months of winter and your engine is starting smoothly. It is tested to start at 25 degrees Fahrenheit.

Kohler standby generator

Kohler Power company is providing power products since 1920. Their more than 20,000 dealers are spread globally and they will keep you powered wherever you will go. Their selling products include generators, engines, and UPS. Available types of generators are home generators, marine generators, industrial generators, mobile generators, and portable generators. Further, Kohler Power is based in Wisconsin, United States.

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Accessories for Kohler standby generator

Maintenance Kit GM62347-SKP1

Kohler maintenance kit is designed to use with power generators of rating 17000 watts, 18000 watts, and 20000 watts. It will ensure that your power generated is running at optimal performance It includes everything one would need for maintaining their generator, it includes an air cleaner element, spark plug, pre-measured synthetic oil, and an oil filter. It will simply maintain the life of your generator and its engine is guaranteed to deliver peak performance.

GM62346 Maintenance Kit

Kohler maintenance kit is designed to use with residential power generators of rating 12000 watts and 14000 watts. It comes with a pre-cleaner, an air filter, an oil filter, two quarts of synthetic oil and two spark plugs. This complete package of maintenance kit will maintain the life of your generator and its engine is guaranteed to deliver peak performance.

Maintenance Service Kit With Spark Plugs

This Kohler maintenance service kit is suitable for use with Marine generator models 4EF, 6EF, 5E, and 7.3E. It comes with a fuel filter, an anode impeller kit, an oil filter, and spark plugs. It necessary for cooling of your generator’s engine and comes at a cheap price.

M12314 Maintenance Service

This Kohler maintenance service kit is suitable for use with generator models 6.5EFOZ and 8EOZ. It comes with Zinc anode, belts of generators, fuel filter, an impeller kit, and an oil filter. It is needed for servicing your generator and maintain the life of the generator’s engine.

Generac standby generator

Generac generators provide you with cheap power solutions. They have been supplying cheap and superior quality generators for more than 50 years. Initially, Generac gains popularity for developing the first inexpensive home standby generator and now it is known as the number one manufacturer of home backup generators.
Generac headquarters are based in Waukesha, Wisconsin, United States. Their production is not limited to home use, they are also manufacturing generators for industrial and commercial use. Further, you will also find pressure washers, resources, and tools, pumps and heaters among their products.

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Accessories for Generac standby generator

6485 HSB Maintenance Kit

Generac power systems 6485 maintenance kit is suitable for use with power generators of rating 20000 to 22000 kW. It is manufactured in China and will last for long, fulfilling all of your requirements. This kit includes an oil filter, spark plugs, an air filter, oil funnels, reminder sticker, and chamois. Further, it will work with those generator units which are manufactured in 2013 or after it.

6484 Scheduled Maintenance Kit for Home Standby Generators

6484 Generac maintenance kit is specially designed for home standby generators with engine displacement lying between 760cc to 990cc. Further, the power range of these generators should also lie between 12000 to 18000 watts. It comes with an instruction manual, air filter, pre-cleaner, oil filter, spark plugs, oil funnel, maintenance reminder sticker, and chamois. However, you will need to purchase the oil separately.

6482 Scheduled Maintenance Kit for Home Standby Generators

6482 Generac maintenance kit is specially designed for home standby generators with an engine displacement of 410cc and power rating of 8000 watts. It comes with an instruction manual, air filter, wrench, oil filter, spark plugs, oil funnel, maintenance reminder sticker, and chamois. However, you will need to purchase the oil separately.

So which one is your favorite Generator Brand?

Hopefully, by now you all must have decided which standby home generator you are going to buy this season. Some of you might go with the generators manufactured by your already favorite brands, and, some of you might have liked the generators specifications offered by some new brands, and thus making them their favorites. Whatever the case is. we highly recommend you to go and buy a new home standby generator. It is for your ease and comfort that we have listed down the top-16 standby power generators for home.

Do not deprive yourself of the basic necessities of life! You only get it once so keep it powered all the time. Further, It is recommended that you should also buy the maintenance kits for your generator. It will allow you to regularly schedule maintenance and give long life and efficient engine to your generator. However, keep in mind that in extreme cases, when the generator looks pretty bad, you should not do the service of your generator yourself, always call the experts!

References:
[1] Consumer Reports. (December 2017). Generator buying guide. Retrieved from: https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/generators/buying-guide/index.htm