What to look for when choosing a standby generator for your home
Many homeowners are unaware of the benefits of having a standby generator, and what situations call for one. A standby generator is a great investment for those who want peace of mind during an emergency or natural disaster. They provide backup power to your home in the event of a power outage, and can run for days or even weeks if necessary. Standby generators can be used to power your home’s essential appliances and systems, keeping your family safe and comfortable during an extended power outage.
With power outages becoming more common across the nation, one of the most important items to have prepared and working is a quality standby generator. During long power outages, it is crucial to have a standby generator at the ready to power essential devices.
What is a standby generator and what are its benefits
A standby generator is a type of backup generator that is permanently installed and connected to your home’s electrical`system. It automatically starts up when there is a power outage, providing power to your home’s essential appliances and systems. Standby generators offer several benefits over other types of backup generators, including:
1. They are permanently installed and ready to use – no need to set up or refuel a portable generator during an emergency.
2. They provide power to your entire home – not just a few selected appliances like a portable generator.
3. They run on your home’s existing natural gas or propane supply – no need to worry about storing fuel for a long-term power outage.
4. They are much quieter than portable generators due to the inbuilt sound deadening.
5. They offer peace of mind – knowing that your home and family will be safe and comfortable in the event of a power outage.
6. They are enclosed – enclosures provide protection from the elements allowing operation during the rain.
Reasons why you might need a standby generator
1. Adverse weather events – In the past decade, the U.S. has experienced an increase in natural disasters that have led to widespread power outages. In the United States, thunderstorms are the most common cause of power outages. Hurricane Sandy in 2012 left millions of people without power for weeks. Some areas of the country are known for the frequency of weather events that impact households.
2. Working and schooling from home places additional loads on families – With more people working remotely and households relying heavily on internet-connected devices, backup power is essential to keep work, learning, and communication running smoothly during outages. A standby generator ensures your family can continue functioning even when the grid goes down.
3. Aging Power Grids Not Holding Up in Adverse Weather – Power grids are aging and may not be suited to the weather conditions they are being exposed to. In February 2021 the failure of the Texan power grid highlighted the risk which saw 11 million people without electricity for 3 days which lead to the deaths of 700 people.
4. Risk of cybersecurity attack to the power grids – As the power grids have become more digitalized and connected — particularly with smart city initiatives — the risk of cybersecurity attacks has increased. Although such an attack could disrupt power across entire regions, having a standby generator provides peace of mind that your household will remain protected. And as the US grid continues to modernize, cybersecurity concerns remain a key vulnerability, making individual backup solutions even more important.
5. Supply chain issues – Supply chain challenges and inflationary pressures have continued to affect prices, making it more important than ever to protect valuable food and household goods. Stockpiling items in fridges and freezers is common, but without power, large quantities of food can spoil quickly. A standby generator helps prevent costly waste and loss.
How to choose the right standby generator for your home
1. The size of the generator – choose a generator that is large enough to power your home’s essential appliances and systems. View our generator calculator to find the perfect one for you.
2. The type of fuel – most standby generators run on either natural gas or propane. Choose the fuel type that is best for your home and budget.
3. The warranty – choose a generator that comes with a good warranty, so you can be sure it will be there if you need it.
4. The price – standby generators can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. Choose the generator that fits your budget and needs.
5. The Features – Modern standby generators now come with smart monitoring apps, allowing you to check fuel levels, track performance, and receive maintenance alerts directly on your smartphone. Other useful features include:
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Automatic start – the generator switches on immediately when power goes out.
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Remote monitoring – manage and observe your generator globally via app or web portal.
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Automatic exercise cycles – keep mechanical components in good condition by running short test cycles.
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Weatherproof enclosures – ensure reliable operation even during severe storms.
How much does a standby generator cost?
Standby generators typically start around $5,000 in 2025, with costs varying depending on the size, brand, and features. The most important factor to consider is how much power you need. Standby generators are measured in watts (W), so you’ll need to calculate the total wattage of the appliances and systems you want to run during a power outage. A typical home needs about 5,000 watts for essential appliances and systems, but our generator calculator makes it simple to determine the exact size you’ll need. but with our generator calculator, we’ve made it easy for you to figure out exactly what you need.
When choosing a standby generator, it’s important to consider the features you need and want. Some generators come with features like automatic start, which allows the generator to start automatically when the power goes out. A quality of life feature on some standby generators is remote monitoring allowing for global observation of what the generator is doing. Some generators come with an automatic exercise cycle to prevent any mechanical components from seizing up.
Once you’ve determined how much power you need, you can start looking for generators. There are many different types and sizes of generators on the market, so it’s important to read our reviews related to standby generators.
How to finance a standby generator purchase
There are many ways to finance one. You can get a personal loan, home equity loan, or line of credit to pay for your generator. There are also many companies that offer payment plans, so you can spread the cost out over time.
What to do if your standby generator fails
If your standby generator fails, there are a few things you can do to troubleshoot and hopefully get it running again. The first step is to check the fuel. For propane or natural gas generators check for sufficient flow or ensure the gas tank is full of gasoline or diesel. If the fuel level is okay, check the engine oil level. The engine should have enough oil, and it should be at the correct level. If the oil level is low, add more oil and try starting the generator again. If the generator still won’t start, check the spark plugs. Make sure the plugs are clean and in good condition. You may need to replace them if they are damaged or worn out. Finally, check the air filter. If the filter is dirty, it can prevent the engine from starting. Clean or replace the filter and try starting the generator again. If none of these troubleshooting tips work check the user manual or call a professional for help.
Final Thoughts
A standby generator can provide peace of mind during an emergency or natural disaster by supplying reliable backup power to your home. With power outages becoming more frequent across the US due to storms, wildfires, and grid strain, they are a smart investment for households that want to be prepared. When choosing a standby generator, it’s important to consider the size and features that best suit your needs. Once installed, regular maintenance is key to ensuring it’s ready to perform when you need it most.