How to Choose the Right Backup Generator for Your Home Power outages can strike anytime – a summer storm, winter blizzard, or even a routine utility failure can plunge your home into darkness. Last year in the U.S., an astounding 80% of major power outages were caused by weather - related events. Sudden loss of electricity can disrupt heating, refrigeration, and medical devices, leaving families vulnerable. The right backup generator is like insurance for your home – it keeps the lights on, the fridge running, and your family safe during an outage. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the types and fuels, and picking key features, all while keeping safety and maintenance in mind. 1. Calculate Your Power Needs (Wattage) The first step is figuring out how much power your generator must provide. Make a list of the appliances and devices you want to keep running during an outage. Include essentials like refrigerator, freezer, sump pump, furnace fan, lights, phone chargers, and medical equipment Find each item’s power rating (in watts) on its label or manual. If an appliance only lists amperes and volts: • WATTS = VOLTS × AMPS Also account for starting (surge) wattage for motor - driven appliances. Add up all the running watts, then add the highest single surge wattage to get the minimum generator size you need. Tip: Prioritize what you truly need during an outage. Essentials only? A small 2000 - 3000W inverter might work. Full - house coverage? You may need 8000W or more. 2. Choose the Type of Generator Portable Generators • Most common and cost - effective • Example: Generac GP8000E – 8000W running, 10000W peak • Wheels and electric start, ~15 - hour runtime at 25% load Standby Generators • Permanently installed, automatic • Run on natural gas or propane • Higher cost, but hands - free operation Inverter Generators • Clean power, quieter, portable • Lower wattage • Example: Honda EU2200i Dual - Fuel Generators • Run on gasoline or propane • Example: Champion 7500W Dual Fuel 3. Select a Fuel Type • Gasoline: Easy to find, but doesn’t store long. • Propane: Stores indefinitely. Clean burning. • Diesel: Efficient and long - lasting. Best for heavy - duty units. • Natural Gas: Used with standby generators. • Solar/Battery: Quiet, clean, but limited capacity. 4. Evaluate Key Features • Electric Start: More convenient than manual pull - start • CO Sensors: Shutoff in case of carbon monoxide buildup • Portability: Wheels and handles ease movement • Outlet Variety: Look for 120V and 240V compatibility • Fuel Tank Size: Larger tanks = longer run times • Noise Level: Quieter units are better for neighborhoods • Transfer Switch Ready: Needed for safe home connection 5. Maintenance and Safety • Oil Changes: First at 20 hours, then every 50 - 100 hours • Monthly Test Run: Keeps engine ready • Always Use Outdoors: At least 20 ft from home • Install CO Detectors Indoors: Extra safety layer • Proper Storage: Use fuel stabilizer and empty tank if idle Quote Block: “After 48 hours without power in freezing weather, I knew I needed a reliable generator — and fast.” Our Top Generator Picks 1. Generac GP8000E • Check Price on Amazon o 8000W, electric start, long runtime 2. Champion 7500W Dual Fuel • Check Price on Amazon • Dual - fuel versatility, great for outages 3. Honda EU2200i • Check Price on Amazon o Quiet, inverter power, reliable for small loads Affiliate Disclosure: Some links are affiliate links. We earn a commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend trusted products that offer value and performance.