Top 4 Types of Home Generators: How to Choose the Right One

Hurricanes, floods, and droughts are becoming more frequent. In 2024, a study conducted by NASA found that the number of extreme weather events doubled the average of those from 2003 to 2020. Extreme weather means more power outages for homeowners, however, one way to make sure your power stays on at all times is with a home standby generator. In this article, we’ll provide information about the most common types of home generators and tips for choosing the right one. 

In this Article

• Home Standby Generators vs. Portable Generators
• 4 Types of Home Generators
• Important Parts of a Standby Generator 
• How to Determine Generator Size
• How to Choose the Right Generator and Installer

Types of Home Generators: Standby vs. Portable Generators

Generators come in two broad types: home standby generators and portable generators. Standby generators are hardwired directly into the home and last longer. 

Alternatively, portable generators are designed for shorter periods of use. They’re great for powering a food tent at a farmer’s market, but pose a hazard when used for homes. 

They also differ in the amount of energy they output. Portable generators range from 1kW to 12kW. Whereas, standby generators give off between 8kW and 30kW of energy. Industrial backup generators range from 50kW at small factories to 3MW (or 3,000kW) at data centers. 

For the purpose of this article, we’ll be exploring the different types of standby generators for homes. 

Types of Home Generators

There are many different types of home generators available to homeowners. Choosing a generator often depends on variables such as the amount of electricity needed, weather, and available space. Generators are classified based on engine and fuel type – they most commonly include diesel, solar, natural gas, and gasoline. 

1. Diesel Generators for Homes

Diesel generators combine diesel fuel, a diesel engine, and an alternator to create an electric current. Diesel generators are the workhorses of home standby generators. They are perfect for cold-weather environments. 

Despite their energy output and ruggedness, diesel generators cost more than gas generators and pale in efficiency when compared to their solar and natural gas counterparts. They produce the most pollution and require regular maintenance.

2. Solar Generators for Homes

While diesel generators are powerful, solar generators offer a quieter, low-maintenance alternative. These generators are the most affordable over the long run. They operate more quietly than gas generators and require very little maintenance. Some drawbacks exist, however. Solar backup generators are the most expensive, with some estimates as high as $19,000. That said, if you have the cash, solar standby generators are the way to go.  

3. Natural Gas Generators for Homes

Natural gas generators use natural gas fuel, which is composed mostly of methane, to operate. Upon installation, these generators require a connection to a gas line at the home. Homeowners choose natural gas generators, because unlike diesel or gasoline generators that must be manually refueled, the connection to a gas line ensures a continuous fuel supply. Consequently, natural gas generators do not require on-site storage like a propane tank. 

For homeowners looking for a cleaner alternative to gasoline but not ready to jump on the solar bandwagon, natural gas might be the perfect solution. These generators start quickly during outages and typically run cleaner than other fuels. They do not emit any odor and can be more cost-efficient than gasoline generators. 

The benefit of its gas line connection is also a natural gas generator’s biggest drawback.  Problems can arise during natural disasters, such as explosions and the disruption of natural gas, resulting in a generator that doesn’t function. 

4. Gasoline Generators for Homes

Gasoline generators run on liquid gasoline to power an engine and produce electricity. These generators cost less up front than solar generators and are cheap alternatives to cleaner fuels like natural gas. 

However, gasoline degrades quickly, which can negatively impact the engine. Gas-powered generators require more frequent maintenance. They are also louder and produce more emissions than propane, natural gas, or solar generators.

Important Parts of a Home Standby Generator

For those homeowners who revel in technical details, this section is for you. Though standby generators look like drab, metal boxes, they’re complex machines that require attention to every component. By learning about these important components, you’ll be able to determine how well a generator is built. 

Engine

Without an engine, home generators are about as functional as a television stand. Engines power the generator, converting fuel (or sunlight in solar generators) into mechanical energy. In turn, this energy powers the alternator. Engines are the defining feature of home generators. 

Transfer Switch

A transfer switch is like a mini circuit breaker. When activated, the transfer switch automatically moves the electrical load from your utility to your generator. The best transfer switches will transition the electrical load without any lag, meaning your devices stay on. 

Alternator

After the fuel is turned into mechanical energy, it is distributed to the alternator. The alternator converts the fuel using a rotating magnetic field. It produces an alternating current (AC), which can be used by electronic devices. 

Voltage Regulator

Nothing and no one enjoys electrical surges…especially the devices they fry. An underappreciated component of any generator – from diesel to propane – is the voltage regulator. The voltage regulator makes sure the proper current is moving out of the generator and into your house, saving your devices from overheating.

Oil and Lubricant System

Oil and lubricant systems reduce friction, keeping the mechanical parts of standby generators moving smoothly. Adding oil and lubricants to your natural gas, diesel, and propane generators should be done regularly. Like a car, keeping your oil clean helps preserve the engine, making your system cost-efficient. 

Housing

Housing for standby generators serves multiple purposes. It helps maintain and sustain the generator’s life, keeping it protected from weather, corrosion, and tampering. Additionally, housing reduces some of the noise the generator makes. 

Controls

The control panel is how you’ll adjust the generator’s settings. Unlike portable generators, which have controls embedded on them, standby generators have a separate module located inside your home. Additionally, many standby generators now come with a smartphone app. These apps give you the ability to control your generator wherever you have cell coverage.  

Electrical Needs: How to Determine Generator Size

Beyond fuel type, standby generators are usually labeled with their energy output. For example, you might see a Generac Guardian 22kW Home Backup Generator or a Cummins 17kW Quiet Connect Home Standby Generator. When shopping, consider how much energy your home requires. 

Consider making a list of all your electronic devices. Categorize the list by priority: essentials, nice-to-have devices, and not needed. Below is a checklist with some of the items to include:

Checklist: Home Standby Generator Sizing

Essentials

• Heating and Cooling: Over 1.8 million people die each year due to extreme temperatures. Make sure your standby generator can power your electric furnace, radiator, or air conditioning.  
• Refrigerator: Save yourself from hundreds of dollars in spoiled food.  
• Communication Devices: Computers, smartphones, and tablets are essential for staying aware of developing outages and weather events. 
• Lighting: Navigating in the dark during an extreme weather event is dangerous. Make sure your generator can power your home lighting. 
• Electric Stoves: If you’re in a snowstorm or a hurricane, chances are you don’t want to risk trekking to a restaurant. 

Nice-to-Haves

• Televisions
• Smart Home Devices
• Video Gaming Systems

Once you determine the electronic devices you need, it’s time to take inventory of the voltage required for each device. The energy requirement and fuel type will help you narrow down your search. 

How to Pick the Right Home Generator? 

At this point, we’ve discussed three of the most important parts when choosing the right home standby generator: 

1. Benefits and drawbacks of different types of generators
2. Important generator components
3. Generator size/Electrical needs

Homeowners must determine where the generator will be placed, the proximity to neighbors, and if the noise will disturb the environment. Once you’ve made these calculations, it’ll be time to hire an electrician.

30 Years of Experience You Can Trust

Your home is unique. Make sure your standby generator is customized and installed to your unique needs. With over 30 years of industry experience, SafeTouch can help you assess, purchase, and install a standby generator that’s right for you. Our certified electricians will have your backup electricity up and running before the next storm. Give us a call at 888.895.SAFE (7233) to speak with a SafeTouch expert today!