Best Home Generators

Choosing The Best Home Generator For Your Needs

Electricity has become the backbone of our daily lives and in today's world. More and more we rely on technology and the services and luxurious it provides. From lighting and heating our homes to powering our phones and computers, modern society is increasingly dependent on electricity. This dependence makes power outages more than just inconvenient, and the demand for the best home generators more than just a desire for comfort.

Losing power in our modern age is a significant concern for homeowners and businesses. When there is a power outage, we are left without the basic necessities we often take for granted. Food refrigeration, computers for work and entertainment, air conditioning or electric heaters to control our inside climates, and other essential tech stops working when you lose power. It is this reliance on electricity that makes it essential to choose the best home generator to protect your home from being put back into the dark ages.

Home Generators Guarantee the Lights Stay On

Purchasing a home generator is a great way to ensure that your household is protected from a sudden and unexpected blackout. A power outage can occur due to various reasons, including severe weather conditions, system failures, or equipment damage, none of which are entirely predictable. Regardless of the reason, when the power goes out it can be inconvenient, disruptive, and even dangerous. But the best home generators can prevent these uncomfortable situations.

Without electricity, we're unable to keep our homes warm or cool, cook food, keep our electronics charged, and run medical equipment. This can be especially troubling for those living in areas prone to extreme weather conditions, where power outages can last for days or even weeks. Fortunately, a home generator can provide a reliable source of backup power, ensuring that your household can function as smoothly as possible during a power outage. A home generator can be your lifeline during a power outage, keeping your family safe and comfortable. But which type is best?

There Are Many Types of Generators

Generators are available in different types, including portable and standby generators also known as home generators. Besides the variety of generators, there is also a variety of fuel types. Selecting the right combination of generator type and fuel type is the first step to protecting your home from difficult situations resulting from total loss of power.

Once you've selected the right type, next you have to decide on a trusted brand. Not every brand can back up the claim of having the best home generator around, but a few can make a strong argument.

In this article we will go over what you should consider before purchasing a particular home generator as well as compare and contrast some of the best home generator brands on the market. By taking the time to choose the best home generator for your family’s needs, you can enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing you are prepared for any power outage.

KOHLER

Most home owners recognize the name Kohler in some capacity. But Kohler by many isn't recognized for its long history in the generator industry. In the marathon competition for producing the best home generators, Kohler has been in the generator business for over 100 years! It was in 1920 that they developed their first modern generator to be powered by a gasoline engine.

Though Kohler is a trusted name for commercial, industrial, and even marine generators, their residential product line is built with the same level of excellence and durability.

Powered by Kohler’s renowned commercial grade engines, their residential product line is built to last and perform when you need it most.

Features:

Reliable KOHLER-built engines: Every KOHLER® generator is equipped with a heavy-duty, commercial-grade engine that stands up to high demand and extreme conditions.
PowerBoost™ Technology: Provides power to start large loads such as central air conditioners without dropping power to other appliances. Produces extraordinary peak motor-starting capacity compared to other brands.
Clean Digital Power: Premium power quality delivers exceptional digital voltage and frequency regulation along with low levels of harmonic distortion to protect sophisticated electronics.
OnCue® Plus Remote Monitoring: Access your generator from your smart device and receive real time notifications about your generator's status.
Most advanced technology in the industry: The RDC2 controller designed for today's sophisticated electronics manages both the generator set and Model RXT transfer switch functions.
Sleek and durable sound housing: Quiet, neighborhood-friendly operation with sound levels similar to a typical central air conditioner. Stylish corrosion-proof enclosure impact tested to -30°F.
Standard 5-Year / 2,000 Hour Limited Warranty: Offers 10-year warranties for purchase or often through free promotions.

CUMMINS

Cummins is another respected name in the generator industry with over 100 years of experience. Much like Kohler, Cummins has a well known and highly esteemed name in the industrial world. Unfortunately, however, Cummins also struggles with not be quite as well-recognized in the residential generator market.

Cummins first built diesel engines in 1919, and have been a trusted name for engines and generators across many industries ever since. Their best home generator line has many options and their unique housing design is quieter than some other home generator options.

Features:

Weather Protective Aluminum/Steel Sound Enclosure: Can be installed within 18" of a home with sound dampening housing limits noise level to a low 65dB
Cummins Air-Cooled V-Twin OHV Engine: Field-selectable, runs on ultra efficient natural gas or LP (vapor)
< 5% THD (Total Harmonic Distortion: Clean power that won't damage your electronic devices
Patented "Crank Only" Exercise Mode: Provides diagnostics without running engine for less wear and lower fuel cost.
Cummins Connect Cloud For Remote Monitoring: Monitor, exercise and manually run the generator. Use your computer, tablet or phone for maximum monitoring flexibility
Cold Weather Equipped: Operates in cold weather with performance down to 0 °F.
Standard 5-Year / 2,000 Hour Limited Warranty: Offers 10-year warranties for purchase or often through free promotions.

GENERAC

Generac is another highly recognized name with over 60 years of experience in the generator industry. With an aggressive and ubiquitous marketing campaign, Generac heavily targets homeowners and is well known by them. Most known for their residential generator line, Generac has become a popular option for many homeowners. Having the largest residential product line compared to the competitors, Generac has many options to choose from. Their signature product line, the Guardian Series, is a budget friendly choice for many homeowners looking for a stand-by power solution.

Features:

Quiet-Test Self Test Mode: Runs the generator more slowly during a five or twelve minute test, making generators quieter and more efficient.
RhinoCoat powder coated finish: Reduces corrosion and protects your generator during adverse weather conditions.
True Power™ Technology: Delivers less than 5 percent total harmonic distortion for clean, smooth operation of sensitive electronics and appliances.
Mobile Link™ Remote Monitoring: Allows you to monitor the status of your generator from anywhere in the world using a smartphone, tablet, or PC.
Smart, User-Friendly Controls: Generac’s Evolution™ Controller features a multilingual LCD display that allows users to monitor generator status and track maintenance.
5-Year Limited Warranty: Offers 10-year warranties for purchase or often through free promotions.

BRIGGS & STRATTON

Briggs and Stratton is a well-known brand in the outdoor power equipment industry and has been manufacturing generators since 1959. Their home generator options start at 8kW and are powered by their very own Briggs and Stratton engines. Though Briggs and Stratton hasn’t been in the home generator market as long as some of their competitors, they have become a great solution for many customers who have long trusted their name.

Features:

Quiet Weekly Test Mode: Over 70% quieter during weekly test mode.
Commercial Grade Vanguard Engines: Rugged, reliable engines trusted for demanding commercial applications, so you always get the power you need.
Simple Installation and maintenance: Approved for installation as close as 18" to a building for flexibility of placement around the home - simple tool-less panel removal also allows for easy serviceability and maintenance.
Corrosion Resistant Enclosure & Base: Automotive grade galvanneal steel base and aluminum enclosure to resist rust, and powder-coated paint for years of protection against chips and abrasions.
6-Year Limited Warranty: Offers 10-year warranties for purchase or often through free promotions.

So, Which Home Generator Brand is Best?

After taking a look at everything, there are several formidable home generator brands to choose from. But when we combine looking at features, customer reviews, and our personal experience working with these different brands, for us there is one clear winner: Kohler.

The Kohler generator takes the prize as the best home generator due to its exceptional performance backed by a stellar warranty and warranty service. In numerous tests, the Kohler home generator shows itself to outlast and outperform Generac and other brands, hands down. It is recognized as quieter and more reliable, and is our number one recommendation for a home generator.

Generac, Briggs and Stratton, and Cummins are definitely great generators. In fact, when it comes to a home diesel generator, we'd recommend Cummins, as they are truly an industry-leader in diesel engines. But the usual fuel type used for home generators is natural gas or propane, and when it comes to these engines the Kohler engine is the best.

Generator Brand is Less Important Than the Company You Choose to Install It

Possibly the most important aspect of buying a home generator isn’t which brand to choose, but who to buy from. Though home generators can be purchased through many outlets, that’s only the first step in a process that will continue for the lifespan of your generator. Having it properly installed, maintained, and serviced is just as important as the quality of the equipment itself and will determine just how well it performs.

Having been in this industry for decades, we have experienced countless dissatisfied customers that bought their home generator through a home center or online outlet, only to find themselves unable to find a reputable service company to install or maintain their generator after the purchase. One customer once went as far as to label his home generator as a “useless $10,000 boat anchor” because he learned his warranty had been voided due to an improper installation by an installer who wasn't certified.

Only Use Certified Dealers and Repair Technicians

At Surfside, our recommendation is to purchase from a single Factory Authorized source that will be able to install, service, and honor your manufacturer's warranty for the life of your generator. Some companies, like us here Surfside Services, even offer emergency response services to give you peace of mind that if there’s a problem with your generator, you’ll be able to get help quickly.

Make sure to have a detailed list of questions to ask perspective companies when getting quotes for your home generator and be sure to request proof of insurance, trade licenses, and dealer certifications.

The Right Company Makes the Difference

Choosing the right home generator depends on various factors. There are many online resources comparing the major competitors as well as trusted publications that rate different units and brands. Some dealers even go as far as doing in house comparison videos contrasting the different units. But all of the generator brands we've discussed here are great options, even though Kohler is the best home generator.

With us, though, you can know that whichever generator brand you select you'll be in good hands. We'll make sure it is installed correctly and maintained properly over the years. The proper installation and maintenance we'll provide will help ensure your home generator, whichever you decided to go with, stays in good working order for years to come.

What's The Best Home Generator For You?

If you’d like more information on home standby generators or if you’d like a free consultation with one of our trained industry experts, give Surfside a call today.

      
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More than Just a Generator Company

As more than just generator installers servicing Baldwin, Escambia, and Mobile County AL, Surfside is here to service your home's every need. From its HVAC systems to its plumbing systems, even its cleaning needs, Surfside Services has the experts to get the job done right.

Posted in Electrical