Living in an area prone to power outages or wanting to prepare for occasional outages caused by weather conditions may lead you to invest in a home generator. Choosing between a whole-house generator and a portable generator will depend on your needs and budget, as there is a significant difference in power and price between the two. CNET has created a guide to help you determine if a home generator is worth the investment, especially with outages becoming more common due to severe weather conditions.
The cost of a home generator can vary based on factors such as make, model, power capacity, and features. Whole-home generators typically range from $5,000 to $25,000, with 20 kW generators considered whole-home and more expensive. Fuel sources like gasoline, natural gas, propane, and diesel also play a role in the cost and ongoing expenses of running the generator. Installation costs, maintenance fees, and daily running costs should all be considered when deciding on a generator for your home.
While the benefits of having a home generator during a power outage include convenience and safety, the significant cost may outweigh the potential advantages for some households. Generators can prevent disasters like food spoilage or extreme temperatures during outages but may not provide a return on investment based on electricity produced versus the cost of grid electricity. It is essential to evaluate your situation and household needs to determine if the cost of a home generator is worth the protection it provides in case of extended outages.
For those who find a whole-home generator too costly or unnecessary, there are alternatives available that can power essential systems or a single room. Portable generators, typically designed for a limited period to power a room, and critical systems generators, which support essential systems in the home, offer lower-cost options compared to whole-home generators. Solar and battery storage options are also available for those looking to operate without fossil fuels, although they may come with a higher upfront cost.
In conclusion, deciding whether to invest in a home generator comes down to affordability, ongoing maintenance costs, and the potential risks of extended power outages for you and your family. Considering alternative options like portable generators or critical systems generators may better suit your budget and needs. It is crucial to weigh the benefits of having backup power against the upfront and ongoing expenses associated with owning a home generator. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your household’s unique requirements and level of risk during power outages.
