Emergency Generators: Power Solutions for Unexpected Outages
When the power goes out unexpectedly, an emergency generator becomes your lifeline to essential electricity. These powerful backup systems ensure that critical appliances and systems remain operational during outages caused by severe weather, grid failures, or other emergencies. Understanding your options and making an informed decision about emergency generators can make a significant difference in your comfort and safety during power disruptions.
Emergency generators provide crucial backup power during outages, keeping essential systems running when you need them most. Whether protecting your home during severe weather events or ensuring business continuity during grid failures, these power solutions offer peace of mind and practical benefits. With various types, sizes, and fuel options available, selecting the right emergency generator requires understanding your specific power needs and the features that matter most for your situation.
Types of Generators Available for Emergency Use
Emergency generators come in several distinct categories, each designed to meet different power needs and situations. Portable generators offer flexibility and lower initial investment, making them popular for homeowners needing occasional backup power. These units typically range from 3,000 to 8,500 watts and can power essential appliances like refrigerators, lights, and heating systems.
Standby generators represent a more permanent solution, automatically activating when utility power fails. These systems are installed outside the home with a transfer switch that disconnects from the grid when operating. Standby models generally provide 10,000 to 20,000+ watts, enough to power an entire home depending on size.
Inverter generators represent newer technology that produces cleaner power with less harmonic distortion, making them ideal for sensitive electronics. While typically offering lower wattage (1,500-4,000 watts), these units are quieter and more fuel-efficient than traditional portable models.
Dual-fuel generators provide flexibility by running on either gasoline or propane, giving users options during emergency situations when one fuel type might be unavailable. This versatility makes them particularly valuable during extended power outages.
The Best Generators Available at Lowe’s
Lowe’s carries an extensive selection of emergency generators from respected manufacturers. Generac, a leading brand in the industry, offers both portable and home standby generators with reputation for reliability and performance. Their Guardian series standby generators are particularly popular for whole-home backup power solutions.
Honda generators available at Lowe’s are known for their exceptional engineering, fuel efficiency, and quiet operation. The Honda EU series inverter generators are frequently recommended for their clean power output and reliability, making them suitable for powering sensitive electronics during outages.
Champion Power Equipment offers more budget-friendly options without sacrificing essential features. Their dual-fuel models provide flexibility during emergencies, and many include features like electric start and built-in surge protection. Westinghouse generators balance affordability with performance, offering models with remote start capabilities and extended run times.
Briggs & Stratton, with their long history in small engines, produces generators known for durability and serviceability, with parts widely available across the country—an important consideration for emergency equipment.
Top-Rated and Best-Selling Emergency Generator Models
Among the highest-rated emergency generators, the Generac GP8000E consistently earns positive reviews for its 8,000 running watts, electric start, and ability to power multiple appliances simultaneously. Users particularly appreciate its sturdy construction and reliable performance during extended outages.
The Honda EU2200i stands out in the inverter category, praised for exceptionally quiet operation and clean power output that safely runs sensitive electronics. Despite its compact size, it delivers reliable performance for essential circuits and appliances.
For whole-home backup, the Generac 7043 Home Standby Generator (22kW) ranks among the best-selling models at Lowe’s. This automatic standby system can power an entire home during outages and features a weather-resistant aluminum enclosure for durability.
The Champion 100520 dual-fuel portable generator earns high marks for versatility, running on either gasoline or propane. With 8,750 starting watts on gasoline, it provides substantial emergency power while giving users fuel options during extended outages.
Westinghouse WGen9500DF offers impressive power output with 9,500 running watts on gasoline and includes remote start capability, allowing users to power up from inside during storms or other hazardous conditions.
Cost of Generators at Lowe’s
The investment in an emergency generator varies significantly based on type, capacity, and features. Understanding the price ranges can help consumers make informed decisions about their emergency power solutions.
| Generator Type | Typical Price Range | Key Features | Power Output |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portable Generators | $300-$1,500 | Manual start, limited runtime | 3,000-8,500W |
| Inverter Generators | $500-$2,500 | Quiet operation, clean power | 1,500-4,000W |
| Dual-Fuel Portables | $600-$1,800 | Fuel flexibility, medium runtime | 3,500-12,000W |
| Home Standby Systems | $2,000-$10,000+ | Automatic operation, whole-home power | 10,000-24,000W+ |
Prices, rates, or cost estimates mentioned in this article are based on the latest available information but may change over time. Independent research is advised before making financial decisions.
Beyond the purchase price, consumers should consider installation costs for standby systems, which typically range from $500 to $3,000 depending on complexity. Maintenance costs also vary, with portable units requiring regular oil changes and occasional spark plug replacement, while standby systems benefit from annual service contracts ($150-$300 per year).
Fuel consumption represents another ongoing cost. Portable gasoline generators typically consume 8-22 gallons per day under full load, while propane models may use 4-8 gallons of propane daily. Natural gas standby generators connect to home gas lines with costs reflected in monthly utility bills during operation.
Selecting the Right Emergency Generator for Your Needs
Choosing an appropriate emergency generator starts with assessing your power requirements. Create a list of essential appliances and devices needed during an outage, then calculate their combined wattage requirements, paying special attention to starting watts for motors and compressors which can be 2-3 times their running wattage.
Consider your property’s constraints and requirements. Portable generators require manual setup and operation during outages, plus safe storage when not in use. Standby systems need permanent installation space and professional electrical and possibly gas line connections.
Noise considerations matter, particularly in residential neighborhoods with noise ordinances. Inverter generators typically operate at 50-60 decibels (comparable to normal conversation), while standard portables may reach 70-80 decibels (similar to a vacuum cleaner).
Safety features should never be overlooked. Look for automatic low-oil shutdown, circuit breaker protection, covered outlets, and carbon monoxide detection. For standby systems, automatic transfer switches prevent dangerous backfeeding into utility lines, protecting both your home and utility workers.
Maintenance requirements vary significantly between models. Some require regular exercise cycles, oil changes, and filter replacements. Consider your willingness and ability to perform regular maintenance when selecting an emergency power solution that will reliably function when you need it most.
