Best Home Generators – Hurricane Prep

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Doc’s top picks for home generators.

Hurricane, Winter storm, and general outage prep.

Today, I’m ordering my new generator after 6 MONTHS… of studying them, researching them, and testing. I hope this info helps YOU. With ONE CLICK… I ordered with free shipping, 3 year extended warranty for $15.  I REALLY hope this helps you decide.

** SAFETY TIPS BELOW ***

THE REALITY CHECK… NO B.S.
The majority of home owners need to have emergency power 1-2 times a year and that need lasts for 3-24 hours. HOWEVER… it is nice feeling to know that in the every 2-5 year, LONG TERM POWER OUTAGE EVENT, you have the back up power you need for a longer period.  NOTE: The longest power outage I have been through is 10 days. Yes, 10 days after a hurricane hit Raleigh, NC which is 130 miles AWAY from the ocean, even though I lived at the coast for 1/4 of my life. 

What do I NEED or WANT… to have running?
For most it’s the simple things that help us get by. Lights, TV, Internet, a FAN, and a fridge. With those simple things, power outages are VERY livable. I think most people are afraid of over buying… or under buying the right one.

Starting Watts vs. Running Watts…
Ever hear your fridge KICK ON… it draws a much higher wattage when STARTING, than it does just RUNNING.  So to KICK ON… or start it may surge up to 2000 watts, but once running only use 500 – 700 watts. That’s why most calculators will add in the SINGLE highest STARTING watts on top of your RUNNING watts.  It assumes that not all items START at once. IF YOU WANT TO RUN YOUR FRIDGE AND OTHER DEVICES AT THE SAME TIME, STEP UP TO THIS LEVEL OF POWER.  The SMALL generators such as 2000 watts will be under powered.

Are generators safe for electronics?
Yes, BUT…. we have run our TV, wifi, and PCs for years with generators with no issues. However,  because of surging, possible small power spikes etc, it’s a good idea to buy a power conditioner shown below. Only use it on lines you want to protect.

Noise…
I say just get over it… generators make noise and that should NOT be your primary concern. Buying the right size should. But OVER BUYING, will subject you to a louder noise than needed. Location of the generator helps with the noise and adding a few sound wave deflectors helps as well. Also think about rain and elements. as I show in the video.

Fuel and consumption…
I now prefer the DUAL FUEL generators in the large to medium class. They allow me to use gas or propane. I always have plenty of both around. But, in a SEVERE, long term outage, gas goes away quickly and needs POWER to be pumped.  Propane tanks are usually around and sit on the shelf ready to buy.

Weight…
I am actually DOWN SIZING my generator simply because my almost 200 pounder is a pain in the ass to drag out. (No BS I told you)  There are many times I could have used it, 2-3 hour outages, which I didn’t simply because of the size and not wanting to drag it out.

Brand / Manufacturer…
The ones listed below are manufactures we have YEARS of experience with. Are they the BEST IN THE INDUSTRY??? No, but FOR THE MONEY they are great buys.  FYI… we have 5 (FIVE) Champion water pumps, some that are over 6 years old and they always perform well.

 

Find your power needs.

USE THIS CALCULATOR
generator calculator


Doc’s number one choice… Click the Pics
Based on fuel, run time, weight, power needs, and VALUE.

NOTE from Doc… Today, I ordered my new generator shown below. One click, 3 day free ship, 3 year extended warranty for $15.

DUAL FUEL – 3800 running watts – 4750 starting watts – Medium power for lights, TV, PC, internet and fridge (with moderate load from other items) 9 hours of run time on 3.4 gallons of gas – 10 hours on propane tank – 120 pounds.   .  About $500  Price may increase during storms. 

  • Dual Fuel – Runs on GAS or PROPANE straight out of the box. Engine type: 4-stroke, wheel diameter: 8.0 inches
  • 4750 starting watts, 3800 running watts with up to 9 hours run time on a full tank of gas and up to 10.5 hours on a 20 lb. propane tank
  • Powered by a reliable 224cc Champion engine with Touch Start, push-button electric start (battery included)
  • Frequency: 60 Hz. Outlets – 120V 30A RV, 120V 30A locking, two 120V 20A household outlets all secured by Volt Guard, protects your appliances from power surges
  • Champion Support – 3 year limited warranty with FREE lifetime technical support. Refer instruction manual before use.

Good cord to get for the ABOVE unit. … Run 30 amp single cord into the house and have three, 120 / 20 amp plugs. Heavy duty cord.

 

 


 

Protect your electronics…

This power CONDITIONER will protect any electronics from surges and spikes.  These can happen with ANY generator FYI, regardless of quality or if it’s an inverter.  Even your HOME outlets can produce these.
They make 1200 – 2400 watts.

 

 

 


#2 Choice… for “hard wire / plug into” to house or larger loads.

7500 run watts – 9375 start / surge watts – Whole house power including refrigerator but NOT heat pump / central ac.
This is a FULL size unit that could be hard wired / plugged into a home and run everything long term other than your main AC heat pump.

  • Dual Fuel – Operate your 7500-watt portable generator right out of the box on either gasoline or propane, plus the unit holds 1.2-quarts of oil (included) and has a low oil shut-off sensor
  • Electric start – Power up the 439cc Champion engine with the handy toggle switch, battery included
  • Intelligauge – Keep track of voltage, hertz and run-time hours to easily monitor power output and track maintenance intervals.1.5 Inch dia. tubular steel frame for protection and durability
  • Powerful – At 9375 starting watts and 7500 running watts on gasoline and 8400 starting watts and 6750 running watts on propane, trust Volt Guard built-in surge protector to prevent overloads
  • Champion Support – Includes 3-year limited warranty with FREE lifetime technical support from dedicated experts

 


Pick up and go… smaller size… still a good power.

3100 run watts – 3400 surge / start watts  – dual fuel – light power for lights, TV, PC, internet etc.
1.6 gallon fuel tank – 7.5 hour run time – 14.5 on propane tank –  95 pounds.

  • Dual Fuel – Operate your 3400-watt portable generator right out of the box on either gasoline or propane, plus the unit holds 0.6-quarts of oil (recommended 10W-30) and has a low oil shut-off sensor
  • Convenient Electric Start with 3-Position Ignition Switch – Battery included, plus Quick Touch Panel allows you to access all your controls in one spot.Noise Level :59 dBA at 23 feet. Frequency 60 Hz
  • Ultra-Quiet Operation – 59 dBA is perfect for RVs, tailgating, your next project or backup power for your home, featuring 3400 starting watts and 3100 running watts with up to 7.5 hours run time on gasoline
  • Clean Power for Sensitive Electronics – RV Ready with a 120V 30A RV, plus two 120V 20A household outlets with clean electricity (less than 3% THD) and 12V DC outlet with dual USB adapter
  • Champion Support – Includes 3-year limited warranty with FREE lifetime technical support from dedicated experts

 


Just the basics… just need lights, tv, and internet?

SMALL, QUIET, and PORTABLE … 1600 running watts – 2000 starting / surge watts.     About $440 3 year extended warranty is $14. get it.

This is ideal for SHORT outages where you don’t have to run the fridge. Example… the power is out for 2-4 hours and you just want to power some basics like lights, tv, and internet.

EVERY home owner should at least own one of these.

  • Extremely quiet operation is comparable to the sound of a normal conversation according to the US Department of Health and Human Services
  • EPA III and CARB Compliant 79.7 cc 4-stroke OHV engine produces 2000 surge watts and 1600 rated watts
  • Great for campgrounds, construction sites, tailgates and power outages
  • Produces clean power to safely operate and prevent damage to sensitive electronics such as smart phones, tablets, televisions and computers
  • Includes two three-prong 120V receptacles, one 12V DC receptacle and one 5V USB port

 

 


Safety Tips

  • Do not connect power cords to a RUNNING generator, especially in the rain.  Connect power cords, outside first, do not connect to running items inside the house, then start your generator.  Then go inside and start connecting items ONE BY ONE.
  • Most portable generators do not require additional grounding, but you CAN as an added safety feature.  READ your owners manual.
  • Always run generators OUT SIDE.  FYI… Inside a shed or inside a garage is NOT OUTSIDE.  They will kill you.
  • The exhaust and muffler get VERY hot. VISUALIZE where they will be blowing.
  • Watch for house EAVES… as they can trap exhaust fumes and send them into house.
  • Read your owners manual about distances from houses.
  • Do not refuel a RUNNING generator.  BOOM… enough said.

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hurricane tracking map

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