Gasoline generators for home guide

• Gasoline generators produce electricity with an internal combustion engine.

• Compared to standby generators, gasoline generators are less expensive upfront and don’t require professional installation, but may not supply adequate electricity to power an entire house.

• Fuel efficiency, longevity, maintenance, and repairs are all important cost considerations in addition to the initial price tag

Gasoline generators are one option you have for residential backup power of the essentials. They can be an affordable, simple way to power important systems in your home in an emergency, and can be used for many other purposes. However, a portable gas generator may not be the right solution for you, depending on your energy needs and other factors.

This guide takes a look at how gasoline generators work to power a home, their advantages and disadvantages, and some of the top manufacturers. We’ve also included a guide to help you choose the home generator that best suits your needs.

How do gasoline generators for a home work?

Gasoline generators produce electricity through the electromagnetic induction process, which converts mechanical energy into electrical energy. The electricity they generate can be used to power appliances and devices just as if they were plugged into a wall outlet. This makes them a valuable source of backup energy for your home when grid power goes out.

Gasoline generators are portable

Homeowners have a choice between standby and portable generators for backup power. However, standby generators typically do not use gasoline as a fuel source and instead are more likely to use natural gas or propane.

Portable generators, as the name would suggest, can be easily moved from one location to another. While they can also serve as a more limited backup electricity option for a home, their biggest advantage is that they can provide power wherever it’s needed. Gasoline is a common fuel source for portable electric generators, but they can also run on diesel and other fuels.

Conventional vs. inverter gasoline generators

Generators also come in different configurations. Older-style models produce a constant output, regardless of the electrical load. Inverter gasoline generators use more modern technology to adjust electricity production based on the current load. They also supply cleaner, more consistent power that is safer to use for powering sensitive electronic devices like computers.

What are the main components of a gasoline generator?

While exact specifications vary from one model to another, gasoline generators are made up of the same basic components, like an engine, alternator, and fuel tank.

• Engine: Creates the rotational force that drives the alternator to produce electricity

• Alternator: Converts the mechanical rotational energy produced in the engine into an electrical current through a rotor and stator assembly

• Fuel tank: Stores the gasoline that powers the generator

• Transfer switch: Safely integrates a gasoline generator into a home electrical panel

• Voltage regulator: Stabilizes the voltage of electricity created by the generator and keeps the current consistent for reliable home energy

• Circuit protection: Prevents damage from power surges and overloads with fuses or circuit breakers

Pros and cons of gasoline generators

Gasoline generators have a few main pros, like their mobility and low initial cost, that make them a great option for home use. That said, there are also some downsides to consider.

Pros

• Mobility: Portable gas generators can go anywhere that needs electricity.

• Quick installation: Portable generators don’t require professional installation and can usually be used right out of the box.

• Lower initial cost: Mobile generators cost significantly less than whole-house standby generators. 

• Fuel availability: Gasoline is readily available just about everywhere.

Cons

• Fuel storage: Compared to other types of fuel, gasoline has a short shelf life and requires the use of stabilizers and safety practices.

• Noise levels: Some gas generators make enough sound to annoy neighbors or even violate noise ordinances, but they can be soundproofed in some cases.

• Emissions: Burning gasoline creates harmful emissions and can be dangerous when run in enclosed or poorly-ventilated spaces.

• Maintenance: Like anything with a gasoline-powered engine, portable generators need regular maintenance to maintain efficiency and reliability.

Top gasoline generator brands for home use

The table below provides a comparison of the country’s most well-known generator manufacturers. You’ll also find a brief description of each brand and some of their ideal use cases.

Brands vary in terms of the customer support they offer, how easy it is to repair their equipment, and the warranties they include with their generators. EPA- and CARB-certified portable generators emit less carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxide than others, too. These are important points of consideration in addition to technical specifications.

Safety considerations for gasoline generators

Gasoline generators are very safe to use as long as you are aware of the dangers and follow basic precautions. There are a few areas of concern you should know about.

Carbon monoxide safety

Gasoline-powered generators produce carbon monoxide as a byproduct, which is poisonous or even deadly for humans. Carbon monoxide poisoning kills hundreds yearly. Guidance from FEMA, the CDC, and the Consumer Product Safety Commission all say to put generators outside at least 20 feet from doors/windows and direct exhaust away.

Because of this, you should never, ever run a gasoline generator indoors. You should operate your generator far away from any doors and windows. Carbon monoxide released into the air could still travel inside your home and create a health risk, even when the generator is running outside. It’s also a good idea to install carbon monoxide detectors to alert you if CO has seeped into your home in dangerous amounts.

Follow National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines to ensure the safety of everyone in your home.

Fuel storage and handling

Stored gasoline poses a fire hazard from the liquid itself and from the fumes that get released. Be sure to only keep gasoline in approved containers and store them far away from any electrical outlets or other potential sources of ignition. Never add gasoline to a hot generator or one that is currently running.

If you plan to store gasoline for more than a few weeks, it will require some maintenance to stay usable. You can add fuel stabilizers to extend its shelf life. 

Electrical safety

Generators can also cause electrical damage to your home and your health if they are not properly connected. If you want to connect your generator to your home electrical panel, you must use a UL-listed transfer switch. This prevents backfeed that could overload your circuitry. Unless you are experienced in electrical work, it’s best to hire a professional electrician to install your transfer switch.

How to choose the right gasoline generator for your home

The best generator for your home is one that fits your specific needs and preferences. In this section, you’ll find some of the most important factors to consider when choosing a gasoline generator.

Wattage requirements

You want to make sure you get a generator that provides ample energy for your regular usage. However, you don’t want to spend more than you need to for capacity you won’t use. 

Examine your monthly power bills to get an idea of your average energy usage. Take note of your most essential appliances and their running wattage and starting wattage. You can then use an online generator sizing calculator to help you find the right capacity generator for your home.

Fuel efficiency and run time

Keep in mind that you will have to buy gasoline to power your generator, so how efficiently it uses fuel has a direct impact on your budget. Refueling also takes time and a trip to a gas station. Generators come with efficiency ratings to help you compare. 

Run time is another factor to consider. It’s best to calculate run times for generators at 50% load to get an accurate comparison.

Noise levels and comfort

You’ll also find a decibel rating in the tech specs for gasoline generators. Operating noise can become an annoyance for you and your neighbors, so take how far your home is from others into consideration. You can also buy or build a soundproof enclosure to limit how much noise reaches your home and those around you.

Voltage regulation and power quality

Not all electricity is created equal. Lower-quality energy has a less consistent waveform, which could damage the circuits of sensitive electronics like your laptop. Inverter generators provide a much more stable current, making them a better choice to power technology like medical devices and smart appliances.

Convenience features

Some generators come with features that make them easier to use. You can find generators with remote start similar to newer cars, as well as ones that start automatically when grid power goes out. Smart generator monitoring apps help you keep an eye on efficiency and give you more control.

Installation and maintenance of gasoline generators

Proper installation and maintenance are the keys to safe and efficient generator operation. This section gives information about how to install your generator safely, but hiring a certified electrician is strongly recommended for most homeowners.

Generator installation

If you don’t plan to connect your generator to your electrical panel, you can set it up yourself without the help of a professional. However, if you do want to connect your generator to your electrical system, a DIY installation can put your health and home at risk. 

Not all generators and transfer switches are compatible with all electrical panels, and mismatched components can fail or be hazardous. You also need to make sure to comply with all local building codes. An experienced electrician will be able to hook up a generator to your house.

Installation costs vary depending on where you live, and may be a considerable expense in your area. However, home repairs and medical bills are likely to cost you much more if your equipment isn’t installed properly. Some states and local utility providers offer rebates and incentives for buying and installing generators that can help cover some of the costs.

Generator maintenance checklist

The following maintenance services must be performed to keep your generator running efficiently:

• Regularly inspect oil, spark plugs, and air filters

• Run the generator periodically to keep fuel from going stale

• Use fuel stabilizer in stored fuel

• Inspect the fuel system and keep it free of dirt, debris, and buildup

Generator repair and troubleshooting

It is important to address all repairs, even minor ones, as soon as you notice them. Mechanical and electrical problems usually only get worse over time and may eventually lead to complete failure. For major repairs, look for professional help and consult your user manual for warranty information.

The warning signs of common gasoline generator issues include:

• Hard starting

• Irregular voltage

• Failure to reach capacity

• Excessive operating noise

Gasoline generators vs. alternative home backup solutions

A gasoline generator isn’t the only solution for home backup power. There are a few other options worth looking into.

Generator vs. battery backup

Modern high-capacity home batteries can store enough energy to be used as a partial backup energy source. They also run silently and do not produce emissions, making them comfortable and safe to run indoors. 

However, home energy batteries do not have enough capacity to fully power most homes. In comparison, gasoline generators can deliver higher wattage and have longer run times, making them a better option for whole-home emergency energy.

Generator vs. solar power systems

Gasoline generators use a readily available fuel source and can run in most environmental conditions. Solar energy systems require sunlight to generate electricity and cost substantially more to buy and install.

But solar energy has some advantages. Solar panels generate their own energy, meaning you don’t have to go out to buy gasoline. When paired with battery storage, they can supply consistent power to a home.

These different solutions can also be paired with each other. A hybrid setup that combines a gasoline generator with solar panels and a solar battery provides maximum energy resilience.

Cost analysis and financing options

Getting a gasoline generator for your house is a worthwhile investment, but one that often comes with a hefty price tag. Before making a purchase decision, weigh the true total cost of your options and learn about your options for paying for the generator you want.

Initial purchase vs. long-term costs

There is more to the cost of owning a generator than just the purchase price. There are also long-term costs to consider that include:

• Fuel efficiency: Even a small difference in how much gasoline one generator uses compared to another can quickly add up to create a major difference in ownership cost.

• Maintenance: Some generators require more regular maintenance than others. Performing routine maintenance and replacing parts costs time and money.

• Repairs: If a cheaper gasoline generator is less reliable than a more expensive one, what you pay to repair it more frequently could make it more expensive to own over its working lifetime.

• Accessories: Some gasoline generators have more affordable accessories, like adapters and wheel kits, than others. If you plan to buy more than a few accessories, add those costs to the purchase price for a more accurate idea of total cost.

Gasoline generator vs. standby generator ownership costs

Portable gasoline generators cost significantly less than standby generators upfront. That price difference increases even more when you factor in the need to hire a professional to install a standby generator. 

However, standby generators that run on natural gas have a lower operating cost, since natural gas is cheaper than gasoline. Whole-house standby generators also tend to have a longer lifespan than portable generators. That means you may have to replace a portable generator one or more times over the working life of a standby unit.

Financing and payment plans

In many cases, you won’t have to pay for the entire cost of a generator upfront. You can find generator financing options from many retailers and even some utility companies. It’s also worth checking with your state and local government agencies to see if they offer tax rebates or incentives for emergency power supply equipment. These incentives could substantially reduce the purchase price of your gasoline generator.

Bottom line on gasoline generators

A gasoline generator can provide a lot of value for the price tag. Less expensive to purchase than a standby generator and no need to pay for a professional installation, portable generators that run on gasoline are an affordable, DIY option for essential home energy backup. You may not be able to power all the appliances and devices in bigger homes with a gasoline generator, but they can supply more than enough power to keep the essentials running when grid power goes down.

FAQs on home gas generators

Below are a few frequently asked questions about portable generators.