Even if they don’t start automatically, propane generators often have a remote starter so you don’t have to pull a rip-cord like on many portable generators. These generators are able to sense the draw of power from your home’s electrical panel and electrically start themselves.
For reference, a normal conversation is about 60 dbA while a vacuum cleaner produces between 70 and 80 dbA.Ī propane home standby generator is ready at a moment’s notice-unlike a portable generator-and will kick-in automatically when the power goes out. Placement of a propane generator outside your home is also important since you may not want the noise right outside a bedroom or office window. Most of the generators on our list average 60 and 70 dbA, though the exact noise level can depend on the amount of power that the engine is producing. Since these generators are directly outside of your home, you will want to find a quieter one when making your selection. Noise LevelĪnother important determination in choosing a propane generator is the noise level that the engine produces while it is generating power. According to NFPA codes, smaller home generators may be allowed as close to 18 inches from an exterior wall, though you should always check local codes as some may differ from NFPA standards.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) requires five feet of clearance from openings in your home such as windows or doors. The larger generators on our list average a footprint of 30-by-30-by-48 inches while the smaller generators are closer to 24-by-24-by-36 inches. Whether you have a small yard or many acres of land, your propane generator will have to be near your home, so the size likely matters. One of the most important considerations when determining the best propane generator for your home is the physical footprint that the generator takes up. Note: Some generators are listed by watt (W) and some by kilowatt (kW). homes average a minimum of 5,000 to 7,500 for critical appliances, so most propane standby or backup generators will be sold with an output of 9,000 to 20,000 watts. Once you have the total number of starting watts, multiply that number by one and a half to create an adequate margin of safety. If your appliance does not list “starting watts”, take the “running watts” and multiply that number by three. If you want to calculate this number yourself, you can add up the “starting watts” listed on the wattage rating label of your most essential appliances. Often, propane generator manufacturers will have an online wattage calculator to help you add up your most essential appliances to find the perfect propane generator for your home. Air conditioning, sump or well pumps, medical devices, electric water heaters and, if you live in a cold area, portable space heaters will probably have the highest power draw and be the most essential appliances during an outage. If you are purchasing a propane generator, one of the most important determinations is the power requirement of your home and your most critical large appliances.