What Are Natural Gas Home Generators?
In today’s world, having a reliable backup generator for your home is more important than ever. Power outages can occur unexpectedly due to extreme weather, utility failures, or natural disasters. Having a home generator ensures that your household remains powered, minimizing disruptions to daily life. Natural gas generators, in particular, offer convenience, reliability, and a cleaner energy alternative compared to traditional gasoline-powered units.
This article presents three of the top-rated natural gas home generators, chosen based on expert reviews and user feedback. These models stand out for their power output, features, and overall reliability, making them excellent options for homeowners looking to secure backup power.
Top-Rated Natural Gas Generators
Generac Guardian 20kW Automatic Standby Generator
Features
Power Output: 20,000 watts (running), 25,000 watts (peak)
Wi-Fi-enabled for remote monitoring
Comes with an automatic transfer switch
Quiet operation
Benefits
High Power Output: With 20,000 watts of continuous power, the Generac Guardian is capable of running most household appliances, including HVAC systems, refrigerators, and lighting.
Remote Monitoring: The Wi-Fi capability allows homeowners to monitor the generator’s performance and status from anywhere, ensuring peace of mind.
Reliable Performance: Generac is a well-known brand in the generator industry, and this model is built for reliability, even during extended power outages.
Excellent Warranty: The Generac Guardian comes with a 5-year limited warranty, which covers both parts and labor.
Drawbacks
Higher Upfront Cost: The Generac Guardian is a premium option, and its higher price tag may not fit all budgets.
Professional Installation Required: Because of its complexity and power output, professional installation is required, which adds to the overall cost.
Briggs & Stratton 20kW Home Standby Generator
Features
Power Output: 20,000 watts (running), 30,000 watts (peak)
Symphony II Power Management for efficient load distribution
Flexible indoor or outdoor installation
Quiet and compact design
Benefits
High Power Output: Just like the Generac model, the Briggs & Stratton generator offers significant power, making it ideal for large homes.
Efficient Power Management: The Symphony II system helps efficiently manage power usage across your home, preventing overloads and ensuring optimal use of energy.
Flexible Installation: This generator can be installed both indoors and outdoors, providing flexibility in how and where it’s placed.
Reliability: Briggs & Stratton is a respected name, and this model is known for its durability and smooth operation.
Drawbacks
Professional Installation Required: Installation must be carried out by a licensed technician, which can be a hassle and incurs additional costs.
Higher Noise Level: While it is quieter than many gas-powered models, it’s louder than some competitors in the same class.
Champion 14kW Home Standby Generator
Features
Power Output: 14,000 watts (running), 17,500 watts (peak)
200-amp whole house switch
Quiet operation
Benefits
Good Power Output: With a 14,000-watt capacity, this generator can handle the basic power needs of a medium-sized home, including essential appliances and lighting.
Cost-Effective: This generator offers excellent value for its power output, making it an affordable option for homeowners on a budget.
Quiet Operation: Champion is known for producing quieter generators, and this model is no exception. It operates at a lower noise level, which is beneficial in residential areas.
Reliable Performance: Users report that the Champion generator starts quickly and runs efficiently, providing dependable power during outages.
Drawbacks
May Not Handle All Appliances in Large Homes: For very large homes with higher power needs, this generator may not be sufficient to power all appliances simultaneously.
Regular Maintenance Required: Like all standby generators, the Champion unit requires regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance.
User Reviews and Ratings
Generac Guardian 20kW
This model has received high praise for its reliability and ease of use. Users particularly appreciate the Wi-Fi monitoriowing them to stay connected with the generator remotely. However, some users have mentioned the higher upfront cost as a consideration.
Briggs & Stratton 20kW
Reviews often highlight its powerful performance and efficiency in managing energy usage. The flexibility in installation is also a key selling point. However, some users noted that the noise level is slightly higher than expected.
Champion 14kW
Users are generally impressed by the quiet operation and overall value of the Champion generator. It’s seen as a great option for those with medium-sized homes, but some users expressed concern that it may not have enough power for larger households.
Maintenance and Warranty
Generac Guardian 20kW
Maintenance includes regular oil changes, filter replacements, and periodic inspections. The warranty covers parts and labor for up to five years.
Briggs & Stratton 20kW
The maintenance schedule includes oil changes, air filter cleaning, and occasional battery checks. It also comes with a 5-year limited warranty.
Champion 14kW
Routine maintenance includes oil changes and filter replacements. The Champion generator has a robust 10-year warranty, one of the best in the industry, providing significant peace of mind.
Conclusion
When choosing a natural gas generator, it’s essential to consider your home’s power needs, budget, and the size of the unit you’re willing to install.
For large homes or those requiring high power output, the Generac Guardian 20kW and Briggs & Stratton 20kW are both excellent choices, offering substantial power and reliability.
For smaller to medium-sized homes, the Champion 14kW provides a quieter, cost-effective solution that offers reliable power for most basic household needs.
Remember to factor in installation costs, maintenance requirements, and noise levels when making your decision. A natural gas backup generator is a long-term investment, and selecting the right model will provide peace of mind during unexpected power outages.
