3 Best Standby Generators for Whole-Home Backup
When the power goes out, you need a reliable system that can keep your home running. Traditional standby generators have long been the go-to for whole-home backup, but they are noisy, produce toxic fumes, and need constant refuelling. Modern battery-powered systems offer a cleaner, quieter, and more efficient solution. In this guide, we’ll explore the best standby generator alternatives and explain what to look for when choosing a system that keeps your family safe, no matter what the future brings.
EcoFlow’s Top Standby Generators for Homes
Traditional standby generators are permanent installations designed to run homes during power outages, but they’re large, noisy, require constant refuelling, and pose risks of carbon monoxide poisoning. However, the following modern portable generators using batteries offer all the benefits without the noise or dangers.
1. Best Customizable Solution: EcoFlow DELTA 3 Ultra Plus
The EcoFlow DELTA 3 Ultra Plus offers 3600W of output and 7200W of surge output to cover starting watts, allowing you to run essential appliances, including heavy-duty ones. You can also choose which circuits stay powered via the app to prioritize which appliances matter most.
Starting at 3072Wh of capacity, you can customize your setup and scale up with additional batteries to 11kWh to run an entire home, depending on energy usage. You can set it up via a manual transfer switch or inlet box, with a <10ms auto UPS switch to keep sensitive electronics and appliances running. It also offers 6 ways to recharge in just 48 minutes, including solar and generator dual charging, for periods of high energy demand.
2. Best for Whole-Home Backup: EcoFlow DELTA Pro Ultra X
For those seeking a whole-home backup system, the EcoFlow DELTA Pro Ultra X is perfect. Starting at 12kW output, a single battery will power all essential appliances, even a 240V 5-ton AC. From there, it offers expandable batteries to power even the largest homes.
It can be easily integrated into your household electrical panel, generator, EV charger, and tied to solar panels for energy independence, acting as a UPS with a <20ms switchover. Finally, the app allows you to prioritize your running appliances, throttle non-essential ones, and monitor your solar production and battery health, all from your smartphone.
3. Best for Budget and Portability: EcoFlow DELTA 3 Classic
For those looking to run essential appliances on a budget, the EcoFlow DELTA 3 Classic provides 1800W of output and 2600W of X-boost to run higher-demand essential appliances without slowing down. It recharges from 0-80% in just 45 minutes with AC charging and can be charged using solar, DC, and a generator. This, combined with its compact size, makes it a versatile portable solution for use as a home backup but also for travelling and camping.
What to Consider When Choosing a Standby Generator for Your Home
With increasingly severe weather and aging infrastructure, power outages are rising, making generators a household necessity. Here are some things to consider:
The capacity of your standby generator is crucial for running your entire home. To size your battery, examine your kWh of usage from your electrical bill and choose a capacity at least 20% larger than you need. For essential appliances only, calculate the minimum capacity by adding up their total running watts multiplied by the hours each runs in a day.
Fuel type is essential, depending on the available options. Standby fossil fuel generators require constant refuelling, maintenance, and pose a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. This is why more people are switching to battery-powered generators instead.
Noise is a factor since traditional generators are very noisy, while battery backups operate at just above a whisper and are safe for use indoors.
Maximum output is essential when running multiple appliances simultaneously, particularly when some require starting watts. Choosing a model with an X-Boost or surge load accommodates extra bursts of wattage.
Consider installing solar panels to recharge your batteries, enabling you to handle long-term outages and achieve energy independence.
When choosing a system, battery chemistry is essential. LiFePO4 chemistry is preferred since it offers more charging cycles, lasting 10-15 years or longer, compared to a lead-acid model that may last 5 years. LiFePO4 batteries are also less prone to thermal runaway compared to older lithium-ion models.
Portability is essential if you want to bring your generator travelling.
Port options are crucial when plugging into your battery directly, rather than having it tied to your household electrical panel. You need enough of the correct output ports to run your appliances, along with the proper input ports to recharge using AC, DC, solar, etc.
Do you need an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS)? This is critical for seamless switching to backup power to protect sensitive electronics and appliances.
Ultimately, opt for high-quality products accompanied by reliable warranties.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Size Generator Will Run an Entire House?
The size of the generator to run an entire house depends on the size of the home. Smaller homes typically require between 7,000W and 10,000W, while larger homes may need 15,000W to 30,000W or more.
How Long Can a Standby Generator Run Continuously?
The runtime of a standby generator is determined by its fuel supply and maintenance. Natural gas may run indefinitely, while propane and diesel will run until their fuel is depleted or they require maintenance. Battery-powered models run until their batteries are depleted or indefinitely if connected to solar panels.
Are Standby Generators Noisy?
Traditional fossil-fuel-powered standby generators are typically noisy, ranging from 65dB (a normal conversation) to 100 decibels (a lawnmower). However, newer battery-operated generators are much quieter and operate at just above a whisper.
Standby Generators Provide Whole-Home Power, Ensure Comfort, and Deliver Peace of Mind
From the powerful EcoFlow DELTA Pro Ultra X, which will run an entire home, to the budget-friendly portable EcoFlow DELTA 3 Classic, there’s a dependable, quiet, and emission-free backup power solution for every household. With fast charging, solar compatibility, and smart app control, you can stay connected and comfortable through any outage. Invest in a reliable standby power solution today and enjoy the peace of mind that your home will always remain warm and powered up when it matters most.