Top Home Backup Generators for Canadian Homes
Canadian homes are often prone to severe weather conditions. Whether it’s snow and ice storms in the winter or wildfires in the summer, your home needs to be prepared for it all. One way you can do this is by sourcing a home backup generator, so you can keep living life even if the power goes out.
We’ll guide you through the process of choosing the best home backup generator, breaking down the pros and cons of each one so you can make your final decision with confidence.
The Best Backup Generators for Homes in Canada
It’s important to understand the main types of backup generators available and their advantages and disadvantages. When considering the options, also keep in mind your household usage habits and budget.
Portable Generator
Portable generators are a flexible and affordable option for emergencies or day-to-day leisure activities. Their portability means you can move them around the house or even take them with you on trips or when going camping. They’re a more pocket-friendly option than standby generators since they don’t need professional installation. Some portable generators run on gasoline, diesel, or propane, so this is something to look out for before buying.
The EcoFlow RIVER 3 Max is a great entry-level option for homeowners who value reliable backup power when needed. It’s perfect for powering household appliances like refrigerators, Wi-Fi routers, and lights during outages. It can be easily recharged via outlets, solar, and even your car. With a 572Wh battery capacity and 600W continuous power, the EcoFlow RIVER 3 Max is a great option for homes needing lighter power support.
If your home needs more support, the EcoFlow DELTA 3 Plus can power your whole house with ease. This power station features ultra-fast charging, boosting to 80% in just under an hour. You can pair it with solar panels for even more energy efficiency and household savings. When you need to power fridges, AC units, Wi-Fi, and other essentials, rest assured you can stay connected no matter the storm.
Solar Generator
Incorporating a solar generator could be the way to go if you’re an environmentally conscious household or simply looking for ways to save more on your energy bills. Solar generators are essentially large battery packs that can be recharged via solar energy panels often attached to the battery itself. They’re generally very low maintenance, yet they still provide a powerful backup solution in case of an emergency.
The EcoFlow DELTA 3 Solar Generator (PV220W) offers reliable power with a storage capacity of 1024Wh and an AC output of 1800W. It also features the X-Boost mode, which increases the output to 2200W.
One of the biggest deterrents is often the up-front cost, but some government initiatives can help cover the costs of going solar, like the Canada Greener Homes Grant.
Inverter Generator
Inverter Generators are more advanced in that they can match their engine speed to the required load, resulting in less fuel consumption and fewer emissions. They’re small, compact, and quiet, making them the perfect option for homes or small apartments that are tight on space. Their output ranges anywhere from 1kW to 7kW, so they aren’t the best option for running a whole home for an extended period. Instead, they’re great for powering smaller electrical devices like laptops, phone chargers, and WiFi routers.
Standby Generator
A standby generator is a heavy-duty, reliable backup for homes in areas that have frequent power outages or are prone to damaging storms. A traditional standby generator is usually powered by fossil fuels like gas or propane. They’re permanently installed, so you won’t have to worry about being caught off-guard and stuck without power.
When the grid goes down or a freak storm causes an outage, the generator automatically kicks in within seconds. Standby generators are great for prolonged power outages, but they also have some downsides. They come with a higher price tag and need professional installation to connect to your home. They’re also not as environmentally friendly as other backup generators, which may be a concern for some homeowners.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Size Generator Do I Need To Backup My House?
The size of generator your home needs will depend on what you want your generator to do. Suppose you want something to power the entire house and last through prolonged power outages. In that case, you might opt for a standby generator or a powerful portable battery like the EcoFlow DELTA 3 Plus. Basic portable generators or an inverter generator will do the job for smaller demands.
How Long Can a Home Backup Generator Run Continuously?
This will vary depending on the type of generator you choose. Standby generators can run for days or weeks at a time, and some portable power stations can provide power for several hours at a time and are easily recharged via outlets and cars. For the best result, we recommend teaming a generator with solar panels, so you can easily recharge and store energy as long as daylight allows.
Backup Generators Provide Reliable Home Power
From traditional standby generators to solar-powered, portable, and inverter generators, there’s something to suit every home in Canada. Before choosing your home backup system, consider what and how many appliances you’ll need to power. Will it likely be for a couple of hours at a time, or for more prolonged outages? This will greatly impact your decision—along with budget, of course. For the most hassle-free option, solar-powered generators like the EcoFlow DELTA 3 Plus provide straightforward power backup solutions to keep your home connected day and night.