Back up Generator

We’ve talked a lot about camping generators, now it’s time to move on to inverter generators best suited for your home. Since power outages in Australia tend to occur at times, it’s best to have a backup generator ready in your household to keep your essential appliances and electronic devices up and running.

Usually, household generators are big and bulky, also known as standby generators. These are the types you will most likely keep in outside areas of your home, like in your backyard or garden sheds. While this is good for powering up your entire household, a smaller yet powerful inverter generator would also be a good idea, especially for outages that don’t last for long. An inverter generator is also space-savvy, easier to maintain, and can be quickly transferred anywhere you like. 

Want more suggestions on what type of generator best fits your house? Visit our site to see all types of petrol generators, silent generators, and camping generators that you can use as an effective temporary source of power. 

What size generator do I need for home backup?

Sizing a backup generator will depend on which appliances you want to power in case of a power interruption. If it's only a couple of basic appliances that do not require a large wattage, then you can opt for a standard size inverter generator like a 3kVA generator. However, if you reside in an area prone to power outages due to weather conditions, it's better to go for something with a bigger capacity such as a 7kVA generator or even a 20kVA generator, if you really need to keep a lot of electronic equipment running. 

To have a good idea of how much power you need, make a list of all the appliances you want to keep running during emergencies and determine each of their watt ratings. Note that starting watts are always higher than the running watts so even for basic appliances, you need a generator with enough output to start it initially. Additionally, consider which devices you want to run simultaneously as these will require more power when put together.

How much does it cost to install a home backup generator?

The cost of installing backup power generators varies by its size. Usually, the smallest home generators have 7.5kW and may cost $5,000-$6,000 to install, excluding prices for materials. Mid-size generators ranging from 10-18kW cost between $6,000-$9,500 while big ones for larger homes with 20-24kW are priced at around $9,000 to $12,500. 

There are a number of factors that can impact the price of installing a backup generator. For one, preparing the installation space can generate additional costs, especially if the land needs landscaping work. If you're going for a popular brand of generator, you can also expect a hike in prices. Some cities require local permits to install a generator on your property as well, so it's best to check with your local city offices first. Lastly, depending on what the installation requires, you may also need to upgrade your LP tank or natural gas meter.

Overall, the total expenses of installing a standby generator can be quite high. This is where the advantage of portable generators come in. There's no installation needed with these and they can also offer you the same amount of power, plus, most inverter generators have extra safety features that help extend your generator's lifespan. 

How long can a backup generator power a house?

Standby generators can run up for 3,000 hours on average and power a medium-sized home. Portable generators, on the other hand, usually run for a total of 2,000 hours. They are most ideal for short power outages and if you only need to operate a couple of appliances. While both types can run for a good amount of time, it's important to keep in mind that it is not recommended to run a generator for longer than 500 hours continuously. 

More from Outbax

Still curious about generator size or generator usage? Our customer service team will be happy to help with any information you need, or you can also refer to our inverter buying guide. Power stations also make a good substitute for petrol inverter generators. If you’re gearing for this type of power supply, you can browse through Outbax’s range of Hyundai Power Stations.

While you’re busy adding to your cart the best home backup generator, you might also want to take a look at our lithium batteries, especially if you’re planning to buy battery-powered generators. We also have several types of solar panels, in case you’re thinking of an environmentally-friendly and more efficient way to power your home appliances.