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The 5 best home generators to prepare for summer storms
Kohler
When a storm hits, there’s a chance your home could lose power — for hours, a day or even weeks. One way to prepare for this is to install a standby home generator that automatically activates as soon as power is lost.
A standby home generator is more expensive than a portable power bank, but most models can power your entire home, including all of your major appliances, lights, heating or air conditioning.
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Best standby and portable home generators in 2024
Our team of experts has done the research and curated this roundup of the best home generators. Some are portable and can be set up and then turned on when needed, while others require pros to install and will automatically activate as soon as power is lost.
Best home generator overall: Generac Guardian 24,000-watt whole house generator
The Home Depot
Generator type: Home standby | Fuel: Natural gas or propane | Outlet type: 120/240 single phase | Running wattage: 24,000 | Professional installation required: Yes| Response time: 15 seconds | Dimensions: 29 x 25 x 48 inches | Manufacturer warranty: 5 years
While this is not Genrac’s most powerful standby home generator in terms of the wattage, it’s a higher-end model that’s designed to power an entire home during a blackout. Using a smartphone, you can control the generator, but it’s designed to automatically turn on within 15 seconds after sensing a loss of power. The unit itself has a multi-lingual LCD display that shows battery status and tracks maintenance intervals to ensure the generator is always in top condition.
A Generec 200A automatic whole home transfer switch is included. What we like about this generator is that it takes up 70% less space than many competitors. The generator uses natural gas or propane. Its sound output is about 67dB. This is equivalent to the sound of someone speaking in a normal voice from three feet away, or a household washing machine.
Best portable home generator: Westinghouse W Gen 9500DF 12500-watt dual fuel home backup portable generator
Amazon
Generator type: Portable backup | Fuel: Gasoline or propane | Outlet type: 120V L14-30R, RV ready 120/240V 14-50R | Running wattage: 9,500 | Professional installation required: No | Response time: Manual | Dimensions: 27.2 x 26.1 x 26.5 inches | Manufacturer warranty: 3 years
This portable generator has two large, built-in wheels so it’s easy to maneuver for outdoor operation. It provides up to 12,500 watts of power and will run for about 12 hours on 6.6 gallons of fuel. The Westinghouse W Gen 9500DF features two GFCI 120V 5–20R standard household receptacles — one is transfer switch ready (120V L14-30R) and one is RV ready (120/240V 14–50R).
The unit comes with a remote start key fob, 12V battery charger, oil, an oil funnel, a tool kit and a user’s manual. Minimal assembly is required. One useful feature is that gasoline or propane can be used interchangeably. A simple dial allows for easy switching between fuel sources, even when the generator is running.
A propane hose and regulator are included. Built into the unit are six power outlets.
Best value home generator: Generac 7172 10kW home standby generator
Amazon
Generator type: Home standby | Fuel: Natural gas or propane | Outlet type: 120/240 single phase | Running wattage: 10,000 | Professional installation required: Yes | Response time: 15 seconds | Dimensions: 29 x 25 x 48 inches | Manufacturer warranty: 5 years
This is one of the smaller and most affordable home standby generators available from Generac. It produces 10,000 watts of power using natural gas or propane. And like most of the company’s generators, this one can be controlled using your smartphone.
The Generac 7172 can be connected to your home’s existing propane or natural gas supply, so it’s automatically able to start within 15 seconds of sensing power loss. It’ll runs for as long as necessary until power returns. It comes with a 100-Amp transfer switch. The generator produces about 61dB of sound.
Best standby generator for most single family homes: Kohler RCA 26kW air-cooled whole house generator
The Home Depot
Generator type: Home standby | Fuel: Natural gas | Outlet type: 120/240 single phase | Running wattage: 26,000 | Professional installation required: Yes | Response time: 10 seconds | Dimensions: 47 x 26 x 32.3 inches | Manufacturer warranty: 5 years
The Kohler RCA 26kW air-cooled house generator provides electricity for your entire home during a power failure, and the unit itself comes in your choice of 11 colors, so it’ll nicely blend in with your outside decor.
This generator automatically restores power in just 10 seconds using a heavy-duty engine designed to run on natural gas or liquid propane. It requires approximately 3.6 gallons of fuel per hour to function. Using your smartphone, you can access real-time status updates from the generator.
The Kohler RCA 26kW provides quiet operation, so it’s neighborhood-friendly and it can be installed as close as 18 inches from your home.
Best generator for smaller homes: Kohler RCA 14kW air-cooled home standby generator
The Home Depot
Generator type: Home standby | Fuel: Natural gas or propane | Outlet type: 120/240 single phase | Running wattage: 14,000 | Professional installation required: Yes | Response time: 10 seconds | Dimensions: 32.2 x 26.2 x 47 inches | Manufacturer warranty: 5 years
For homes that need no more than 14,000 watts of power, the Kohler 14kW air-cooled home generator offers an affordable option. The housing is available in 11 colors. This generator can restore power to your home within 10 seconds after discovering a power failure. It runs using either natural gas or propane.
The generator offers frequency regulation, so it protects valuable electronics and appliances. Kohler’s PowerBoost technology provides the juice to start large loads (such as central air conditioners) without dropping power to other major appliances and electronics.
Like so many of the latest standby generators, you can monitor and control this one remotely using your smartphone, tablet or computer. The unit features quiet, neighborhood-friendly operation. Its enclosure is made from steel that’s dipped in e-coat for extra corrosion protection and then painted with a durable powder coat finish. Included with the generator is a Kohler RXT 200 amp outdoor-rated automatic transfer switch.
What’s the best type of home generator?
A traditional home generator will keep the power on throughout your home in an outage. One of these units gets professionally installed outside of your home and will turn on automatically, within seconds, when it senses that a blackout. A home generator (which is also referred to as a standby generator) will run on propane or natural gas, although some can operate using solar power or a rechargeable battery bank. Having a home generator connected to your home can increase your home’s resale value.
A portable generator will also provide power to your home during a failure. These are smaller, stand alone units that get manually set up outside of your home when needed. They’re not permanently installed to your home. When not in use, a portable generator can be stored in a garage or basement and then wheeled outside and turned on when needed.
While they’re significantly less expensive than a home generator, a portable generator typically generates less power and runs on gasoline. Depending on the size of the portable generator, between 10 and 20 gallons of gasoline per day will be needed to keep it running.
If you just need to keep a few lights running and your smartphone and laptop computer charged, or maybe run a small appliance for a short amount of time, an even less expensive portable power bank is a viable option. These use a rechargeable battery, make no noise and can be set up and used anywhere in your home.
6 factors to consider when buying a home generator
- Your home’s wattage needs: The size and type of home generator or portable generator you purchase will determine how much power it’s able to generate. If you’re looking to keep everything within your home operational, you’ll need to calculate your home’s overall power consumption needs and choose a generator that can accommodate those needs. This is something any electrician can help you with.
- Fuel source: Depending on the generator, it will run using propane, natural gas, solar power, a rechargeable battery or gasoline. Choose a generator that uses a fuel source you know you’ll be able to maintain during a power failure, especially if the outage lasts for days or weeks, not mere hours.
- Budget: A portable generator is far less expensive than a home generator. The cost to purchase, install and maintain a standby home generator varies greatly based on a variety of factors. Consider your needs and budget, taking into account how often you’ll typically rely on the generator and what equipment it needs to power. Don’t forget, a generator requires a fuel source and routine maintenance which you’ll need to calculate into your budget, too.
- Portable vs. whole home standby generator: A portable generator is less expensive, but requires more manual labor to set it up and keep it filled with fuel during each use. These units typically generate less power than a standby home generator and make more noise. A home generator automatically turns on during a blackout and makes minimal noise. It will also typically power everything within your home.
- Remote monitoring and smart technology: Many of the latest generators can be remotely monitored and controlled using a smartphone. However, some can be monitored directly by the manufacturer and alert you of any problems or when routine maintenance is required.
- Warrantee: Pay attention or the length of the manufacturer’s warranty, what it covers and whether it’s based on how many hours the generator is actually put into use.
Is a home generator worth it?
If you’ve adopted the boy scout motto that you should always be prepared, having a home generator will ensure your home has continuous power during a blackout. In situations when there’s no power, it will keep the lights on, and the appliances and equipment within your home running smoothly. Thus, a standby home generator can be well worth the investment.
A home generator will ensure heating or air conditioning operates during a power failure, and that any medical equipment that requires power will continue functioning. A home generator will also allow for smartphones and laptop computers to stay charged.
A home generator is safe and affordable, but does require a significant investment. Plan on spending anywhere from $5,000 to $15,000 (or more) for a home generator, depending on the size of your home, the amount of power you need and the generator’s capabilities.
Once you’ve made the investment, a home generator can also be lifesaving if it protects your family from extreme temperatures, allows household members to keep their cell phones charged, and allows medical equipment to continue running. A home generator can also keep a home security system operational, so it continues to provide protection.
Beirut — At least two people were wounded by Israeli fire in southern Lebanon on Thursday, according to state media, as the Israeli military and Hezbollah accused each other of breaching a ceasefire less than two full days after it took effect.
The Israel Defense Forces said in a statement that “several suspects were identified arriving with vehicles to a number of areas in southern Lebanon, breaching the conditions of the ceasefire. The IDF opened fire toward them.”
“The IDF remains in southern Lebanon and will actively enforce violations of the ceasefire agreement,” the military said.
AFP/Getty
Hassan Fadlallah, a Hezbollah member of Lebanon’s parliament accused Israel of violating the ceasefire by firing on civilians returning to their homes in the southern villages.
“The Israeli enemy is attacking those returning to the border villages,” Fadlallah told reporters after a session of the legislature, according to the Reuters news agency. “There are violations today by Israel, even in this form.”
The agreement, brokered by the United States and France, includes an initial two-month ceasefire in which Hezbollah militants are to withdraw north of the Litani River and Israeli forces are to return to their side of the border. As Israeli forces withdrawal, the buffer zone will be patrolled by Lebanese troops and U.N. peacekeepers moving in to take their place, but it is expected to take weeks, and Israel retained full security control over both sides of the border region as of Thursday.
Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency said two people were wounded by Israeli fire in Markaba, close to the border, without providing further details. It said Israel fired artillery in three other locations near the border. There were no immediate reports of casualties.
While the detailed terms of the ceasefire agreement have not been made public by the U.S., President Biden made clear when he announced it on Tuesday that Israel retained the right to self-defense, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that any violations of the deal would be met with a swift and harsh military response.
An Associated Press reporter in northern Israel near the border heard Israeli drones buzzing overhead and the sound of artillery strikes in Lebanon.
Israeli officials have said forces will be withdrawn gradually as it ensures that the agreement is being enforced. Israel has warned people repeatedly not to return to areas where troops are deployed, and says it reserves the right to strike Hezbollah if it violates the terms of the truce.
The ceasefire agreement announced late Tuesday ended 14 months of conflict between Israel and Hezbollah that began a day after Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023 attack out of Gaza, when the Lebanese militant group began firing rockets, drones and missiles in solidarity. The Hamas attack saw the militants kill some 1,200 people in southern Israel and take 250 others hostage.
Israel retaliated with airstrikes, and the conflict steadily intensified for nearly a year before boiling over into all-out war in mid-September. The war in Gaza is still raging with no end in sight, with health officials in the Hamas-run Palestinian territory saying more than 44,280 people have been killed. Most of the enclave’s 2.3 million people have been displaced from their homes, many of them forced to flee multiple times over the last year.
More than 3,760 people were killed by Israeli fire in Lebanon during the conflict, many of them civilians, according to Lebanese health officials. The fighting killed more than 70 people in Israel, meanwhile, more than half of them civilians, as well as dozens of Israeli soldiers fighting in southern Lebanon.
Some 1.2 million people were displaced in Lebanon, and thousands began streaming back to their homes on Wednesday despite warnings from the Lebanese military and the Israeli army to stay out of certain areas. Some 50,000 people were displaced on the Israeli side, but few have returned and the communities near the northern border are still largely deserted.
CBS News
New Mexico man awarded $412 million payout over botched penile injections: “A national record-setting case”
Jurors in New Mexico have awarded a man more than $412 million in a medical malpractice case that involved a men’s health clinic that operates in several states.
The man’s attorneys celebrated Monday’s verdict, saying they are hopeful it will prevent other men from falling victim to a scheme that involved fraud and what they described as dangerous penile injections. They said the punitive and compensatory damages total the largest amount to ever be awarded by a jury in a medical malpractice case in the U.S.
“It’s a national record-setting case and it’s righteous because I don’t think there’s any place for licensed professionals to be defrauding patients for money. That is a very egregious breach of their fiduciary duty,” said Lori Bencoe, one of the lawyers who represented the plaintiff. “That’s breach of trust and anytime someone is wearing a white coat, they shouldn’t be allowed to do that.”
The award follows a trial held in Albuquerque earlier this month that centered on allegations outlined in a lawsuit filed by the man’s attorneys in 2020. NuMale Medical Center and company officials were named as defendants.
“This corporate scheme manipulates and uses fear as a tactic to convince these men to do this,” Nick Rowley, a trial lawyer, told CBS affiliate KRQE.
According to the complaint, the man was 66 when he visited the clinic in 2017 in search of treatment for fatigue and weight loss. The clinic is accused of misdiagnosing him and unnecessarily treating him with “invasive erectile dysfunction shots” that caused irreversible damage.
Nick Rowley, another attorney who was part of the plaintiff’s team, said the out-of-state medical corporation set up a “fraudulent scheme to make millions off of conning old men.” He provided some details in a social media post, saying clinic workers told patients they would have irreversible damage if they didn’t agree to injections three times a week.
NuMale Medical Center told KRQE that they “disagree with the verdict and intend to pursue all available legal remedies, including appeal.”
Susan Montoya Bryan / AP
NuMale Medical Center President Brad Palubicki said in a statement sent Wednesday to The Associated Press that the company’s focus is on continuing to deliver responsible patient care while maintaining strict safety and compliance standards at all of its facilities.
“While we respect the judicial process, due to ongoing legal proceedings, we cannot comment on specific details of the case at this time,” he said.
NuMale also has clinics in Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Nevada, Nebraska, North Carolina and Wisconsin.
According to court records, jurors found that fraudulent and negligent conduct by the defendants resulted in damages to the plaintiff. They also found that unconscionable conduct by the defendants violated the Unfair Practices Act.
In a statement to KRQE, the man’s attorneys said the verdict sends a powerful message that “medical providers cannot prioritize profits over patients’ well-being without being held accountable.”
Many of us feel sleepy after eating turkey and all the fixings on our Thanksgiving dinner table, but why?
While we often blame our post-dinner drowsiness on the tryptophan in turkey, experts say that isn’t the full picture.
What is tryptophan?
Tryptophan is one of 20 essential, naturally-occurring amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins, according to the nonprofit Center For Food As Medicine.
When tryptophan reaches the brain, it is converted into the neurotransmitter serotonin and hormone melatonin, both of which are sleep-inducing, according to the organization.
Does turkey really make you sleepy?
Research suggests that consuming tryptophan can help people fall asleep faster and improve sleep quality, according to the Sleep Foundation — but it’s not likely to cause someone to need an immediate snooze.
“Turkey is reported to make us sleepy because it has a higher concentration of the amino acid tryptophan compared to some other types of meat,” registered dietitian Melanie Betz, founder and CEO of The Kidney Dietitian in Chicago, told CBS News. “In reality, brain chemistry is much more complicated than that. Turkey has many different amino acids, all of which get converted to different hormones and complete with each other in all of those pathways.”
Turkey isn’t the only food with tryptophan, either. It is found in poultry, meat, cheese, fish, eggs and seeds — some of which have even more of the amino acid than the Thanksgiving staple it’s so often associated with.
“There are many foods, such as pumpkin seeds, ground pork, cheddar, swiss, provolone and mozzarella cheese, and yellowfin tuna that have more tryptophan per 100 grams than turkey,” according to the Center For Food As Medicine.
What else could contribute to Thanksgiving fatigue?
Betz says multiple aspects of a Thanksgiving feast could add to the “food coma”-type tiredness many experience.
“The sleepy feeling you feel after a turkey dinner is much more likely related to eating a large, delicious meal — and perhaps an extra glass of wine — than a surge of melatonin related to turkey,” she said, explaining that when you eat, “blood rushes to your intestines to pick up all of those wonderful nutrients from food, moving away from your brain, which can make you feel tired.”
And alcohol has a sedative or “downer” effect, she added, which can contribute to sleepiness on the holidays.
Israel and Hezbollah both claiming ceasefire violations on Day 2
New Mexico man awarded $412 million payout over botched penile injections: “A national record-setting case”
Why does eating turkey make you sleepy? Learn the facts about Thanksgiving fatigue
Israel and Hezbollah both claiming ceasefire violations on Day 2
New Mexico man awarded $412 million payout over botched penile injections: “A national record-setting case”