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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.
CBS News
What’s open on Thanksgiving 2024? Key store, fast-food and restaurant chains with open doors today
Many retailers close their doors on Thanksgiving Day, observing what is, after all, a national holiday and offering their employees a well-earned rest ahead of the busy holiday shopping season. But some stores, restaurants and food suppliers stay open on to serve customers in search of essentials and last-minute Turkey Day ingredients.
For example, if you’re thinking of visiting a Walmart on Thanksgiving, you’ll be out of luck — its stores are closed for the day, as are big-box and department stores including Costco, Kohls and Target. Here’s what other businesses are open and closed Thanksgiving.
Which grocery store chains are open on Thanksgiving?
- Central Market: Stores are open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. local time, while curbside pickup hours are 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Food Lion: Food Lion grocery stores are open from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. local time.
- H-E-B: H-E-B grocery stores are open from 6 a.m. to 12 p.m local time, but pharmacies are closed. Curbside pickup is available from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m., and home delivery hours are 7 a.m. to 10 a.m.
- Hy-Vee: Hy-Vee’s more than 550 stores around the U.S. are closed for groceries on Thanksgiving Day. Shoppers may pick up catered orders from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.
- Kroger: Store hours will vary on Thanksgiving Day, so contact your local Kroger to verify when they’re open. Some stores will be closed, while all open stores will close at 4 p.m. local time. All Kroger pharmacy locations are closed.
- Publix: All of Publix’s 1,386 grocery store locations across the Southeast are closed on Thanksgiving.
- Wegmans: Most Wegmans stores are open on Thanksgiving until 4 p.m. In Massachusetts, the company’s stores in Burlington, Chestnut Hill, Medford, Northborough and Westwood are all closed on Thanksgiving.
- Whole Foods: Many stores are open for limited hours. Check your local store’s website for its status.
Which convenience store chains are open on Thanksgiving?
- CVS: Most CVS Pharmacy locations are either open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thanksgiving or are closed. Check your local store’s hours using the CVS store locator.
- Walgreens: Nearly all Walgreens stores will be closed on Thanksgiving. Twenty-four hour pharmacy locations will remain open, however.
- Dollar General: Most Dollar General stores are open on Thanksgiving. Check your local store’s hours using the company’s store locator.
- Rite Aid: Rite Aid stores are closed on Thanksgiving, a company spokesperson told CBS MoneyWatch.
Which fast-food and restaurant chains can I eat at on Thanksgiving?
- Burger King: Burger King outlets are open on Thanksgiving, but check the chain’s store locator since individual franchisees may have different hours.
- Chick-fil-A: All Chick-fil-A restaurants are closed on Thanksgiving Day, according to the company’s website.
- Cracker Barrel: Cracker Barrel is open regular hours on Thanksgiving Day, with a traditional meal starting at 11 a.m.
- Dunkin’: Dunkin’ store hours on Thanksgiving vary by location, so check your local store’s hours here.
- McDonald’s: The fast-food giant’s Thanksgiving Day hours vary by outlet, so check your local McDonald’s.
- Olive Garden: All Olive Garden restaurants are closed on Thanksgiving Day.
Are any clothing stores open on Thanksgiving?
Most clothing stores, including JCPenney, Macy’s, Marshalls, REI and TJ Maxx are closed for business on Thanksgiving Day. They open again on Friday.
CBS News
Ukraine says Russia’s “tactics of terror” apparent in huge missile attack on energy sector as winter arrives
Kyiv — Russia launched a massive attack Thursday on Ukraine’s energy sector, forcing emergency power outages as temperatures dropped to freezing across the country. Ukraine’s energy grid has been heavily targeted since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022, with Kyiv accusing Moscow of “terror” tactics by trying to plunge Ukrainian cities into darkness and cut off heating to civilians throughout the winter.
The overnight strikes come after two weeks of dramatic escalation that has seen both sides launch new weapons to gain an upper hand ahead of President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration in January.
Ukraine’s Energy Minister German Galushchenko said power infrastructure was “under massive enemy attack” after a countrywide air alert was issued for incoming missiles.
Alina Smutko/REUTERS
The air force reported a string of Russian cruise missiles and attack drones heading for cities across the country, including the capital Kyiv, Kharkiv in the northeast and the Black Sea port city of Odesa.
Ukraine’s “energy sector is under massive enemy attack”
“Once again, the energy sector is under massive enemy attack. Attacks on energy facilities are taking place across Ukraine,” Galushchenko said.
National power grid operator Ukrenergo “urgently introduced emergency power cuts,” he added, as temperatures dropped to around 32 degrees Fahrenheit.
Energy provider DTEK said Ukrenergo was introducing emergency power outages in the regions of Kyiv, Odesa, Dnipro and Donetsk.
Officials warned residents in many cities to remain in shelters, with the air alert still in place.
“As soon as the security situation will allow it, the consequences (of the strikes) will be specified,” Galushchenko said.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s chief of staff said the wave of attacks showed Russia was “continuing their tactics of terror.”
“They stockpiled missiles for attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure, for warfare against civilians during… winter,” Andriy Yermak said in a post on Telegram, pledging that Ukraine would respond.
A senior United Nations official, Rosemary DiCarlo, this month warned Russian strikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure could make this winter the “harshest since the start of the war.”
Russia-Ukraine war escalates with new weapons
Russia earlier this week said it was preparing its own retaliation for Ukrainian strikes on its territory using U.S.-supplied ATACMS missiles.
Ukraine has launched at least three attacks on Russian territory with the long-range missiles since the White House gave it permission to fire them deeper into Russia.
Moscow responded to the first strike by firing a never-before-seen ballistic missile at the Ukrainian city of Dnipro. In an angry address to the nation, Russian President Vladimir Putin warned the nuclear-capable, intermediate-range, multiple-warhead missile could be used against Western countries if they let their arms be used by Ukraine to hit Russia.
Russia’s defense ministry said Thursday it had downed 25 Ukrainian drones fired overnight, including 14 over the southern Krasnodar territory — just to the east of the annexed Crimean peninsula.
Krasnodar’s governor said a woman was wounded by falling debris in the town of Slavyansk-on-Kuban, around 60 miles east of the Kerch bridge — the giant infrastructure project linking Crimea to Russia that Kyiv has heavily targeted throughout the war.
Trump taps retired general to lead on Ukraine, Russia policy
The latest missile salvo came a day after Trump named staunch loyalist and retired general Keith Kellogg as his Ukraine envoy, charged with ending the Russian invasion.
Trump campaigned on a platform of securing a swift end to the Ukraine war, boasting that he would quickly mediate a ceasefire deal — comments that have triggered concern in Kyiv that the U.S. will push it to cede land occupied by Russian forces.
Kellog, an 80-year-old national security veteran, co-authored a paper this year calling for Washington to leverage military aid as a means of pushing for peace talks.
The outgoing Biden administration has urged Ukraine to drop the minimum age of conscription to 18 to plug severe manpower shortages across the 600-mile front line.
Russian troops have been advancing in the east for months, where they have a manpower and ammunition advantage over Ukraine’s stretched forces.
President-elect Donald Trump dined on Wednesday with Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg at the president-elect’s Mar-a-Lago club in Florida, bringing together the Facebook founder and the former president who was once banned from that social network.
A Meta spokesperson confirmed the meeting in a statement to CBS News, saying that Zuckerberg “was grateful for the invitation to join President Trump for dinner and the opportunity to meet with members of his team about the incoming Administration.”
Stephen Miller, who has been appointed deputy chief of staff for Trump’s second term, said Zuckerberg, like other business leaders, wants to support Trump’s economic plans. The tech CEO has been seeking to change his company’s perception on the right following a rocky relationship with Trump.
“Mark, obviously, he has his own interest, and he has his own company and he has his own agenda,” Miller said in an interview on Fox News about the meeting. “But he’s made clear that he wants to support the national renewal of America under Trump’s leadership.”
Trump was kicked off Facebook following the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol after determining that his posts had potentially encouraged the violence that occurred that day. The company restored his account in early 2023, but with certain “guardrails.” In July, those restrictions were lifted by Meta.
Trump has a combined 65 million followers on Facebook and Instagram.
During the 2024 campaign, Zuckerberg did not endorse a candidate for president.
Zuckerberg has since taken a more positive stance toward Trump. Earlier this year, he praised Trump’s response to his first assassination attempt, calling it “badass.” Zuckerberg also complained that senior Biden administration officials pressured Facebook to “censor” some COVID-19 content during the pandemic.
Still, Trump in recent months had continued to attack Zuckerberg publicly. In July, he posted a message on his own social network Truth Social threatening to send election fraudsters to prison in part by citing a nickname he used for the Meta CEO. “ZUCKERBUCKS, be careful!” Trump wrote.
The Thanksgiving eve visit also comes as tech mogul Elon Musk has become more influential in Trump’s Make America Great Again movement, contributing an estimated $200 million through his political action committee to help elect Trump. Musk is the billionaire owner of the X social network, a competitor to Meta.
Trump’s X account, then known as Twitter, was also suspended in January 2021. But his account was reinstated in November 2022 following Musk’s purchase of the company. Must reinstated Trump’s account after posting a poll asking users whether to do so.
Musk has spent considerable time at Mar-a-Lago since the election, and Trump selected him to lead an outside advisory panel known as the “Department of Government Efficiency” to identify waste with Vivek Ramaswamy, a venture capitalist and former GOP presidential candidate.
What’s open on Thanksgiving 2024? Key store, fast-food and restaurant chains with open doors today
Ukraine says Russia’s “tactics of terror” apparent in huge missile attack on energy sector as winter arrives
Zuckerberg meets with Trump at Mar-a-Lago
What’s open on Thanksgiving 2024? Key store, fast-food and restaurant chains with open doors today
Ukraine says Russia’s “tactics of terror” apparent in huge missile attack on energy sector as winter arrives