A Generac CorePower 7kw is the perfect generator for homeowners seeking reliable automatic backup power without the expense of a bulkier unit. Its compact design, affordable price, and circuit coverage make it a practical choice.
This generator is economical, offering automatic backup power at a fraction of the cost of larger systems. Boasting a smaller footprint, it can be installed in tight spaces. Yet while compact, it delivers enough power to keep crucial residential circuits running during power outages, ensuring your heat, refrigeration, and essential lighting stay on.
It operates significantly quieter than traditional portable generators, minimizing noise disturbances. Key features include its:
- Output. This model features 6,000 running watts and 7,000 surge watts, with a slight variation depending on whether its fuel source is natural gas versus liquid propane.
- Housing and air-cooled capabilities. It’s powered by a reliable overhead valve air-cooled engine with cast iron cylinder walls, housed within a durable, all-weather composite enclosure.
- Compact design. The compact design allows installation as close as 18 inches from your home. It is approximately 2 feet in length by 2-and-a-half feet wide, and less than 3 feet high.
- Decibel levels. It is notably quieter than portable generators, measuring at decibel levels in the 60s range.
- Transfer switch technology. The generator includes a 50-amp, 8-circuit automatic transfer switch, with a built-in load center for easy installation and management of connected circuits.
- Easy maintenance. Maintenance is straightforward with tool-free removable sides.
- Versatility and preparedness. It includes natural gas or liquid propane options, a time-trickle battery charger, and an external main circuit breaker. It also has a flexible fuel line connector.
The CorePower model is critical for any homeowner needing immediate power during outages, as well as those who don’t have a huge budget for a larger-kilowatt standby unit.
Generac CorePower 7kw: A Mighty Solution Compared to Larger Models
It’s interesting to compare traditional, smaller portable generators that aren’t whole-house standby units to the Generac CorePower 7kw.
“A 5.5 Kw generator should supply enough power for most appliances and lights, and perhaps a small window AC unit,” says one homeowner on a Quora post, referring to a portable generator. “Mine would even run my well, although I’d shut everything off for the well start up. I wouldn’t buy anything smaller, and you might expect around seven to eight hours on a fill up of gas.”
Contrast these gas-fill-up portable generators with today’s solid whole-house backup standby units, whether they’re 7 kilowatts or larger. Of course, much larger and more expensive home backup generators shouldn’t be excluded from this comparison.
That’s why the CorePower 7 Kw presents a compelling alternative to both ends of the spectrum:
- Seven kilowatts pack a mighty punch for this generator’s size. Only weighing 250 pounds, it is lighter and easier to place than comparable units, perfect for homes with limited space.
- The CorePower is designed to ensure your necessities stay turned on. This includes the furnace, refrigerator, and some lights during power interruptions, making it a practical choice for those prioritizing essential coverage.
- Its durable engine walls and full-pressure lubrication system ensures a long life of operation. This is optimal for homeowners seeking a low-maintenance solution.
- It’s very affordable. Touted as one of the most affordable standby generator systems on the market, it offers automatic backup power at a budget-friendly price. It’s ideal for homeowners who want reliability without breaking the bank.
Automatic and Continuous Operation on Steroids
Just like its larger counterparts, the Generac CorePower 7kw offers fully automatic operation. This is a huge advantage over portable generators that provides reassurance during power outages.
But how?
- The generator starts automatically within seconds of a power outage, regardless of whether you’re home or away. This eliminates the need for manual intervention, making sure your circuits are promptly powered.
- The integrated 50-amp, 8-circuit automatic transfer switch is crucial to this process. Acting as the bridge between the generator and utility power, it seamlessly transfers the power supply from the grid to the generator when an outage is detected. This allows homeowners to pre-select 8 essential circuits from their main panel, guaranteeing automatic power for critical appliances and some lights.
- Its continuous fuel-source capability makes sure everything runs smoothly. Running on liquid propane or natural gas, this generator offers a worry-free supply of fuel. It’s capable of operating indefinitely during extended outages without manual refueling.
- The system’s seven-day exerciser automatically runs the generator for a short period each week. This proactive maintenance ensures the generator is always ready to perform when needed.
Once installed, a CorePower system delivers 24-7 backup power protection, requiring no manual intervention. This truly hands-free operation makes it safe, secure, and provides backup power without the inconvenience of manually operating a portable generator.
The Generac CorePower 7kw is Suitable for Average-Size Homes
The Generac CorePower 7kw pre-packaged automatic transfer switch is ample to power key appliances in most average-size homes. This includes your furnace, refrigerator, well pump, some lighting, select kitchen devices and appliances, security systems, and basic medical equipment.
This makes it an ideal choice if you prioritize backup power for essentials without needing whole-house coverage. When a natural disaster or blackout hits your neighborhood, this targeted coverage guarantees basic comfort, food safety, and security, improving your household’s convenience during extended outages.
A 7 Kw standby backup generator is suitable for small to medium-sized homes. Though it won’t power an entire house during a natural disaster, the CorePower provides a reliable solution for keeping your internal life humming effortlessly. It strikes a balance between affordability, compact size, and critical circuit coverage.
While an exact square-footage range is subjective to each homeowner’s needs and circumstances, the CorePower 7 Kw is usually best suited for homes up to 2,000 square feet. Actual coverage may vary depending on specific appliances and your household’s overall energy efficiency.
Wattage Needs, Fuel Preferences, and Portable vs. Standby
With winter approaching, the Generac CorePower 7kw can be a lifeline. Just remember the basics of the home-generator world. There are two types of home generators: standby and portable.
Standby generators, sometimes called backup or whole-house generators, are permanently installed outside your home and automatically kick in when the power goes out. On the other hand, portable generators are manually operated and require refueling, making them suitable for occasional use, events, outdoor activities, or areas prone to infrequent power outages.
Overall, home standby generators come with a higher price tag than portables. They offer unmatched convenience and provide more power to handle a larger number of appliances and devices.
Choosing the right home generator means considering your home’s wattage needs, the available fuel source, and your budget. You’ll want to size the generator appropriately for your home’s needs and make sure it’s installed by a qualified electrician.
“A traditional home generator will keep the power on throughout your home in an outage,” states a story in CBS News. “One of these units gets professionally installed outside of your home and will turn on automatically, within seconds, when it senses a blackout. A home generator will run on propane or natural gas, although some can operate using solar power or a rechargeable battery bank.”
Some things to remember:
- Think of your home’s power needs like a teenager’s appetite. Determine how much electricity it requires, whether it’s just for the essentials or the whole house.
- Generators, like people, have fuel preferences. Some run on propane, others on natural gas, solar power, or gasoline. Choose a generator that uses a fuel source readily available during an outage.
- Generators span a wide price range. Factor in your anticipated usage, the appliances you need to power, and the cost of fuel and maintenance.
Stay Connected and Alert with a Generac CorePower 7kw
The transition away from fossil fuel energy has brought significant challenges, putting the spotlight on Generac CorePower 7kw and other home standby generators. While the demand for electricity is steadily increasing, the supply of reliable energy sources isn’t keeping up.
This national gigawatt disparity is leading to heightened risks of blackouts in regions across the United States.
“Over 83 gigawatts of fossil-fired and nuclear energy are expected to retire between now and 2033,” according to Latitude Media and a report released by North American Electric Reliability Corporation, or NERC. “Another 30 GW have announced plans to retire in the next decade but have yet to start the deactivation process with planning authorities.”
Over the past decade, several factors have contributed to this precarious situation, Latitude Media reports. Forecasted peak demand during summer months has risen, while the capacity of power plants has decreased. The growth in resources is not matching the projected 10 percent increase in summer peak demand between now and 2032, with resources expected to grow by only 4 percent.
This capacity deficit isn’t limited to one area. NERC’s findings indicate that much of the country falls into the elevated risk category. While these areas may have enough capacity under normal circumstances, they might struggle to meet demand during extreme or prolonged weather events.
“Expanding the reliability of the bulk power supply will require adding new and more reliable resources and firming up existing ones,” NERC recommended. “Stakeholders and policymakers need to ensure that resource plans account for growing electricity demand and load profiles.”
In the face of this growing strain on the electrical grid, backup generators offer a crucial safeguard for homeowners. This continuous power is important considering the increasing frequency and duration of outages due to aging grid infrastructure and the rising demand for electricity.
W. Danley Electrical
At W. Danley Electrical, we help you execute the process from beginning to end when it comes to your Generac CorePower 7kw. We prepare you for your installation, as well as obtaining permits, inspections, and assisting with repair and maintenance. We also help you optimize and fine-tune your situation to determine the correct generator size.
Get the most out of your investment. Contact us today.
