by 
The Curious Bag
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<h4 class="dechead">On One Hand: Generators Are Useful When Needed
Your home generator is only useful when there is a power outage, and at that point it will become the most useful thing you own. The refrigerator can keep running, you can watch TV, and most importantly, all of the electric controls on your heating or cooling system are up and running. A home generator is an efficient way to keep your household up and running in an emergency.
On the Other: Mechanically, Generator Not Efficient
Efficiency in science is defined as the total output of power divided by the input. Small internal combustion engines, whether driven by gasoline or diesel, run at an efficiency of less than 50 percent. So you are spending a lot on fuel to get a modicum of electric power.
Bottom Line
Having a home generator is sensible if you face repeated or prolonged power outages. You will, however spend a lot more on fuel than what you would have to pay the electric company for the same number of kilowatts. Today, it is also possible to buy small wind and water generators for home use. You must have a good steady wind or a substantial stream to keep them operating.
Source:
Puget Sound Electricity: Backup Home Generators
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