When the power goes out because of a storm or other natural disaster it can be a harrowing experience. Your family is in the dark with no refrigeration, no heat, and no electronics. While it can be an inconvenience for some, for those who work at home or have power outages for extended periods of time it can be a life-changing event.
A portable generator can save your family from power outages, but with so many on the market, it can be difficult to know what to buy. We’ve created this generator buying guide so you can make an educated decision based on what your family needs.
Portable Vs. In-Home Generators
The most common type of generator purchased is a portable generator. These are smaller generators that you can take with you and move throughout the home or if you want to take a vacation, etc. They are generally less expensive than the larger in-home generators.
An in-home generator is connected directly into your main power system of the home and set to turn on as soon as the power is lost. It’s a permanent fixture in the home and requires regular maintenance to make sure when the power goes out, it’s ready.
Portable generators are not designed to power an entire home unless you get a high power one. They instead power necessary items via high power extension cords or connected to your home via a special power transfer switch.
Permanent generators provide power to the home or specific area of the home through the normal home outlets. It can power the refrigerator, television and anything electrical, but keep in mind the power load when choosing what items to turn on.
Generator Buying Guide: Choosing the Correct Wattage
When you go to buy generators, you’ll be inundated with many different types and sizes. They range from small inexpensive models that can run a few items to large powerful ones that can handle furnaces and other major electrical draws.
How do you know which one to buy for your home? The first step is understanding what you want to power. Are you looking for something to just power the essentials like refrigerator, furnace, etc. or do you only want to power lights, electronics, etc.
The less you want to power, the smaller the generator can be. Add up the wattage of the items you want to power. Keep in mind that running wattage and starting wattage are two different things. Your refrigerator may only need 700 wants of power to run but needs 2100 watts to start up.
When you add your needed wattage, it’s a good idea to overestimate a little. It’s better to have more than you need than not enough.
What Types of Fuel Should I Use?
The most common type of portable generator fuel is gasoline. It’s inexpensive and easy to get in large quantities. The only problem occurs during extended power outages where gasoline can come in short supply.
The biggest downfalls to gas-powered units are the noise associated with the motor, carbon monoxide fumes and the consistent need to refill the generator. Many gas generators will need to cool down for a while before being refilled.
Also, do not operate gas generators in the home. They can create carbon monoxide gas that can be deadly. Take the unit outside and use heavy-duty extension cords to connect it to appliances, etc. Do not use standard two-prong extension cords for powering items in your home.
You can also find solar-powered portable generators that charge batteries using the sun. These are silent because there is no motor, but they also tend to charge slowly, especially if it’s a cloudy day. They also usually top put at 1800 watts, so they’re meant for powering essential items.
Don’t Forget About Outlet Types
Each generator has a limited number of outlets available for use. Check out how many come on the generator before buying. If you want to power seven items and it’s only got six outlets, then you can’t power everything.
It’s also important to know what types of outlets you’ll need. While most appliances take the standard three-prong plug, items like dryers, ovens and other high-powered devices may have special plugs. Make sure those plugs are available on the portable generator you choose.
Does Portable Generator Brand Matter?
Portable generators are expensive but they’re an investment in safety and comfort when the power goes out. You might be tempted to go after the cheapest version that fits your needs, but buyer beware.
Before choosing a brand, go online and check out reviews of each company and type of generator you want to buy. You may find that one brand is absolutely amazing, but a little more costly and another brand is the cheapest but doesn’t last.
The last thing you want is to have a power outage and your generator not work. Review sites can help you determine which is the best for you. It doesn’t have to be the cheapest or most expensive. I
It just must be reliable and work when it needs too.
Fuel Tank Size Matters
A standard portable generator can provide you with about seven hours of energy, depending on the load. The larger the fuel tank, the longer the unit can last between refills.
The general rule is the bigger the fuel tank size the better, but the caveat is it makes the portable generator heavier when full.
You also find metal and plastic fuel tanks. While both work well, you don’t need to worry about corrosion issues with a plastic tank. A metal tank is more robust though.
It’s a Home Necessity
This generator buying guide can help you decide what kind of portable generator is best for your personal needs. When the power goes out and the generator can provide light and other amenities that your neighbors don’t have, it’s a great feeling.
If you want more information on portable generators, then please explore our site.
