Talk about having a backup plan, generators have got you covered. In case of any natural disaster or emergency, generators are a great help. People often buy generators to be prepared in case of an earthquake, flood, hurricane or thunderstorm, all of these natural disasters could lead to power failure and thus cost you inconvenience.
With the help of generators, you can store your food safely, you can charge various devices and even run appliances in your home. 10 Power Up says that there are 3 critical questions on which you should base what type of generator is best for you, these include; what is your energy need, how easy it is to use and does it have a quiet operation system.
Once you have answers to these questions, you can easily buy a generator according to your needs. But before you make that decision, let’s look at some of the key features that every generator should have.
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Types of Generators
They are many types of generators available, but we are going to discuss the basic two types that are most common in households.
Standby Generator
Standby generators, also known as whole house generators, are installed outside the house. These are big units and you need a professional to do the installation for you. The amazing feature of such generators is that they power up automatically as soon as the power goes out, meaning you don’t even have to start them up. This automatic startup is a great quality when you have a lot of important devices relying on electricity. One of the downsides of such generators is that they are extremely costly, and their maintenance is money consuming as well, but they are a great investment in the long run.
They have a high range and can generate around 5,000 to 50,000 watts. They are quite versatile and can be run on propane, gasoline and natural gas.
Portable Generator
Portable generators come in varying sizes, each having their range. Normally, portable generators generate about 1,000-18,000 watts of electricity, depending upon which type you buy. They also cost a lot less than standby generators but are not capable of running a lot of appliances in a single run. The advantage of using portable generators lies in the fact that they can be used anywhere, you can even take these on your camping trips.
A downside with this type of generator is the smoke produced, which is harmful to your home and thus should be directed away from your house or any appliances such as AC. They use gasoline as fuel.
Features of a Generator
Automatic Startup
One of the most critical features that are associated with any generator is their startup. Usually, portable generators start by pulling method, this is quite laborious and could be changed to an automatic startup or a button push startup. Such features might cost a little extra but are a great help.
Type of Fuel
A generator typically runs on gasoline, but nowadays, you can find generators running on multiple fuels. Such generators come in quite handy as you have other options to consider, in case of an emergency.
Console Removal
Some generators are also equipped with the feature of the removable console. This feature allows the user to directly plug in a device, without using a cord.
CO level Shutdown
Many generators now have the feature to calculate or detect the amount of carbon monoxide they are producing. When the amount exceeds the limit, they automatically shut off. Carbon monoxide is dangerous for your health and such a feature is highly beneficial for your household.
Things to Consider When Buying a Generator
There are few things to need to keep in mind when buying a generator so that you get the best out of the best.
Oil level
Many generators come equipped with this feature. An oil level is set in a generator, once your fuel has reached a point below this level, it will automatically shut the generator off, indicating that you need to fuel up before the next power outage. This feature helps in keeping you prepared for the next time.
Another similar feature is also available in generators known as the fuel gauge. It allows a reading of the fuel left in your generator so that you can stock up and never be unprepared.
Portability
Sometimes, your need for a generator might not be for an appliance inside your home, such a circumstance can occur if you are going on a trip. Thus, for this reason, people often look for generators that are portable and can be easily moved, such as a generator with wheels.
Noise level
The thing people are most worried about is the amount of noise created by a generator. But, thanks to modern technology, generators with quiet operations are now available. By choosing such a generator you can ensure a comfortable workplace or a relaxing time at home.
Energy Needs
We don’t want you to go overboard and buy something you don’t even need. The first thing you need to ask yourself is how much energy you need or how many appliances you want working at the time of a power outage. If the answer is very less, than we suggest buying a smaller generator with fewer watts, as it will get the job done and will be easy on your pocket too.
How to Maintain a Generator
Once you have bought a generator, it is important that you maintain it properly so that you get the most optimum results. Make sure to always have fuel in stock, never run a generator for several hours together and if you plan to do so, find one which is compatible with that. Do not let your generator come in contact in water and make sure the amount of carbon monoxide produced is minimal and should be directed away from your home. I hope these tips help select the best generator for you and your needs.
