Power outrages from tropical storms, hurricanes, and snow can disrupt daily life. Losing power during extreme weather conditions is more than an inconvenience; it can pose safety risks for your family and cause damage to your home. However, a home power generator can keep your home powered and family safe during these kinds of emergencies and power outages.
In this article, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know about home backup power generators. We’ll explain their benefits, types, and key things you need to think about when buying one.
What Is A Power Generator?
A power generator is a machine that supplies temporary power to your home. They can keep large appliances like refrigerators and HVAC systems running during an outage. Generators come in various sizes and capacities.
Benefits of Having a Power Generator?
- Uninterrupted Power Supply: A power generator keeps your home powered during a power outage
- Safety and Comfort: Generators maintain operation of essential appliances and lighting during outages, ensuring that your family is safe and comfortable.
- Peace of Mind: Owning a power generator reduces stress and anxiety during emergencies, knowing you have a reliable backup plan in place.
Types of Power Generators
Standby Generators
Standby generators are very large and can power your whole home. You need a professional to install these permanent generators. They are ideal for areas prone to frequent power outages.
Pros: Standby power generators turn on automatically during a power outage, preventing food spoilage and maintaining climate control.
Cons: Standby generators are expensive. They also require professional installation and yearly maintenance.
Portable Generators
You can buy portable generators in a variety of sizes. Portable generators are nice to have because you can move them anywhere. Portable generators can be fueled by gasoline or propane, with new solar-powered options available now.
Pros: Portable generators are versatile and can be used in different settings. They are cheaper than standby power generators.
Cons: Portable generators need to be manually refueled and started. They do have limited power capacity compared to larger standby generators.
Inverter Generators
Inverter generators are in a category of their own. These portable generators are more advanced than other types of generators. These portable generators generate clean and stable AC power (alternating current) like other generators but do it in a more advanced way. Inverter generators produce AC power initially, then convert back to DC power (direct current), and then finally convert it back to AC power again. These invertor generators can prevent damage to sensitive electronics like tablets and laptops.
Pros: Inverter generators are great for powering small and medium-sized electronics. They are typically compact, portable, fuel-efficient and quiet.
Cons: Due to the advanced technology of these inverter generators, they are typically a bit more expensive than other portable generators. Inverter generators are not powerful enough to run heavy-duty appliances or equipment.
Things To Consider When Choosing A Power Generator For Your Home
Power Generator Output
The wattage you need from your generator depends on the appliances and items you want to keep running during a power outage. You’ll need a much higher wattage to keep things like your furnace, air conditioner, and other heavy-duty kitchen appliances running during a power outage.
Fuel Types & Capacity
Generators run on gasoline, diesel, propane, natural gas, or solar energy. Choose the fuel type based on availability and the duration you need the generator to run. Diesel is best for long-term use, while gasoline is suitable for short-term use. Standby power generators can be powered by natural gas if a home is already connected to a gas supply.
It’s important to look at a generator’s fuel capacity and runtime. If you want to cut down on refueling, you’ll want to opt for a generator with a longer runtime.
Noise Output For Generators
If you live in a highly populated area or plan on using your generator indoors, you’ll want to consider buying a generator with a lower noise output.
Special Generator Features
Whether you plan on using your generator frequently, or only in times of an emergency, you’ll want to be able to start it quickly and easily monitor it. Look for generators that have special features like an electric start and automatic power transfer switches for added convenience.
Investing in a home backup power generator provides peace of mind and security during power outages and storms. Understanding the different types of generators and what to consider when buying one will help you make an informed decision that best suits your needs. Whether you choose a portable generator for occasional use or a standby generator for automatic, whole-home power, you’ll be well-prepared for the next power outage.
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