Factors to Consider when Buying a Generator for your Home

Factors to Consider when Buying a Generator for your HomeWith all the different choices available these days, deciding which generator to purchase can be a very tough choice. Between traditional open-frame generators, inverters, and home standby generators, how do you decide which one is right for you? Deciding whether you need a generator primarily for home, work, or play will be a good place to start. 

In this article, we will explore the main factors to consider when buying a generator for your home.

Cost

A big consideration when buying a new generator, as with buying anything, will, of course, be the cost. Generator prices range enormously depending on the power capabilities, fuel source, and other features. Traditional open frame generators are the least expensive, ranging from $150 for a 1200 Watt unit, all the way up to $2,000, and up for a 12,000 Watt unit. Inverters range from $400 to over $1,000 depending on their wattage and features, and home standby generator systems range between $2,000 and $4,000 plus the cost of insulation and regular required maintenance. 

Also, find a guide to power outage costs to ensure that you're choosing the most cost-effective option for your needs. Power outages can be very costly, especially if you rely on electricity for work or medical needs.

Fuel

Another factor that you will need to consider is whether you want a generator that is powered by petrol or by diesel fuel. There are various benefits to purchasing a diesel generator which means it is usually a better option than petrol. The list of Able Sales diesel generator shows us that diesel generators are far more reliable than petrol generators and need significantly less maintenance. This is partly because diesel fuel burns at a less intense heat than petrol so diesel generator put less strain on the engine. Additionally, diesel fuel works as a lubricant so it lubricates the engine as it is being burned. There is a huge range of diesel generators available to fulfill whatever your power requirements are. As long as you take good care of your diesel generator, it will last more than fifteen years before needing any major servicing.

Power requirements 

The next thing that you need to calculate is how much power you need your new generator to be able to produce. When a power outage occurs, do you want a unit that will power your entire home or just keep a few essential household items running? You can purchase a portable generator for a temporary power solution or invest in a home standby system that will provide permanent and convenient backup power. For temporary power, a portable generator or inverter will work fine. Keep in mind that you will need at least 3,500 Watts to run your most basic appliances such as lights, computers, TV and the Internet, and refrigerator. A 5,500 Watt unit can cover your essentials and even a few extra items, and a 10,000 Watt unit will be able to power your entire home. If you want to know more about power supplies, reading articles from Bravo Electro will definitely help you.

Noise

Purchasing a generator to provide power for your home means that you will need a generator that does not produce too much noise as this will affect your home life. To reduce the noise pollution caused by your generator, you should look into a traditional or open-frame inverter which has quieter operating volumes. Look out for diesel generators that are cooled by liquid or air as these tend to be the quietest models that are available. Petrol powered generators are much noisier than diesel generators so avoid it if you will keep your generator in a place in your home where it can easily be heard.

Usability

Pay attention to the different generator features available that can make your life easier. When the power goes out, a wheel kit makes it easy to move the unit around and lets you avoid heavy lifting. Dual fuel units can run on two different kinds of fuel so you can always be sure to have some fresh fuel on hand, especially when major storms can make it difficult to replenish your supply. Electric or remote start can help take the confusion out of starting an engine, and knowing which outlets you need to power your different appliances can help make your decision.

How a generator works

If you want to power your entire home during an outage, a home standby system may be right for you. With higher power output, permanent installation, constant fuel supply, and automatic starting and stopping, the convenience of a home standby system can't be overlooked. Home standby generators connect directly to your home's electrical system and run on your home's fuel supply. They'll automatically start up within seconds of a power outage and return to standby mode when the power is restored. To start the process or to learn more about whether a home standby system is right for you, contact a quality online dealer who can give you their advice. Particularly if you live in an area that is prone to violent storms or other natural forces that cause regular power outages, a reliable standby generator is usually the best choice.

Other uses 

If you also plan to use your generator now only at home, but also for other uses like work and recreation, you'll need a unit that is portable, powerful, and dependable. If you only need to run a few small power tools at work and a few small appliances at home, then a 3,000 to 4,000 Watt four thousand watt generator is all you need. If you need to run multiple power tools simultaneously and more serious appliances at home, you'll need something in the range of 10,000 Watts to 12,000 Watts. Knowing how many work tools and home appliances you'll need to run at the same time, will help you decide what generator to choose. Certain tools and appliances have very high starting Watts compared to their running Watts so make sure to get a unit that will cover your Wattage requirements for use at home and elsewhere. Other uses for your generator can include camping, tailgating, boating, hunting, or using your RV. 

Choosing the right generator is all about identifying the key features that are most important to you. Power capability is of course of paramount significance, but there are a great many other considerations that must be taken into account. Follow this guide and do some thorough research into all the different models available online. With such a huge range of generators, you are sure to find a unit to fit your requirements.