During the loss of power, a generator can maintain a home’s warmth during wintertime or coolness during summertime. It can also help preserve your food, and it may help recharge your gadgets’ power. Many people think of buying a generator when a robust cyclone is about to come, so they encounter the mistake of buying the wrong generator that can result in inconvenience during the calamity. Also, most people have no idea about the aspects to consider when purchasing a generator, so here is a guide in buying one.
Types of Generators
You may choose four types of generators:
- Standby Generator – Works on propane or natural gas, and can automatically perform during power loss.
- Portable Generator – Can be carried and moved in any place at any time.
- Inverted Generator – Can also be carried to any place as a backup source of power
- Portable Power Station – Huge batteries with stored electricity
Standby Generator
This type of generator is expensive, and an experienced technician should perform the installation. A standby generator supplies power automatically during power loss. In the four types of generators, this can provide the most power compared to the remaining three. You may choose your fuel to make it work: natural gas, gasoline, or propane.
Portable Generator
This one commonly costs lesser than a standby generator. Most portable generators function using gasoline, but larger volume is needed. You should use it outdoors because it releases carbon monoxide. The ideal distance from your house would be 6 meters with its exhaust redirected away from your house and your neighbour’s.
Inverter Generator
Its engine is complicated, which makes it more expensive than a portable generator. It produces less noise and has an innovated exhaust air system to silence it while functioning.
Portable Power Station
It is independent of the use of propane or gas. It relies on a battery that stores electricity by having it charged through electric outlets, and rarely using a built-in solar panel. Hence, it is rechargeable. This is the latest design, which costs more than portable generators. This is a quiet generator when it functions, and does not produce carbon monoxide.
Other Factors to Consider
To find the best generator that you need, pay attention to this additional information that you should consider:
1. Automatic Start
A great generator should automatically start when the power goes out. This is ideal if you are away from home because of work.
2. Electronic Start Button
Select the one that has a push-button feature when starting a generator. The pull-cable starter is an old type and inconvenient during emergencies.
3. Substitute Fuel Capable
Find a generator that can alternatively run on another kind of gas, just in case you run out of supply.
4. Volume of Fuel
Every after usage, you should check the fuel volume of your generator so that you will be aware if you would still be able to use it after another blackout.
5. Turns Off at Low Oil Volume
An ideal generator should turn off when the fuel drops at the minimum level to prevent damage from the engine.
6. Numerous Outlets
Having multiple power outlets is another feature to consider so that it can provide power to more devices at its convenience.