Consider these Tips Before Buying a Home Generator

 Guest Blogger #775, Entry #1831, November 16, 2012

As the East Coast continues to dig out from under the devastation caused by Superstorm Sandy, many people are taking a closer look at their emergency preparedness. Millions of people lost power during the storm, and in some places they remained cut off for as long as two weeks due to infrastructure damage. People who had generators at home were able to weather the storm in relative comfort. Those without a generator to lean on had to get by on candlelight and extra blankets. After an experience like that generators are going to be flying off the shelves. But which one should you buy, and how do you know if it is right for your needs? Here are just a few things to consider when purchasing a generator for your home.

Is your home prepared for an electrical outage?

Determine why you need a generator

First and foremost, you must set down your goals for owning a generator. They come in a wide range of sizes, and perform various functions depending on those factors. So what’s important to you? Look around your home and determine exactly how much power you would need to get by if the grid fails. That may sound daunting, but it is actually fairly simple. Look at the wattage each item uses, both at its peak and during standard operation. Tally up the running wattage of every device, then add on the largest peak usage number out of all of them. Put together, that’s the maximum wattage you’ll need. Once you’ve got this number in hand, it’s time to take a look at generators and make some tough decisions.

Review the different types of generators

When reviewing generators, you’ll basically be looking at two main options, either portable or standby models. The portable generator can go with you if you travel, so you’ll have access to power wherever you are. Portable generators are small enough to be moved around, but that also means they won’t generate as much power. Standby generators are professionally installed in the home. They’re much larger, and can only be used in that one place. You are limited in application, but you’ll get far more energy out of them.

While running time and portability are definitely important considerations, you must also look at fuel efficiency. Any generator must have a fuel source in order to create power for your needs, and more often than not that comes from gasoline, oil or some mix of the two. Since you won’t have an endless supply of fuel, you want a generator that is as efficient as possible. Yet you don’t want to sacrifice output. And if you have a standby generator you may want to invest in a larger tank so you can keep more fuel on hand and won’t have to refill it as often.

Before you have a dark home, consider buying an emergency generator

Consider the outlets on the generator

The other major factor to consider are the outlets the generator provides. Each brand and model will come with different types and amounts of outlets, and may even give you outlets with different voltage. Make sure any generator at home will match your particular infrastructure, and that any portable generators provide enough 12-volt outlets to power all of the personal electronics you have to run.

Finally, what accessories come along with each generator? You’ll want to make sure the warranty is full-bodied enough to provide peace of mind. Ideally your generator will have wheels and a weather cover, in case you need to create a mobile boiler. And of course it should have a transfer switch to power your home. Ask questions about all the accessories at the store before you make your decision. A generator doesn’t necessarily need all of these bells and whistles to be effective, as long as it fits your needs.

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