If you’re thinking of buying a generator for your home, you’re not alone. Hurricanes and storms have left many people without power for days at a time, and purchasing a generator can be a great way to ensure that you always have power when you need it. But before you buy one, there are some things you should know.
When a major storm is headed your way, or if you experience an extended power outage, having a generator can be a real-life saver. A portable generator can provide you with the power you need to keep your lights on, your appliances running, and even your air conditioner going. So the question is generator users is that should i buy a generator for my home?
Now you don’t need to feel helpless, but it’s important to be informed about the best choice for you and your family. Below are some of the most important factors to consider before purchasing a generator.
Even if you do not live in an area at risk of experiencing severe weather, there are other reasons why you might want to invest in a generator. Many people like having a portable generator around, even if they don’t need it immediately. It’s a great thing to have on hand in case of an emergency.
Should i buy a generator for my home?
Yes, a generator can be a great addition to your home. It will provide you with peace of mind and allow you to take care of important business even when the power goes out. However, before purchasing a generator, it’s very important that you do some research and weighs all of your options.
1) Make sure the generator is compatible with your appliances: While most portable generators can run many different appliances in your home, some small appliances have special requirements. For example, if you have an electric stove or heater, it might require a lot more wattage than what a standard gas-powered generator will provide. So make sure the appliances you need to run are compatible.
2)I’ll need to hook up several power outlets to your generator: One common concern that people have is that they don’t have enough power outlets in their home. The good news is that you probably won’t need as many with the generator, but you will want to make sure there are enough for what you’ll be using it for.
3) Think about how much storage space you have: If you do decide to purchase a portable generator, make sure you leave yourself enough room to store it safely out of the way. And take into consideration where your gas supply will go; generators typically require at least two full tanks of gasoline over eight hours before running out of fuel.
4) You need enough time and energy to prepare for use: A lot goes into preparing your generator before it’s time to use it. You’ll want to make sure you have enough supplies on hand to get your generator up and running. For example, this includes fuel, oil, tools, anti-freeze, etc.
5) Think about how much noise the generator will produce: One common complaint about generators is that they are loud when in use. If your home is close to neighbors or if you’re worried about being a disturbance, consider purchasing one of the newer inverter generators that produce less noise.
6) Think about your budget: There are many different generators on the market today that vary in price. While a good quality generator will provide you with years of service, there is a large range when it comes to prices. Just be sure to shop around and find one that fits within your budget.
7) It might need EPA-certified gasoline: A new requirement for portable generators sold in the US is that they must use fuel containing less than 30% ethanol (E30). If your local gas station doesn’t sell E30, make sure you buy non-ethanol gasoline while preparing the generator for its initial startup (generators should never be run on uncertified fuel).
8) You should consider buying an automatic transfer switch: If you want to make sure that even if your home loses power, the essentials will still run, adding an automatic transfer switch is a good option. This will automatically send your generator’s power to circuits essential for keeping your home running during a power outage.
9) You should also look into purchasing a surge protector: One final thing to consider is purchasing a device called a surge protector. These devices protect appliances from voltage spikes and help extend their life.
10) Think about what you’ll be using it for: Also keep in mind what you plan on powering with your generator long-term or short-term. For example, do you have electric heating? Will you need hot water? How many bulbs do you have throughout your home?
Conclusion:
A generator can be a great investment, but you need to do some research before purchasing one. If you plan on using your generator for long-term power needs, then an entire home generator might be best for you. However, if you’ll only be using it in emergencies, a portable version would most likely suffice.
A good quality inverter generator is another option that runs quiet and emits less fumes. If you’re still not sure how much wattage your appliances will require to run throughout a power outage, it might be a good idea to call a local power company for this information. They can also help determine what size generator is best for your home.
FAQs:
Q 1) Will generators emit dangerous fumes?
One common concern of running a generator is the production of carbon monoxide, which can be deadly. However, new generators use inverter technology and automatic low-oil shutdown features to help reduce emissions and increase safety.
Q 2) How do I know how many watts my appliances will use?
Determining the precise amount of watts your appliances will require during a power outage is impossible to know for sure, but you can use one or two methods to come up with close estimates.
Q 3) What are some tips for using my generator safely?
One of the most important things to remember when using a generator is to never operate it inside your home or garage.
