According to the U.S. Electricity Information Administration, people experience seven hours of power interruption a year. This time without power isn’t just annoying, it can be extremely dangerous if you’re experiencing severe weather and become trapped without adequate electricity. Having a reliable home generator isn’t just convenient, it’s a necessity to keep you safe. Continue reading to learn how to find the best generator for home use and ensure you always have the power you need.
Determine Your Power Needs
When looking for a home emergency generator, the first question you need to ask is, “How much power do I need?” Keep in mind, the more powerful a generator is, the larger and more expensive it will be. So, while you may need power to keep your refrigerator and temperature controls working, you might not need to power your TV. First, make a list of all the household appliances you need to stay on during a power outage. Next, check the label on the appliance or in the manufacturer’s guide to learn the wattage of the device or amount of power it uses. Add the wattages together and you will get an estimate of how much power your home generator needs to keep things running smoothly. Generally speaking, a 20kw generator is enough to power most homes during an outage.
Don’t just consider how much backup power you need, but also how often you’ll need it. For example, if you rarely lose power, purchasing a large and expensive home generator won’t give you a very good return on investment. But if you live somewhere where severe weather or other factors cause frequent power outages, having a heavy-duty home emergency generator might be worth it.
Understand the Different Types of Home Generators
Home generators come in four main types, each with different power supplies, prices, and modes of installation. After you determine how much power you need and how often you’ll likely need it, it’s time to look at the various kinds of home emergency generators and see which one will best fit your needs.
Standby Generators
If you need a powerful home generator for frequent power outages, a standby generator could be a reliable choice. This home emergency generator generally provides anywhere from 5,000 to 20,000 watts of electricity, easily able to power all the necessary appliances in your home. Standby generators are always there when you need them because they are hardwired into your home and connected to a transfer switch which will turn it on as soon as a power outage occurs. Similarly, when power is restored, the switch will shut the generator off to save energy.
It should be noted that this kind of home generator is expensive, largely due to it needing to be installed by a professional. This is because standby generators need to comply with municipal permits, noise restrictions, and proper location requirements. You will also need to supply this home generator with fuel. Either propane or gasoline will work as a power supply, they just need to be safely stored, and a fuel stabilizer might be needed if they have not been used in a while.
Portable Generators
While portable generators are typically used for camping or RVing, they can also be used to power your home during an outage. This type of home generator comes in many different sizes, and larger models with more power can provide your entire home with electricity. Like standby generators, portable ones run on gasoline or liquid propane, which will both need to be properly stored and stabilized.
These models will also be more expensive but are not as pricy as standby generators. This is largely because portable home generators don’t need to be installed and can simply be plugged into your home using an extension cord. When using a portable home generator, avoid running it in an enclosed space. This is extremely dangerous as portable generators emit carbon monoxide. A good rule of thumb is to run your portable home generator at least 20 feet away from your home and any AC units to keep you safe.
Inverter Generators
If you’re looking for a quiet, fuel-efficient, and portable power source, an inverter generator might be the right choice. Unlike traditional portable generators, inverter models use advanced exhaust systems to produce clean and stable power. This home emergency generator converts alternating current (AC) power to direct current (DC) power and then back to AC, ensuring a steady and efficient energy output. Instead of running at full power the entire time it’s active, an inverter generator matches your home’s power demands. As a result, they can run longer than traditional portable generators for the same amount of gas. However, this type of home generator is typically smaller, limiting the number of appliances it can power at a time.
Solar Generators
While traditional home generators use propane or gasoline to provide backup electricity, solar generators take an eco-friendly approach. This type of home generator is essentially a large battery that you can either charge by plugging into an electrical outlet or using solar panels. They are also very quiet without an engine and can be safely stored indoors since they don’t emit carbon monoxide. However, they are more expensive than the other home emergency generator options and require periodic recharging. These generators are also only meant to be used for a short amount of time and can only handle a small number of appliances at once. So, while they are the most environmentally friendly option, they will work best for people who don’t need much power.
Budget Considerations
When choosing the best generator for home use, it’s important to look beyond the upfront cost. You also need to consider installation, fuel, and maintenance costs, as well as the expected return on investment. For example, the higher initial cost of a standby generator may be worth it to provide seamless, whole-home backup power for years and years to come. On the other hand, portable generators are more affordable in exchange for manual operation and regular refueling. It should be noted that every home generator, save for solar powered ones, use gasoline, propane, diesel, or natural gas, all with varying costs and availability.
Emergency home generators also need regular oil changes, filter replacements, and inspections to ensure they are working properly before you need them. For standby and solar home generators, professionals will need to be called in to take care of any issues. With portable generators though, you can handle most maintenance and repairs on your own.
Ready for a New Home Generator?
For many homeowners, a home emergency generator is a must-have for protecting against unexpected power outages. If you experience frequent blackouts, rely on medical equipment, or live in an area prone to severe weather, a generator can provide essential peace of mind. And if you decide a standby unit is the best generator for home use, we at Landis Electric, are here to help you install your new backup power. Call to schedule a consultation today to get your home ready for any future power outages.