In recent days, there are hundreds of various generators available online throughout the world. It is difficult to choose the right one among many different brands. Buying the right generator for your specific application is vital. Make a knowledgeable decision for the first time to save money and time in the long run. You will also get cheap and low-quality generators available through auction sites.
But these generators will have many drawbacks. In low-quality and cheap generators, it is difficult and expensive to get the warranty claim or get serviced. You can check out on the internet, in blogs and forums about the people facing problems with the cheap brand generators. You find many unhappy customers who are broken down with low-quality customers.
Commonly, customers visit different stores while buying the generator to save some money. So, buying online is the best way to save money. Online stores have less-margin on profit and provide larger savings to the customers. Some of the reputed brands of generators are Yamaha, Lectron, Sabaru, Advanced power, and Crommelins.
These reliable companies produce high-quality generators at an affordable cost. If you own any one of these, then it is a stress-free life for you. So, it is better to buy quality products over price. Some of the advantages of buying the reputed generators are- there are world-wide service center networks, parts of the generator are easily available, and easier to make a warranty claim.
Factors to know while buying the Generator
Here is a checklist that will help you to choose the right generator to safeguard your family and home.
- Understand wattage requirements
- Establish your budget
- Choose the generator
- Look for included items and services
- Check for special features
Determine the amount of power that is needed for the appliances you care about. Generators are available in wide ranges of prices, so determine how much you are ready to spend. For home usage, it is better to use portable or standby based on your power needs, budget, and convenience.
Remember to have a transfer switch for safety at home. Check out if the generator comes with the maintenance package or warranty and cost of the power cord, wheels, oils, and funnel. Check out for the cost you need for installation from a qualified professional. Generators are loaded with a variety of features to enable easy and safe usage.
Understand your wattage and runtime requirements
Generators come in two power measurements- starting wattage and continuous wattage. The starting wattage is also called startup power, peak power or max watts. Startup wattage is needed for the appliances to initially startup or when they are operating at a high level of power consumption.
The running or continuous watts are required for running the appliances subjected to the normal workload. These are measured in wattage. The generators will alert at 25% or 50% of the load. This represents the time needed to run with a full tank of fuel. So, consider buying a more capacious tank to use for emergencies.
Different classifications of generators
There are two common types of generators: standby generators and portable generators. Standby generators run between 7,000 to 20,000 watts to provide blackout protection 24/7. They will provide power automatically to the appliances at your home until the outage is finished.
Standby generators need professional installation and fuel supply from an active line of propane or natural gas. The power capacity of the generator is determined by the number of circuits available to provide power as well as the number of appliances to run the circuits. Standby generators are enclosed and vary in size.
Portable generators range in power between 1,000 to 10,000 watts. The price depends on the wattage capabilities and special features. Portable generators are used to supply power, restricted emergency storm power or leisure activities such as tailgating and camping. When you choose a portable generator, you should consider runtime, wattage, mobility, and size.
There are also inverters that are not generators but they meet your requirements. Inverter generators are suitable for camping, tailgating, or boating. These generators have small wattage capabilities and range from between 800 to 3,000 watts. Inverter generators are affordable and desirable for quietness, size, clean power and efficiency.
Common uses of the generators
Some of the common uses of the generators are:
- Storm and emergency power
- Leisure and recreation
- Jobsite
When you are buying a generator to provide storm or emergency power, you will need to consider which appliances and electronics are vital for your home. You have to decide if you need a backup to power your entire house or only a few circuits or a couple of appliances. A home standby generator is the best solution to back up the entire house or a few circuits. If you need to power a few electronic or appliances, then a portable generator will meet all your requirements.
An inverter generator is best for activities such as camping and tailgating. Inverter generator has low Total Harmonic Distortion and is relatively quiet as well as safe for all the electronic items. Most of the inverter generator provides up to 3000 watts of power, if you require more, then consider buying a two and parallel kit or look for the low THD generators or generators with Automatic Voltage Regulation so that they will not damage sensitive electronics.
Portable generators offer mobility and supply sufficient power for different tools, so they are best for the Jobsite. Buy generators with sufficient starting and running watts to meet all your requirements. Look for professional features such as flat-free wheels, sturdy roll-cage frames, or auto-idle tech. Consider the ports and outlets on the control panels and included cables while choosing your generator. There are different types of outlets. The outlets help you know things you can plug into your generator.
Generator safety
Read the owner’s manual carefully and follow all the instructions as well as warnings for your generator to start and run the generator safely. Here are some of the tips which are supplemental and not substitute instructions of the owner’s manual. Always run the generator outdoors and keep it away from doors, windows, crawl spaces, vents and in a place where there is adequate ventilation. Always run the generator on the level surfaces.
There are many diesel generators for sale online to consider purchasing. It should not be exposed to a lot of dust, dirt, moisture or vapors. Always allow space for fuel expansion and never overfill the fuel tank. Do not add fuel when the generator is hot or running. Always add fuel when the generator is entirely cool. Never store fuel within the generator tank as gasoline vapors can result in sparks, open flame or pilot light.
Never connect your portable electric generator directly to the regular household outlet or to your home’s wiring as it can injure you and the neighbors. Your generator should be grounded properly to avoid electrocution. So, we recommend you to check and match the applicable local, state, federal regulations which are related to grounding. Give it a minimum of five feet space on all the generator’s sides when it is running.
Inspect your generator on a regular basis and contact an authorized dealer nearby for repairs and replacement of the parts. Never run the generator at excessive workload and do not operate it to run a lot of equipment and appliances than the generator output rating. Always use the movable electric generator when it is necessary, and only to power essential appliances.
Important things to know while buying a portable generator
If the power outage is making you miserable or anxious, then using the generator is a better option. Generators are sized depending on the power they provide to your home. Calculate how much power to needed for the lights, appliances, and electronics to run and how much watts they consume. Remember that the extension cords from the generator can power only wall socket plugs and not hard-wired appliances such as sump pump, furnace or central air conditioner. Only heavy-duty cord from the generator allows all the power circuits in your home.
Generator models come with recoil handle or electric (push-button) start with one or more outlets to plug the extension cords. Some include illuminated control panel, covered outlets or automatic shutdown and portable generators weigh from 100 to 250 pounds, so it is advised to buy a wheel kit.
Portable generators are obnoxiously noisy and produce carbon monoxide, so it is better to keep at least 20 feet away from the home. Most of the generators hold 6-10 gallons of fuel which are sufficient enough to run for 8-16 hours. You also require an appropriate place to store 25-30 gallons of gasoline.
Buying a generator is more comfortable and cost-effective. Gasoline-powered portable generators cost about $400-$1,500 depending on their features and outputs. The generators are easy to use and readily available at home-improvement stores. Always buy the generator which is made by a well-reputed company and which provides a greater level of customer service. Generators come with varieties of features but pick the best set of features for your requirements to your home.