What You Should Know About Electric Generators

Most of us know that generators are machines that are very helpful when a blackout occurs due to bad weather or other reasons, and you cannot get power from the local grid. And that’s pretty much it. People are generally unaware of how many different types of generators are there or how they function.

Whatever the reasons might be behind you wanting to get this machine, these are some of the main things you need to know before deciding which one to buy.

Why Might You Need an Electric Generator?

Buying an electric generator will never be considered a bad idea. You will get to read more here about all the perks it provides to its users, how it functions, and how to choose the one that’s best suited for you. As already mentioned, there are numerous good reasons why having this machine at your disposal at all times would be a good decision.

If you live in an area where weather conditions are or can get harsh from time to time, and your household can get cut off from the power grid, having an electric generator as a backup is the best option possible. After the freezing weather and snowstorms provoke power blackouts, so the last thing you would want is heating to stop working. Something similar can be said for people who live on the cost since they are not strangers to meteorological conditions that can sometimes have devastating effects.   

Those who like to spend time in nature would also appreciate the help of the smaller version of this device. If you enjoy camping with family or friends, a portable generator will make the whole experience more comfortable. For example, you will be able to make a fresh cup of morning coffee.

They will also be convenient for those who work in remote areas without direct connection to the power grid or those who want to get some job done in their backyard but are far from the power line. This option will be perfect for construction workers as it will make their work much more accessible in certain situations. They will be able to plug in their tools and lights and continue working even if there was a blackout.       

Types of Generators

If you’re on the market for an electric generator, there are several kinds to choose from based on your needs.

Standby Generator

Standby generators are the best option for your home, but it is also quite expensive. When buying this type, you need to make sure you consider the added costs of installing it. This is not something you can do alone; you will need to hire a skilled professional.

The standby generators are pricier than the rest because they have certain unique features that make them stand out. First of all, when the power outage happens, they will start working automatically. Also, thanks to the self-diagnosing mechanism, they will inform you when the maintenance is needed. You can choose between using propane and natural gas as fuel. The biggest perk is probably the fact that they will be able to power all your home devices, meaning you will hardly feel a difference in the case of a blackout.

Portable Generators

These are also able to work using propane and natural gas but are usually powered by gasoline. However, given the much smaller tank size, you will probably have to keep fuel reserves someplace. Compared to the standby option, they are less expensive, but you will probably have to buy a battery for an electric starting mechanism separately.

They shouldn’t be used in enclosed spaces, and make sure they don’t come into direct contact with water. During the blackouts, they can enable the functioning of household essentials such as a heater, water pump, and several lights, but that’s pretty much it.    

Choosing the Right Size Generator

Several things need to be taken into consideration when you make this decision. First of all, you need to know your budget since installing a standby version can be quite costly. Also, determine what your requirements are. Do you want just a couple of key appliances to keep working, or you’re interested in powering the entire house? So, depending on your answer, you can choose anywhere between 5 and 50 KW.

Power outages can happen for various reasons, and having an electric generator in your home during those emergencies will be of enormous help. Whether you go for a portable or a standby version, it’s up to you. Just make sure you understand how this machine functions before you start using it.