In our modern world, it’s unacceptable that during 2015 there were 3,571 power outages.
The electrical infrastructure of the USA is more than 100 years old and aging every day. There have been billions of dollars of spending only recently used for trying to get a better solution for so-called “last mile” power distribution. This past year, Texan families saw firsthand the destruction power outages cause.
Until then, there are times you’ll have to make your own power. If you’ve never had reason to buy a generator before this year, you’ll see why no home should go without one.
Keep reading to find all a first-time buyer needs to know about buying a generator for your home.
Table of Contents
Buy the Right Type of Generator
Before you go out and buy a generator, you need to know which will actually fulfill your needs. There are two kinds of generators for your consideration for home use:
- Portable generators
- Standby generators
To determine which is the right one, you need to know the answer to some auxiliary questions to determine your needs.
- How much power do you need?
- What’s your budget?
- How often and in what scenario are you looking to use it?
- Do you have storage space?
- What fuel types are accessible to me?
- Will I need power even if I’m not home?
Every generator runs on fuel, even when you’re looking at a solar-powered backup generator. Solar generators use the sun and they tend to make an excellent portable generator. You can use a portable solar generator while you’re camping or RVing or even on a boat when you’re not using it at your home.
Best of all, it’s a silent running system.
They aren’t as powerful as a standby system, but they’re much easier to install or use. A standby solar powered generator should be able to charge while its providing power as long as the sun is out. The solar system should also be able to supply enough energy to a minimum number of devices for perhaps up to a day.
When it comes to gas and diesel, there’s a shelf life to consider. Gas has a storage life of about three months. Diesel on the other hand has a shelf life of six to twelve months.
Main Considerations
The three main considerations for the best standby generator will be:
- Value
- Safety
- Convenience
It should continue to not only save the food in your freezer but also allow you to get news and other services. A good standby generator will turn on fast enough that you barely notice it turning on at all. It also must be safe enough that you don’t need to worry about carbon monoxide or other dangers through its operation.
- Figure out your power needs
- Pick your fuel source
- Choose a transfer switch
Once you have your new generator, it needs to be installed by a professional standby generator installer. Most of the time this is required by law since it needs to be tied into your home’s main power grid.
Buy a Generator for Your Home
Now you know why how to buy a generator for your home. Buying a new generator, whether it’s gas, diesel, or solar, isn’t as complicated as most people think. All you have to do is prioritize needs, follow your budget, and pick the type of generator that fits your lifestyle best.
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