A reliable generator can prepare your home for power outages from weather activity, grid complications, and unforeseen emergencies. Picking the right generator to add to your home means you need to understand what your power requirements are and what generators might best serve your needs. You also need to consider factors that affect generator performance. Learn what you need to know to ensure your home has power in critical situations.
Assessing Your Home’s Power Needs
The first thing you need to do when choosing a generator is to ascertain how much power your home will need when there’s an outage. This isn’t necessarily how much power your home uses during normal hours. You should figure out the essential appliances, HVAC systems, and other technology you need simultaneously operational when the local utility grid isn’t giving you anything.
The devices and appliances you need to have electricity during an outage will vary based on your specific home. Freezers, refrigerators, and lighting are common requirements for most residences. You might want to keep a sump pump running if your home has a basement or crawlspace that floods during storm activity. Heating systems might be necessary during cold weather, but cooling systems could be optional depending on how hot it gets in the summer. Medical equipment is a necessity for some homes, and radios, televisions, and computers might be necessary to keep up with current information in an emergency.
Every appliance on your list needs a specific amount of power to operate; this is measured in watts. Add up the entire list of wattages for your essential appliances to figure out what your overall power requirement is. Appliance labels should give you precise numbers, but you can also use a wattage calculator.
Factor in some additional power for your total. Many appliances might need extra power when starting up before they settle into lower operational ranges. Having extra capacity also prevents you from overloading your generator. Ideally, your home generator has enough capacity to provide simultaneous power equal to or greater than the combined starting wattage of all technology and devices you need during an outage.
Three Kinds of Generators
There are three primary categories of generators, and they are inverter, portable, and standby units. Each is suited for different needs and situations.
Portable generators are ideal options for short-term applications, such as outdoor events or power outages. They’re affordable and easy to move around. The power range they provide is usually from 2,000 up to 10,000 watts, and it’s typically produced from propane or gasoline.
Inverter generators are quieter and feature better fuel efficiency. Their power range typically runs from 1,000 up to 5,000 watts, but the power is cleaner and well-suited for sensitive electronics. They commonly use propane or gasoline as fuel sources, and they are ideal for smaller loads and work well for homes that need to keep critical electronic devices running.
Standby generators are permanent installations. If you want something that can turn on automatically when an outage starts, look at these powerful machines that supply energy for your entire home. Available power ranges are typically between 10,000 and 20,000 watts, but some deliver even more energy from propane or natural gas fuels. These work well for properties that suffer prolonged outages, frequent grid interruptions, or both.
Picking the Right Size of Generator
Getting the right size of generator prevents you from wasting time or money. Getting something too small means you won’t be able to handle your power demands off the grid, but a generator that’s too big wastes fuel. Small generators in the 2,000 to 4,000-watt range can typically run several essential appliances, such as refrigerators and lights. Medium generators fall into the 5,000 to 7,500-watt range and might power a small home, including its HVAC. Large generators have output levels starting at 8,000 watts but can go to 20,000 or more; these can power a bigger home and multiple appliances.
Pros and Cons of Different Fuels
Generators need fuel to provide power, but the fuel sources do vary. Each has its benefits and advantages. Gasoline is a common option and is both affordable and widely available. However, it needs careful storage and has a short shelf life. You can also be subject to price fluctuations and supply crunches in unique situations.
Natural gas is another generator fuel source that might be unavailable if a natural disaster disrupts pipelines heading into your region. Otherwise, the supply is typically unlimited, provided your home has a gas line connection.
Propane burns clean and has a longer shelf life than gasoline, but you need more storage space and a dedicated propane tank. Diesel is an efficient option for bigger generators and has a long shelf life; however, it also needs a dedicated storage tank and usually costs more.
Features You Might Want
Modern generators have various features that can enhance their performance and convenience. Automatic transfer switches ensure uninterrupted operation by automatically switching over to generator power when an outage starts, and electric start features make operations easier by eliminating the necessity of manual pull starts. Portable generators should have handles and wheels to move around more easily, and generators with lower decibel ratings minimize noise pollution, which is useful in residential areas. Hour meters and fuel gauges help you monitor supply levels while tracking maintenance intervals.
Budgetary Factors
Generator sizes vary drastically as do their prices, which are based on size, category, and features. Setting a budget early on helps you narrow your options down without overspending. Portable generators typically have the lowest initial cost, and standby generators require substantial investment. However, you need to factor in recurring costs surrounding fuel, repairs, and maintenance to know how much a generator is likely to cost you in the future. Support and warranty coverage from reputable brands should include reliable customer service and guarantees about parts and repairs.
Installation Considerations
A portable generator is usually something you can store inside a garage, shed, or exterior closet, but you shouldn’t operate one there. They need a safe outdoor location that’s physically distant from vents and windows. Standby generators need professional installation to connect to fuel sources and your home’s electrical system.
Find What’s Right for Your Home
Picking the best generator for your residence involves careful consideration of your personal preferences, power needs, and available budget. When you know the kinds of generators, features, and fuel options you can pick from, it’s more likely that you’ll make the right choice. Your home can have power during outages, and you can have constant peace of mind knowing you have a steady source of reliable energy for grid interruptions, projects, or other applications. Whichever kind of generator you choose, proper installation and routine maintenance will keep it reliable years into the future.
At Dawson's Electric & Air, we provide electrical and HVAC services to residents of Fuquay-Varina, Raleigh, and the surrounding North Carolina communities. Contact Dawson's Electric & Air for all your home generator services and needs.
