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How to Choose a Home Generator

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As soon as the power goes out, you realize how much you depend on electricity. The television doesn't work. You can't charge your phone. The food in the refrigerator starts to go bad. You don't have to sit in silence or deal with the darkness if you have a generator. Instead of searching for candles, you can turn on a lamp and go on with your regular routine. If you're thinking of buying a generator, knowing how you plan to use it helps you choose the right model for your home.

Do You Really Need a Generator?

Blackouts happen from time to time. In most cases, they give you a chance to get away from electronics and read a book or play a board game. The trouble begins when a blackout lasts for days or weeks at a time. This can happen to people who are in parts of the country affected by natural disasters, like those in hurricane-prone areas along the coast or regions where snow storms can take out electrical lines. Those who live in remote places find generators useful, since these people are usually the last to see their power restored after a blackout.

Calculate the Wattage You Need

The first step in choosing a home generator is to decide what appliances you want to use when the power is out. This list varies depending on the time of year, where you live and who lives in your house. For example, Florida residents who want a generator in case a hurricane takes out electrical lines may include an air conditioner on the list of essential items. Hurricane season occurs during the summer when daytime temperatures can soar into triple digits. If someone in the house takes refrigerated medicine, keeping at least a small refrigerator is important.

After you put together your list, write down the wattage each item needs to run. Most appliances and large electronic devices have this information on a sticker. If you cannot find this sticker, refer to a wattage chart from the generator manufacturer or a generic website. Add together the wattage for each device to find out how much running power you need. Multiply this by 1.5 to calculate the wattage you need to start everything you want to power up.

Decide Between a Portable and Standby Generator

The next choice is the type of generator you want to use. There are two basic types of generators: portable and standby. Portable generators are affordable and run on gasoline or diesel fuel, which is one reason why generator noise levels are high. When the power goes out, you fill the generator with fuel, turn it on and plug it in to appliances or use a subpanel as a house generator hookup. You can move the generator back into storage when the power comes back on.

Standby generators usually run on natural gas or propane. These whole house generators supply power to the circuits on your house's subpanel. When the power goes out, the generator starts working automatically. You don't have to leave the house to connect anything because the generator is connected to the house at all times.

Tips for Choosing a Portable Generator

You have many options to choose from when buying a portable generator. These generators have either push button or recoil start like you see on push lawn mowers. For the easiest use, choose an electric start generator. Next, look for a generator with the number and type of outlets you need to power your equipment. You should also pick up a heavy-duty extension cord suitable for use with a generator. Wheels and folding handles attached to the generator frame make it easier to maneuver.

Tips for Choosing a Standby Generator

One of the most important considerations when choosing a standby generator is the fuel source. Most of these systems use natural gas or propane, so you may have to install gas lines. This can restrict where you can install the generator and may require a permit. You should also make sure you have a local company available to perform maintenance and emergency repairs to the system so the generator works properly when you need it.