In order to choose the right type of generator, you have to know what you need. Some people shopping for house generators assume all generators will fit their needs. They don’t consider the difference between generator types like a portable generator and a standby generator.
These people end up paying a lot of money for a product that doesn’t fit their needs. They either have a lot more generator power than they need or not enough.
In this article, we help you avoid this by discussing the different generator types. Continue reading if you want to choose the best home generators for you.
Table of Contents
Types of Generators
Before choosing the best type of generator, you should learn what those types are. There are 3 main types to consider: portable, standby, and inverter. Deciding which is best for home generators involves understanding what kind of power you need.
Portable Generator
A portable generator is the most affordable type of generator. It’s easy to use and move around as needed. It uses gas or diesel fuel depending on the model.
Inverter Generator
An inverter generator runs quietly compared to the other types of generators and it’s also lightweight. Inverter generators are popular in part because they are energy efficient. They adjust the speed of the engine based on the current power needs and produce AC power.
Standby Generator
A standby generator is the most permanent and costly of all generator types. It turns on automatically when it senses a loss of power. It runs on propane or natural gas.
How to Choose the Right Type of Generator
Deciding which home generators are going to fit your needs, you need to consider what you’re going to use them for. Generator power changes depending on the unit, so it matters what power output you need. To determine this, check the wattage requirements of the equipment you are supplying power to.
For example, a hand drill requires 900 watts of power at startup and a hot water heater needs 4,500 watts. Whole house generators may need around 7,500 watts for all appliances. If you’re going camping, your RV needs about 4,000 watts.
Cost of Home Generator
It’s also worth considering the cost when choosing the best type of generator. Buying a new home generator is going to cost anywhere from $200 to $20,000+, depending on the type of unit and the amount of power supplied. Buying a used generator can get you a quality unit for a fraction of the price.
Taking Care of Your Generator
Once you’ve chosen among generator types, make sure you know how to take care of it to maximize its lifespan. Always make sure your generator has clean gas as some models can be ruined when they run out. Also, only fill the generator once it’s cooled to avoid causing a fire or explosion.
Make sure the house generator battery is charged by running it for 30 minutes every week. This also helps lubricate parts of the engine and ensures everything is running properly.
Choose Your Home Generator With Confidence
Choosing the right type of generator starts by deciding what you need from home generators. Do you need something that will power your entire home or do you need something to take camping? Once you’ve made that decision, you can work on calculating the power needed based on the wattage of each appliance to make your selection.
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