The best time to purchase a generator is when you don’t need to rely on one.
There’s not much you can do to prevent severe weather from causing power outages that can last anywhere from a few hours to a few days. However, there is something you can do to ensure that you have a source of energy for when the weather gives power lines a beating. There are many different types of generators to choose from, and we’ll help you weigh the options to ensure you make the right choice.
Whole-house generators
A whole-house generator is a piece of equipment that can power your entire home, whether for your primary power source or just in case the power lines cut out. These generators are typically installed in your house permanently, so you won’t need to drag out the equipment to restore power to your home. These kinds of generators are great for people who are looking to transition into an off-the-grid type of lifestyle.
Portable generators
A portable generator is what most people think of when they picture a generator. They’re typically very small in size compared to the permanent installation version and use either natural gas or liquid propane as the primary fuel source. These generators are perfect for those who want some electricity source when the power goes out but don’t need every appliance or light to have power in their home.
Power Requirements
The first thing to consider when choosing a generator is the power requirements for the appliances you need if and when the power cuts out. We recommend multiplying the wattage of your appliances by 1.5 to ensure an adequate amount of wiggle room between what you will be using and what the generator can support. Another way to check is to reach out to your power company or look at your utility bill to figure out how much energy your home uses.
Noise Level
All generators will give off some noise, but that doesn’t mean they are as quiet as a mouse. Placing a generator near a place where you need absolute silence, such as a bedroom or office, would not be ideal. Choosing a generator that produces more noise when you have small children might also not be the smartest choice.
Ventilation
Keep in mind that the placement of your generator, whether it’s portable or permanently installed, is somewhere that has access to proper ventilation, as carbon monoxide poisoning from running a generator without proper ventilation is a recipe for disaster. For example, using a generator in a closed garage will lead to carbon monoxide becoming potent and trapped inside and can even result in death.
Ultimately choosing which generator is suitable for you is up to you, but if you would like an expert’s opinion to give you peace of mind, then reach out to Advanced Comfort Specialists here on our website or by calling our office.
