Power outages can be inconvenient, especially if it happens at the worst time of day. Imagine you’re in the middle of a movie you’ve been waiting to see, or a family Thanksgiving dinner, only to be greeted with darkness and unease as the lights go out. It doesn’t have to be that way though, with a home generator in tow, you can keep the lights on and the movie playing through any outage. In this post, we’ll explore the best home generators to keep the lights on during a power outage.
We’ll cover the different types of generators, their benefits, what to look for when shopping around, and more. We’ll also explore the best ways to properly install and use generators safely and effectively. When the lights do go out, you’ll want to make sure you’re prepared for a safe night of powering up the essential household appliances. So sit back and relax, knowing you’re prepared for any power outage.
Quick Overview of Key Points
Depending on your needs, you may want to purchase a whole-house generator, which is designed to power your entire home during an outage. Alternatively, for some basic items, you may be able to get away with purchasing a portable generator.
Reasons to Buy a Generator for Your Home
When considering the purchase of a home generator, the decision may feel daunting. Consumers have to weigh the financial investment and commitment against their individual needs. While there are no hard-and-fast rules for when or why to buy a generator, there are excellent reasons to invest in one for your home.
A generator can be incredibly beneficial in the event of a power outage. Power outages can occur from natural disasters or from an overtaxed electric supply system. When the power goes out, a generator will keep life running at close to full speed. Many home generators provide enough electricity to keep essentials such as lights, refrigerators and furnaces working during an outage. This can be particularly useful if severe weather prevents travel or threatens food spoiling. Generators also come in models that can power large appliances such as hot water heaters and central air conditioners depending on the size of the unit purchased. The availability of these services can provide necessary relief and comfort during a blackout.
On the other hand, there may not always be an urgent need for a generator, which leads some consumers to second guess whether it is really worth the expense. In addition to an upfront cost for the machine itself, installing a home generator also involves additional fees such as permits and labor expenses. Homeowners must consider whether these costs are justified by their need for a generator or not.
Ultimately, having a generator on hand in your home is like having extra insurance: you hope you never need it but you will be truly glad you have it if you do. With disaster preparedness becoming more popular each year and advancements in technology making generators more reliable than ever, now could be an excellent time to invest in one for your own home. As homeowners look down roads of thoughtful preparation, it’s also time to start looking into ways of preventing power outages before they become reality.
Power Outages
Power outages can present a range of challenges to homeowners. They often occur during natural disasters, when power lines are damaged or other infrastructure is compromised. In some regions, they also result from high demand for electricity during periods of increased heat or cold. While an interruption in electric service may be inconvenient, it can also be dangerous in cases where it disrupts essential systems like air conditioning or cooling and heating capabilities.
In addition to the disruption and safety concerns associated with power outages, they typically come with significant economic costs. Homeowners without access to the electrical grid can suffer huge losses related to spoiled food and repairs required during periods of intermittent blackouts. Businesses are particularly impacted by outages and may be forced to close their doors until the electrical supply is restored. These economic losses can sometimes exceed hundreds of thousands of dollars due to equipment damage, extended downtime, and lost profits.
Given these risks and losses associated with power outages, many homeowners are now investing in generators as a way to protect their homes against prolonged electricity disruptions. The environmental benefits of generator usage will be discussed in the next section, but suffice it to say that having an emergency backup system in place helps safeguard both people’s finances and the environment from harm.
Environmental Benefits
Power outages can be more than a momentary annoyance; they can cause serious financial and temporal losses for households. Their causes range from routine maintenance to natural disasters. One of the best ways to ensure you’re never left in the dark is investment in good home generators. But besides the convenience of keeping lights on, are there other benefits?
Actually yes, the environment can benefit significantly from quality home generators. These units often have lower emission rates and many use cleaner burning fuels. They can emit far fewer pollutants than even traditionally powered electric grid stations. Efficiency is another primary benefit, in many cases running at around 90 percent efficiency versus only 30-60% energy efficiency when used with a traditional grid station. This makes them eco-friendly and serves as an economic incentive to switch over to greener sources of energy.
However, fuel consumption patterns should still be taken into account if wanting to capitalize on environmental benefits. Generator owners must also keep up with regular maintenance schedules and adhere to all manufacturer instructions to ensure maximum efficiency and minimum emissions of harmful pollutants.
When considering home generators, deeper appreciation for the environment can be taken away from these units than previously thought. Though not perfect solutions by any stretch, when used responsibly they offer viable options for those looking to keep their lives humming during an outage and give back to the planet at the same time. The next step is finding the right generator for your needs; one featuring some important considerations beyond just powering your appliances…
Features To Look For in a Generator
Generators are a powerful resource when the power goes out, but what makes one generator better than another? When choosing a generator, there are several features that can affect its performance and reliability.
The first feature to consider is size. Make sure your chosen generator is big enough to power all your important appliances and electronics. A larger generator will cost more initially, but it could prove to be a worthwhile investment in the long run.
Another important factor to consider is fuel efficiency. Generators come in two types: gasoline and propane-fueled. Gasoline-powered generators require more maintenance and may not be worth the increased costs of fuel and maintenance in the long run. Propane-fueled generators will require less maintenance because of their ability to store fuel for an extended period of time.
Finally, noise is another key factor when picking a generator. Depending on the type of generator you purchase, it may be louder or quieter than other models, so consider how close you’re going to be using it when deciding which type to buy. Some generators are pre-installed with noise reduction systems that help keep them running quietly during a power outage.
Considering all these features before buying a home generator can ensure you get the most from your investment and make sure you keep your lights on during those moments without power. However, regardless of the features you choose, a quality product should always provide low noise operation for maximum comfortability for your family during those difficult times without access to electricity.
- According to the US Energy Information Administration, an estimated 1.2 million American households experienced an unplanned power outage lasting at least one hour during 2018.
- Most standby generators are powered by natural gas, propane or diesel fuel, with gasoline also being a popular option.
- As of 2019, nearly 35% of homes without backup generators reported having experienced an extended power outage due to severe weather or other causes, while only 8% of those same homes had a standby generator installed.
Noise Free Operation
When searching for a generator to keep the lights on, many homeowners overlook the need for one with a quiet operation. It is vital to consider how much noise a generator will create when in use, especially if the generator will be in close proximity to your residence. One of the benefits of many types of home generators is that they offer significantly quieter operation than traditional gas-powered models. Portable inverter generators, for example, use muffler technology and a special four-stroke engine that reduces operating noise levels significantly. However, some portable inverter generators may still produce noticeable noise levels at higher output capacity, so it pays to do your research and read plenty of customer reviews before committing to any particular model.
If you want a truly quiet solution, a standby generator might be the best choice as these are typically much quieter than the portable versions. Standby generators work by automatically turning on when they detect power failures and they don’t require manual start-up or ventilation like portable units do — which could mean lower noise levels overall. Ultimately, if you prioritize having an ultra-quiet generator in operation, then investing in a standby unit might be your best option.
No matter what type of generator you select for your home, it pays to do your research and ensure you choose one with minimal noise pollution — as this can make all of the difference in setting up an uninterrupted power supply during emergencies or outages. With careful consideration and due diligence, you can find the perfect balance between power generation versatility and low-noise operation without sacrificing reliability or safety. From there, you will open yourself up to all of the advantages that portable generators have to offer — where portability is paramount but not at the expense of producing too much noise.
Advantages of Portable Generators
When you’re considering the best type of home generator for your needs, many people contemplate the advantages associated with portable generators. Portable generators provide remarkable convenience and flexibility in addition to quiet operation. You can move them with ease; they require less space than stationary models, allowing them to be easily transported from one place to another. In fact, some portable generators can even be stored in a vehicle or boat, making it an ideal option for those needing a power source when out on the road.
On the other hand, portable generators are more susceptible to theft as opposed to stationary units. To avoid such losses, you’ll need to configure adequate security measures like anchoring them in place or storing them inside a secure location when not in use. Additionally, they aren’t suitable for large applications which may necessitate higher power output capabilities than that of a portable unit.
Whether or not a portable generator is the right choice ultimately depends on your individual needs. Weight can also be a factor, depending on where and how often you transport your generator. Safety should always be at the forefront when dealing with any kind of electrical power source and its important to take various factors into account prior to purchase.
Portable generators offer numerous conveniences and reliability that many homeowners look for in a backup power source for their homes. Whether needing it for recreational purposes or a possible blackout situation, these lightweight devices add an additional layer of comfort knowing that you have access to electricity nomatter where you are. As we move ahead in our discussion on “Keep the Lights On During a Power Outage: The Best Home Generators“, let’s turn now to exploring the convenience and dependability of standby generators–the ultimate backup solution for anyone in need of continual backup power supply.
Convenience and Dependability
When considering the convenience and dependability of portable generators, there are several benefits to keep in mind. Portable generators are easy to use and require minimal effort when setting up in an emergency situation. They’re self-contained units, eliminating the need to hook up to an external unit or establish another permanent power source. Additionally, portable generators have a long lifespan, providing reliable operation during extended periods of time.
On the other hand, while they’re deemed more reliable than stationary generators, they do require some regular maintenance and upkeep to ensure optimal performance. This means replacing fuel filters and oil filters as well as checking spark plugs periodically. Furthermore, since these generators require manual operation, you could end up having to manually refuel them every few hours depending on their size and capacity.
Considering all this information, it’s evident that both stationary and portable home generators offer unique advantages and disadvantages when it comes to convenience and dependability. When making your decision on what type of generator is best for your home, consider factors such as fuel type, cost, output capacity and convenience of maintenance among others before committing to a purchase or rental agreement. Whichever you decide upon will depend greatly on your own preferences and home environment requirements.
Having discussed the advantages of portable generators as well as their drawbacks in terms of reliability and convenience, we can now explore other aspects that should be taken into consideration when investing in a generator. The next step will be assessing the costs involved with purchasing or renting a generator – something we can delve into more deeply once we have a better understanding of each option available at our disposal.
What Are The Costs Involved?
After discussing the convenience and dependability of having a home generator during a power outage, it is important to consider what costs are involved. Many people may be interested in the extra convenience and security that comes with having a reliable backup power source but they may hesitate because of financial limitations or concerns over hidden costs.
When looking at the initial cost of purchasing a generator, they can range from as little as $500 to several thousand dollars. Which generator you choose will depend on your budget, size of your home, and how long you need to have continuous back-up power. If you only occasionally experience short-term outages then a cheaper option may be suitable for your needs. On the other hand, if more intense storms often cause longer blackouts, then a higher price point may be required for a generator that can sustain energy for extended periods. In addition to the purchase price, buyers should also account for installation fee and any additional costs such as fuel delivery or maintenance services.
Although installing a home standby generator may require an up-front investment, and there are associated costs with maintenance, some experts argue that this expense is far less than regularly replacing electronics and food due to unexpected outages. Adequately supplying your home with a reliable back-up source of power is essential for peace of mind during bad weather when access to electricity is not available. Additionally, many homeowner’s insurance companies offer discounts on coverage when generators are installed on the property increasing cost savings associated with the appliance.
Once all factors have been considered, it can be concluded that powering up your home with a generator is not as expensive as it may seem in the beginning. With proper research into what model works best for your needs, it is possible to get an adequate source of emergency power for reasonable costs and even save money in the long run by overlooking potential damages due to outages.
Frequently Asked Questions and Responses
How much power do I need from a generator to power my entire house during an outage?
The amount of power you need from a generator to power your entire house during an outage depends on the size and age of your home, as well as the appliances and equipment you will be powering. Generally speaking, you will need at least 10,000 watts of power to cover basic essential household items like refrigerators, water pumps, and lights. If you plan on running more advanced appliances like air conditioners or electric stoves/ovens, then you’ll likely require 20-30kW or more. Additionally, it’s important to consider other factors such as the frequency of power outages in your area when choosing a generator—softer loads may need a smaller generator than those with longer periods without power.
What factors should I consider when choosing a generator for my house?
When choosing the right generator for your home, there are several factors to consider, including size, fuel type, noise level and price.
Size: Make sure you choose a generator that is large enough to power all of the necessary appliances in your home like your lights, refrigerator, television and heat/air conditioning system. Generally speaking, the more powerful the generator, the more expensive it will be.
Fuel Type: Generators come in two basic types: gas-powered and diesel-powered. Gas tends to be cheaper but is not as reliable as diesel. In addition, diesel will last longer, making it cost effective in the long run. Furthermore, some generators have dual fuel capabilities so you can use both gas and diesel if needed.
Noise Level: Generators can be loud when running so you’ll want to make sure to check for decibel ratings before purchasing one. An overly loud generator is likely to irritate your neighbors or cause disruptions in your everyday life.
Price: Price can be an important factor when deciding which generator to purchase since some models cost thousands of dollars. Do your research prior to buying and look for models with discounts or incentives from energy companies. Additionally, keep an eye out for sales or clearance prices on brands you trust to get the best bang for your buck.
Ultimately, by weighing all of these factors you can make an informed decision on which generator is best suited for your home and lifestyle needs.
Are there any safety recommendations I should consider when using a generator for a house power outage?
Yes, there are several safety recommendations to keep in mind when using a generator for a home power outage. First and foremost, generators should never be used indoors due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning; you should always only operate them outdoors in a well-ventilated area. Additionally, all electrical connections should be tight and secure so as to prevent electric shocks. All extension cords used with the generator should also be rated for the power output of the generator. Finally, whenever refueling a running generator, always turn it off first, as sparks from an engine can ignite any open fuel container. Following these safety recommendations will help ensure your experience with a home generator is safe and successful.