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 Like everything else for the home, generators come
in a variety of shapes, sizes and abilities. Depending on your
needs, it can be difficult to decide what kind of generator works
for you. Luckily, there are sources online that can help narrow down
those choices and outline the possibilities.
The first decision to make when purchasing a generator is to choose
between a portable generator - also known as a conventional
generator - and a stationary or standby machine. There are also
inverters, which are generators used for outdoor activities.
For our purpose, home generators for the home are the focus, which
means thinking about two things: costs and location.
Mike DiLauro, a market analyst in a video for Consumer Reports,
speaks on one of the differences between portable and stationary
generators.
“Portable generators often cost much less than a stationary, and you
can store them in your garage and take them out when you need them.
A stationary generator is permanently installed, you need an
electrician, and costs over $2,000.”
Stationary generators have an advantage over portable machines due
to fuel storage. Stationary generators running on natural gas are
theoretically capable of running as long as necessary. Even if there
is a need for propane, stationary machines can run on much larger
storage tanks than a portable generator. Stationary generators can
often power an entire house.
Also, a stationary generator can be set up to turn on automatically
if the power goes out. Such a feature is useful, especially if the
house is empty when the power shuts off. This is helpful for
situations such as power needed to keep well water pump, basement
sump drainage and septic pumps going.
Portable generators run on ethanol-free gas, diesel, propane, or
natural gas. DiLauro suggests at least “10 to 25 gallons [of gas] on
hand.” That makes for a lot of storage space solely for fuel that
may not even be sufficient. Furthermore, gas in generators needs
stabilizing additives, and experts suggest running the generator
completely, even after the power is back, which might seem wasteful.
Portable generators can run on propane, depending on the model, but
that calls for several small tanks every day.
The upside to portable generators, other than size, is that some
have an electric start switch, which runs off of an onboard battery.
This is much easier to operate than the electric pull-cord that
other machines use.
Generators
buying guide | Consumer Reports
According to a video by Ryobi Tools, another thing to consider is
the amount of power you will need the generator to handle. To do
this, you need to add up the total wattage of the devices in your
home, and find both the total running watts and the highest starting
watts of those appliances. Each device or appliance has a running
wattage (the amount of power needed to keep running) and a starting
wattage (how much power needed to turn on).
How to: Buy a
Generator by Ryobi Tools USA A downside
to portable generators is that some models have limits, according to
Consumer Reports - “Some generators weren’t able to handle the power
surges that occur; for example when the water pump cycles on.”
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 Experts recommend portable generators with a power
capacity of over 5,000 watts. “That will power your refrigerator,
your heat in the winter, your water pump, your air conditioner in
the summer, and your lights,” says DiLauro. Stationary units, on the
other hand, should fall in a range of 6,000 to 8,000 watts.
Smaller portable generators, those in the area of 3,500 watts, could
run “a couple of appliances, maybe a refrigerator, a heater - if
someone has it hooked up to a furnace, it could run that,” according
to Terry Sytsma, a hardware store manager in Michigan. A smaller
generator in that range could run a handful of important appliances
and a few lights, but that limit is another thing to consider when
searching for a generator.
Some portable generators are large enough to handle that much
wattage. A 6,500 watt machine, for example, could handle a water
pump or a sump pump, says Sytsma. Stationary generators will always
be able to handle that much power and then some.
Portable generators for homes are almost always going cost several
hundred dollars or more. Even smaller units used for activities like
camping can be relatively cheap by comparison, but shouldn’t be used
for emergencies. Stationary generators are always going to reach
into the thousands of dollars for cost.
Regardless of which type of generator you choose, noise is often a
concern. Some stationary generators feature noise reduction
technology in their design, and can perform weekly self-diagnostic
checks to look for errors.
Furthermore, generators should always be operated outside, and never
inside the home. When buying a generator, always consider where
exactly the machine, and the fuel, will be stored to ensure maximum
safety. This is an important aspect of making the decision on
stationary versus portable generators. Generators should always be
outside of every structure, including garages. “They cannot be in
the garage or on the porch or any enclosed area,” says Sytsma.
For safety, generators of any type should run on proper cords built
for them, not just regular house current, much like other larger
appliances. “These have to be run on an extension cord, or a proper
cord, for the appliance,” says Sytsma.
Choosing Which
Generator to Buy After examining all of
these factors, you should be able to choose the generator that is
right for your needs. Remember that there are always sources
available to help you make the right choice.
Additional generator advice by
Consumer reports - Generators
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