What to Look for in a Backup Power Generator for Home

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Whether during a storm or in other extreme weather conditions, when the power goes out, a backup power generator will help you keep your home warm or cool, your computer and phones charging, and your kitchen running.

According to able sales, most people in America usually buy a backup generator when they are aware a major storm is headed to their area. This is a time of desperation and a lot of people tend to make a quick and unreliable decision, ending up with a generator that fails to provide enough backup. And then they have to rely on a flashlight.

Then there are also reports of many people dying every year due to carbon monoxide poisoning related to a power generator. We want to save your life by helping you pick the perfect home power backup generator. Follow the guide to learn how to buy one.

What Are Your Power Priorities

Generators are sold by the power output they are able to produce and this power output is usually mentioned in watts. This determines how many lights and appliances the generator will be able to run simultaneously.

Start by making a detailed list of what appliances, lights, and other things you want to keep running when the power goes down. For a rough idea, here are some numbers.

To keep making your refrigerator work, you’ll need 600 watts power output. Similarly, each light in the house takes about 60 watts to power. A computer can take anywhere from 60-300 watts to work. A portable electric heater may take up to 1500 watts. List down all the things and see how much power output you require.

Pick the Type of Power Generator

Power generators are sold in many different types. These include home standby generators, portable generators, inverter generators, and portable power stations. Here’s how each is different.

Home standby generator – These start automatically as soon as the power goes down and are often capable of supplying you with more power.

Portable generators – These generators typically run on gasoline that you must store in advance in order to make it work. These types of generators usually cost less than other types.

Inverter generators – if you don’t like the loud noise from other generators, the inverter generator might interest you. They are much quieter than their counterparts and can reduce and increase power output according to how much power you are using instead of constantly running at full power.

Portable power station – Portable power stations are based on new technology and they usually don’t produce emissions or carbon monoxide and can be used indoors. They are the safest generators to get but may not provide as much power as their counterparts.

Conclusion and Some Features to Consider

When you know how much power you’ll require, buying a generator becomes very easy. However, the generator should typically have features like automatic start, electric start, alternative fuel capacity, fuel gauge, multiple outlets, low-oil shutoff, and removable consoles for safety and better operation.