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How To Choose The Right Backup Generator For Your Home

Imagine having to spend your day without your favorite shows on televisions while snacking on your favorite cool treats and lounging under the AC to beat the summer heat. No, right? We can’t either. Thankfully, we have generators to save the day. These powerhouses are life-saving equipment, especially during the frequent blackouts during bad weather.

With the right generator, you can enjoy all the comforts of your home without the weather souring your mood.

Know Your Options

Now that you have decided to buy a generator, the next question is where to get started? But fear not, we are here to help. We will give an overview on the types of generators available, and then you can head on to https://www.ablesales.com.au/ to select your generator that suits your needs and budget the most among the wide array of options.

Primarily, household generators are of two types, namely standby and porter generators. Another type of generator is the inverter, which can function dually during emergencies and for outings.

Standby Generators– These silent heroes won’t even let you realize that you have had a power outage. Like the central AC unit, they are set up outside your house permanently on a concrete pad.

Why Choose Standby:-

Automatic Operation- The best feature of this generator is the lack of downtime. The power comes up instantly in the event of a blackout and supplies your home until the original line is restored.

No entangling in extension cords- No one likes tripping on extension cords. These generators are directly connected to the electrical panel, so individual appliances don’t need to be connected to the generator. Thus, they save you from unfortunate accidents.

No Fuel tank to fill- As they are directly connected to the natural gas line, you don’t need separate fuel tanks for them. Alternatively, they can also be fueled by liquid propane.

Provides more electricity- In case of other generators, you may have a limited choice on which appliances you can power. However, with standby, there is enough power to supply the entire house.

Makes your home more lucrative- If you wish to sell your house in the future, having a standby generator in your house to tackle emergencies increases your house value by many folds.

Some Cons

It doesn’t come cheap-However, they are worth their value. So if you are willing to lighten your pocket in exchange for an uninterrupted power supply, you won’t regret it.

Professional Required- Connecting the generator to your home electrical system requires professional help and can be dangerous if not done by experts.

Portable Generators- These portable powerhouses are incredibly helpful as they provide a good power source on a budget.

Why Choose Portable?

Less Expensive- Portable generators are comparatively much cheaper compared to standby and a good option if you are on a tight budget.

Save installation costs- Unlike standby  generators, portable generators do not require professional installation and are easier to maneuver.

Some cons-

Fuel storage-Most Portable types run on gasoline, which you need to stock up on, especially before unfavorable weather if you plan on running on the generator alone and your area experiences frequent blackouts.

Short running time- This depends on how long your fuel lasts before the power is back on.

Less capacity– Unlike standby, you can only power a handful of appliances at a time, so be careful to connect it to only the necessary appliances that you will need in power outages.

Requires extension cords– As the generator is placed outside for safety concerns, you will need to connect each appliance you want to power individually.

Determining the Right Generator Size

The generator size is measured in watts, which itself is a unit for electricity. Before you select a generator, you must determine what wattage you want for your generator and how many appliances you wish to power.

For example, if you want to power only the essential circuit in your home (air conditioner, water heater, computer monitor, refrigerator), you will need to add up their wattage and select a generator accordingly. Powering only the essential circuits will save you expenses by buying a less powerful generator as well as save fuel costs.

On the other hand, if you want to power your entire home, standby generators are a better option. Nonetheless, you have to calculate your total wattage requirement in this case as well to determine your generator size.

If you are still unsure about your generator size, here is a guide to help you get started.

Some Additional Equipment

You will need certain additional equipment in order to connect the generator to your home electrical line and your appliances. These include transfer switches for standby and extension cords for portable type.

A transfer switch allows you to connect the generator with the home electrical line with a single cable. The downside of this safe and reliable option is that it is expensive and requires a professional to install. Make sure to add these costs to your generator expenses separately.

If you decide to use extension cords instead, be sure to measure the cord length, gauge, and plug type you will require. Also, keep in mind that certain devices like refrigerators need special cords, so calculate all these factors before making a purchase.

On another note, if you plan on backing up multiple air conditioners, you may face some complications. Working two air conditioners simultaneously will overwhelm your generator. Fortunately, there is a way to overcome this called AC shedding, which prevents both ACs from starting at the same time.

Making The Big Decision

The above points should help you narrow down your options according to your power needs. But there are a few factors that are good to keep in mind before you purchase your dream generator-

 

Conclusion

After you finally find the generator you want, there are a few things to keep in mind so that your generator is up and running when the power’s out. An owner’s manual is a good place to get started.

You must also take into account factors like the site of the generator set up, protection from the elements, fuel storage, and periodic maintenance.

Generator, like any appliance, requires routine maintenance and good overall care for a long-lasting performance. If you have any doubts or need help in any step from buying to installation, it’s a good idea to turn to the pros.

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