Finding the right generator is not an easy task—this much we know. There is often such a huge market for generators that it can feel intimidating even to know where to start! This is often a deterrent that causes people not to buy a generator that’s right for them, instead of settling on what is most comfortable or the most accessible option.
At Generator Place, we are familiar with this dilemma. This is why we’re here to help; with the following list of 7 Tips to Find the Right Generator for Your Needs, you’ll be able to narrow down and choose a generator that is right for your specific purposes.
You can see more information regarding generators here. So let’s have a step by step information on how generators work.
The Cost
When finding a generator that is right for you, starting with the cost is often the most logical step. This is because the wide market of options ensures that you’ll be able to find something to meet your specifications, so it’s essential to go with what you can afford. Of course, some models that allow for some complicated options will be priced higher, but knowing a general range that you’re able to can help start your search. From this point, you can adjust your price range depending on which features you require, but it’s important to have some idea of how much you’re willing to spend so you can know when the price is getting too high.
Fuel Type
Once you’ve decided which price range you’re going for, differentiating between diesel or petrol generators is key. For those who are unaware, the type of engine refers to the fuel that is used. Diesel generators are more efficient than Petrol generators, but they do come with higher maintenance costs and higher price points. The benefit of having a diesel engine, though, is the increased longevity. Though you technically pay more for a diesel engine, it’s often with the understanding that you’ll save more money over time due to the increased longevity and efficiency of the generator.
Gas Or Propane?
If you are somebody in the market for a generator that you can use at home, deciding between propane or a gas generator can be a big part of your search. We recommend seeking a professional quote that is more useful for your home, but there are general principles that you can follow. For example, if you use a propane generator, you should expect to change out the fuel at regular intervals in an emergency. This should only be noted, though, if you’re looking to use it only once in a while—if you’re someone trying to run large amounts of emergency energy throughout your home, it’s recommended that you invest in a generator that uses natural gas.
Portable Or Stationary?
Depending on how you want to use your generator, the difference between portable and stationary can be huge. If you’re looking to use your generator for anything related to emergencies in which it might have to be ground to different places, getting a portable one is essential. This is because the names are pretty self-explanatory, meaning that if you get stuck having to move a stationary generator, you’re in for an unpleasant time. That being said, if you’re someone who just wants a generator for your home, if a storm knocks out your power, having a stationary generator will work just as well as a portable one, so your preference only depends on whether or not you want mobility.
Run The Numbers
Having a high-capacity generator would be an inefficient use of your money if you only need half of its power. This is why knowing the exact numbers surrounding your home or business will only make it easier for you to choose which generator is right for you. You can do this yourself by running the numbers on how much energy your house needs in general to run. You should then take this number and factor in the potential for emergencies to figure out how much you’ll need in your generator to power your whole house for any given period. We recommend starting with periods such as 24-48 hours simply because this is a general estimate of how long it takes to settle a power outage in any given town.
Size
As you can imagine, the generator market is full of different sizes and varieties that differ based on their features. For instance, the generators that hold large amounts of energy are more significant than the ones that don’t; the stationary ones are often heavier than the portable ones, and so on. Knowing the size of the generator you want can significantly influence its features and should be something you take into account when conducting your search.
Storage
When considering the size of your generator, it’s also important to understand whether or not you have an adequate amount of space to store it. Many of those looking for a full-house generator can overlook this factor, as generators containing that much power often require some shed or containment to cover the device fully. Having protection for your generator is important for those emergency storm moments where you’ll need to use it, making this step an essential thing to keep in mind.
What do you think of our list? Let us know what you think!
