If you are interested in buying a backup generator for your home, you might ask yourself a few questions, including what type of backup generator you should choose. There are many different types of backup generators available, from portable to standby. You can choose which one is right for you by taking a look at the wattage requirements for your appliances. Also, you should consider the cost of the generator.
Standby generators
If you are looking for a backup generator, you may be wondering which one to get. Generally speaking, there are three types of backup generators: portable, home and whole house. Which one you buy depends on what you want to accomplish, your budget and your needs.
The portable generators are great for powering essentials. These usually run on a smaller fuel capacity and need to be refueled frequently. You should also consider a maintenance plan with a yearly fee.
Compared to the portable generators, a whole house generator can provide more power and last for longer. These types of generators can keep your sump pump running and keep your pipes from freezing. They can also prevent flooding in low lying areas of your home.
Whole house generators are more expensive than portable generators. You will need a professional to install them. However, they are a worthwhile investment if you experience frequent power outages. Fortunately, they can help you avoid thousands of dollars in property damage.
Portable generators
A standby generator is an option for keeping essential devices running when the power goes out. If you own a home, your standby generator will connect to your fuel supply and automatically start powering up your fridge, freezer, and other important appliances.
Standby generators can be expensive. Prices vary from about $2,000 to more than $10,000. But compared to a portable generator, they offer convenience and improved safety.
Portable generators are cheaper, but they are noisier and produce less power than standby models. They also require additional effort to install, store, and use. Plus, they must be connected to a transfer switch.
The newest generators are more fuel efficient and quieter. Some new models even have a built-in sensor to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. However, they do cost more and are usually a lot smaller.
To buy a portable backup generator, you’ll have to consider the size of your house. This will affect the wattage you need to purchase. Also, you’ll have to choose between an automatic or manual transfer switch.
Cost of a standby generator
Standby generators are a great solution to power outages. However, they can be quite expensive. In fact, they can cost more than $20,000! Luckily, there are ways to save some of that expense.
The first step to a successful standby generator installation is to work with a qualified professional. This can make a big difference in the amount of money you end up spending.
You’ll also want to make sure the installer has proper permits and licenses. Fortunately, there are many gifted electricians out there who can handle the job.
When it comes to the actual size of a generator, you can’t go wrong with a 22-kilowatt Generac unit. It’s quiet, durable, and will keep lights on in most homes. Plus, it has programmable exercise cycles.
If you need a more powerful generator, you can opt for a larger-capacity, liquid-cooled model. These generators are much larger, but they are also more expensive.
Wattage needs for appliances
A generator can be used to keep essential home appliances running when the power goes out. However, you should make sure that you choose one that can provide the proper amount of wattage. The wattage required by each appliance depends on the type of appliance.
To calculate the wattage needed for a particular appliance, you can either do it by measuring the power consumption or by analyzing the load tester. This device is specially designed to measure the electrical needs of various appliances. It can also help you to determine the total power output.
Appliances that use electric motors require a higher starting wattage than those that do not. For instance, refrigerators use up to 2,000 watts to start. Similarly, air conditioners and furnace fans are considered reactive loads.
If you do not know how to estimate the wattage requirements of your appliances, you can visit your local appliance store. You can also check the owner’s manuals of these appliances. Usually, these documents will provide the exact wattage requirements.