Across the United States, power grid operators report concerns about maintaining the electrical power for the millions of customers who depend on that power. There can be times when the demand is greater than the available output.
In some areas, the grids are being converted to systems that get their power from cleaner energy sources. Whether it is from demand or from a concerted effort to create a safer and cleaner system, occasional blackouts may happen, especially in the warmer summer months.
As a result, concerned consumers who depend on electrical power for their livelihood or for their very lives, turn to power generators to provide power should a system blackout occur.
Choosing the proper power generator for your needs can avoid both overspending and inadequate performance when you need it. Below are the features found in standard power generators, as well as the differences in those generators to keep in mind when shopping for the equipment.
How to Hook Up a Generator
To begin, know that there are two ways to use a power generator. You can attach appliances to the generator with individual power cords, or you can connect the generator to your home’s electrical system using a transfer switch. The second choice is best set up by an electrician, or at least learn from an electrician how to make the connection in advance of a power outage.What You Want Your Generator to Do
In choosing a generator, you need to consider what you need it to do.- Do you want it to power the entire house?
- Do you want it to charge your electric car, electric scooter, or electric bike?
- Do you just want to ensure you have lights or HVAC function?
- Do you want to power just your communication devices, such as phones or laptops?
- what you want the generator to do,
- how you want to power it,
- whether it will be place indoors or outdoors,
- whether you want to pay for professional installation,
- how dependable you want it to be, and
- just how much you want to pay, both initially and over time.
Types of Generators
1. Home Standby Generator
This generator will power your entire home. It is powered by a non-electrical power source in your home, such as natural gas, and it connects directly to your home’s electrical circuit system. Modern versions of this generator have digital functions that allow you to monitor the generator via an app.This type of generator requires professional installation, and takes up a lot of room. It is expensive, noisy, and requires yearly maintenance.
2. Gasoline Generator
The most commonly used generator for power outages, the gasoline generator is suitable for low-power appliances or electrical tools. Such generators are less expensive than most others, and run on standard gasoline. As of mid-June 2022, the cost of gasoline might make this generator less popular, especially since stored gasoline is safe for only three to six months, unless a fuel stabilizer is added to extend the life of the gasoline.3. Diesel Generator
A diesel generator is good for severe conditions, such as extreme cold. Diesel generators are more fuel-efficient than gasoline generators, thus reducing costs, and offsetting the initial higher purchase price.Diesel generators do produce toxic emissions, so must be used outdoors only. They are also less portable than gasoline generators.
4. Natural Gas Generator
If your home has a natural gas source, such as one used to power a barbeque grill, a natural gas generator could be a good fit. They produce fewer emissions than gas or diesel generators. Installing a permanently connected natural gas generator incurs a significant cost as even with an existing gas line, they require professional installation.5. Solar Generator
A solar powered generator is the cleanest choice, and thus can be used indoors. It contains a solar battery and so is not entirely dependent on immediate weather conditions. But, it is fair to say solar generators can lose effectiveness due to long storms or just overnight when there is no sun. Consumers can buy solar generators with large battery capability at a higher cost, and solar generators can be connected to each other to increase output.6. Portable Generator
A portable generator is much smaller and less expensive than a home standby generator. It can be connected to the house through a transfer switch, a maneuver best done by an electrician (although the homeowner can be shown how to make the connection). Otherwise, the portable generator is powered by gas, either natural or propane.A portable generator has a general power cord to which appliances can be connected, or multiple extension cords can be used to connect separate appliances.
Portable generators have limited wattage capabilities, so you need to know the wattage of the appliances you are attaching to prevent overloading the generator.
Unlike a home standby generator, portable generators must be used outside the home.
7. Inverter Generator
An inverter generator is not going to power the electricity in your home, but it can offer power to cell phones or laptops, and low wattage cooking items like a microwave oven or toaster oven.Inverter generators have their own battery so that power can be stored. Effectively, you use the electrical power in your home to store electricity in an inverter generator battery ahead of time, thereby avoiding the use of any kind of gas.
The power output of a single inverter generator is not significant, but two such generators can be connected to increase the power output.
