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High winds, unusual storms, power blackouts: It doesn’t take long to grasp how reliant you are on power. It can be challenging to go without it for some hours. What about some days? Considering your lifestyle, it’s nearly impossible.
As a result, the need for house generators is growing. Generators range in price from a few hundred to thousands of dollars. They are available in a variety of sizes and configurations, and they operate on a variety of fuels. So, how would you determine which generator is best for you?
As with any purchase, if you tackle it with a few questions when considering your alternatives, your outcomes will be tailored to your needs. Before buying a generator, consider the following questions.
1. Why Are You Purchasing a Generator?
Generators are purchased for a number of uses. Some people would like to avoid the agony and annoyance of a prolonged power outage. Some people purchase a generator for a residence that is either temporarily or permanently off the grid.
How long do you expect your generator to run continuously? Is it only for emergency use? Most house generators are not intended to run continuously. Examine the warranty. If there is a restriction on usage, it is usually an indication that it would not last long.
2. Where Are You Going to Put the Generator?
If you plan to permanently put it close to your house, make sure there is enough space for it to be freely accessible from across all sides. It can’t be close to your windows or an entrance to your house. Natural gas-driven generators necessitate upgrading your metering and installing new gas lines by your utility provider because of the amount of fuel they consume.
Propane-powered generators are linked to tanks and may quickly deplete a typical tank. Furthermore, the gas pipes will have to be concealed. Diesel generators either feature a built-in storage tank, a sub-base fuel tank beneath the generator, or a tank positioned next to it.
3. What Size Do You Require?
This is an area where you may either waste or save tons of cash if you don’t make the right choices. It is critical to consider your needs. What appliances do you need to continue operating when the electricity goes out? You probably don’t require all of your home appliances to be turned on simultaneously. If you can avoid using all of your large appliances simultaneously, you may lower the cost and size of your generator while also saving a significant amount of fuel.
4. How Will You Fuel Your Generator?
When you’ve decided whether to go with propane, gasoline, or diesel, you should think about how you will store the fuel you’ve chosen. What is your plan for replenishing the fuel? What amount of fuel do you need to run your generator for three or four days? Generators of an identical power rating might use vastly varying quantities of fuel based on the type of fuel.
5. Is It Simple to Maintain the Generator?
Proper maintenance is required to keep your generator in excellent operating order. The majority of generators are damaged due to poor maintenance. It is not unusual for an oil replacement to be postponed during a blackout, and by the time the blackout is over, or the dawn arrives, the engine has sustained irreversible damage.
Diesel generators can run for 500 hours between filter and oil replacements. Other kinds of generators must be serviced at least once every 100 hours. Is it possible for you to replace the oil on your own, or do you require a professional to maintain the generator?
6. What Are the Warranty’s Exclusions?
Study the fine print of the generator warranty. Many firms limit the generator warranty to emergency standby usage only. They cannot be used for portable electricity, such as at a cabin, camp, or off-grid location.
7. How Long Does the Generator Run?
Power outages are becoming more frequent and stay longer than ever before. Your standby generator must be able to run for as much as you require it to without failing or requiring expensive maintenance.
When purchasing a generator, it is critical that you obtain answers to the questions above. Trust Simmons Heating & Cooling if you need generator repair, maintenance, or generator installation for your Chesapeake, VA, home. We also offer heating and cooling repair, maintenance, and installation services to fit your needs. Our BBB-accredited company has been serving the community for over 50 years, and we look forward to earning your business. Contact us to learn more!
