What size generator do I need?

How do you know which generator is best for you?

What is a generator?

A generator is a machine in which an engine fueled by gasoline, diesel, natural gas etc. creates electricity as a secondary source of energy.

 

Generators are useful in case of an emergency or if you do not have power available to you. They can keep your home cool in the summer or warm in the winter. They can keep the lights on and the freezer running.

On a remote job site, a portable generator can provide enough temporary power to run power tools and lighting.

 

Which type of generator do I need?

There are three types of generators: standby, portable, and inverter all of which have different energy outputs depending on your needs.

 

Standby generators are a permanent solution to frequent outages. They are fueled by natural gas or liquid propane and turn on automatically when the power goes out. They have and internal combustion engine and have to components, a generator and an automatic transfer switch. Once installed, they typically do their own weekly checks to ensure that they are functioning properly.

Portable generators are a good temporary source of power when electricity is not readily available or when in a remote location. They generally run on diesel or gasoline and have an internal combustion engine. It provides electrical outlets to power refrigerators or small appliance and power tools or lights.

Inverter generators are a smaller portable option that self-regulate power based on need. They operate on high tech magnates to create energy and tend to be more energy efficient. They are good for charging laptops and phones or car batteries.

 

All generators require maintenance and should be checked regularly to ensure that their batteries are holding a charge.