A power outage can be a major inconvenience. Not only will you be without power, but you could also lose access to critical systems like your security system or HVAC unit. If you want to be prepared for any potential power outages, it’s important to have an emergency generator. But with so many different options on the market, how do you choose the right one for your needs? In this blog post, we will discuss the different factors you need to consider when choosing an emergency generator and provide some recommendations for the best ones on the market!
How big of a generator do I need for home emergency?
The best way to determine the size of your generator is by calculating the total wattage for all appliances and devices that you want it to power. A good rule of thumb is to multiply this number by two or three times their normal operating current if they are running at maximum capacity when you calculate total watts needed in order to account for any surges.
The best emergency generators for home come in a range of sizes, so you can choose the one that best fits your needs. If you only need to power a few essential devices, then a small generator should do the trick. But if you want to power your entire home in the event of a power outage, then you will need a larger generator.
What are some factors I need to consider when choosing an emergency generator?
When choosing an emergency generator, you will need to consider the following factors:
– The wattage requirements for each appliance or device
– The type of fuel it uses
– Whether it is portable or stationary
– How noisy it is
– The price
Wattage Requirements:
The first thing you need to do when choosing a generator is to determine the wattage requirements for your appliances and devices. This will help you choose a generator that has sufficient power, as well as one that does not use too much fuel or become overly noisy.
Here are some examples of common household appliance wattages:
– Refrigerator: 700 watts
– Microwave oven (1200 watts)
– Television: 100-300 watts
– Computer: 120 watts
Fuel Type:
The next thing you need to consider is the type of fuel the generator uses. The most common types of fuel are gasoline, propane, and diesel. Some generators can also use natural gas or home solar power. If you have a specific fuel type that you want to use, be sure to check the generator’s specifications before making a purchase.
Portability:
Some generators are portable, meaning they can be moved from place to place, while others are stationary and must be installed in a specific location. If you plan on moving your generator around frequently, then you will need to choose a portable one that is lighter and easier to transport. However, if you want it installed more permanently somewhere like your garage or basement, then a stationary generator may be best suited for this purpose.
Noise:
Another factor you will need to consider is how noisy the generator is when operating at full capacity. If it’s too loud, it may not be suitable for use in your home. You can find generators with noise ratings as low as 47 decibels or as high as 100 decibels.
Price:
Finally, you will need to consider the price of the generator before making a purchase. Emergency generators can range in price from several hundred dollars to over $2000 depending on the size and type of generator.
Here are the best emergency generators for home use:
– Briggs & Stratton 30651 P2200 Portable Inverter Generator
This generator is a good option for people who need a portable generator that is lightweight and easy to transport. It has a wattage of 1700 and can run for up to eight hours on a full tank of gas. The noise rating is also relatively low at 57 decibels.
– Generac 6866 iQ2000 Portable Inverter Generator
This is another good option for a portable generator. It has a wattage of 2000 and can run for up to nine hours on a full tank of gas. It also has a noise rating of 57 decibels.
– Honda EU2200i Portable Inverter Generator
This is one of the best-selling portable generators on the market and for good reason. It has a wattage of 2000 and can run for up to eight hours on a full tank of gas. It also has a noise rating of just 53 decibels, making it one of the quietest generators available.
– Briggs & Stratton Elite Series 22000E Gasoline Powered Portable Generator
This is a good option for a stationary generator. It has a wattage of 22000 and can run for up to 12 hours on a full tank of gas. It also has a noise rating of 74 decibels, making it one of the louder generators available.
– Kohler 20RESAL-220VAC Single Phase Home Standby Generator
This is another good option for a stationary generator. It has a wattage of 20k and can run for up to 12 hours on a full tank of gas. It also has a noise rating of 70 decibels, making it one of the louder generators available.
Conclusion
Any of these generators would be a good option for your home in the event of an emergency. Be sure to consider the factors listed above when making your decision so you can choose the best generator for your needs.