Suddenly, in the blink of an eye, your power flicks off during a raging storm outside. Scared, you scrambled for something to help you see just a bit in the dark. Having a backup generator equipped in your home is ideal for keeping electricity on during storms and times of power outages. By being prepared with a backup generator, electricity for your home will be readily available for you and your family. Many generators claim they fit your needs, but not all of them are the best generators for emergencies. You need to understand the differences between them and educate yourself about what to look for in your generator.
Portable or Permanent Generator…?
One of the first things you need to consider is whether you want a portable or permanent backup generator installed in your home. A permanent backup generator stays outside of your home and is always available on standby, should something happen to your electricity. These types of generators run off of gas or propane and generate enough electricity for re-powering your home once it loses power. The generator uses what is known as a transfer switch to transfer your electricity to a new power line to restore the electricity in your home. A portable generator is different from a permanent one. This option is much more affordable for the average family and powers your most important and necessary items during an outage. These generators are compact in size and come on wheels so that you can move them around as needed. They run on gas and start once you turn them on. Unlike permanent generators, they do not kick on automatically or restore power to your whole home.
Consideration When Purchasing
You should consider some things when you are purchasing your generator. One of the first things to consider is the quality of the product. Whether you choose a permanent or portable one, you need to know that you can depend on it in situations where you need electricity. The generator should hold up under normal wear and tear and start with ease for you. Each generator should be durable and the knobs, wheels, hoses, and other components should be securely fitted to the unit. Another thing to consider when purchasing your generator is what you need to power. Since a portable generator can only power so many items, you should determine what your most vital items are. Electricity for your air conditioning unit is needed, depending on where you live. In addition to your air conditioning, you may determine that you need electricity for your refrigerator. Consider how much each piece of needed equipment uses and keep this in mind when choosing your generator. Lastly, consider how much you can afford to spend on a generator and whether or not you want it to work automatically when you are not home. A portable generator will not kick on when you are not home; however, a permanent one will.
Never Fear the Dark Again
Choosing the best generator for emergencies is dependent upon what your needs are, how much you can afford, and what the generator can power for your home. Keeping your power on or powering up your important items during an outage is important to keep your family safe. Storms can present you with a scary situation and once you install your generator, you will have electricity for your home. The best generators for emergencies will keep your family safe, allow you to see during a storm, and help you protect your valuables. Never sit in the dark without power again and rely on another backup source to provide your home with the power you need.
