Electricity is a wonderful thing. In our homes, we usually take it for granted that we can flip a switch when we need light or turn on the stove when we want to cook. But if you need power when you’re away from home or you want a back-up in case of a power outage, you’ll need a generator for power.
Choosing a portable generator to back up your home in a power outage or provide a portable energy source can be a daunting assignment. There are many brands and models to choose from, and you want to ensure that the generator you choose will be able to fill your needs.
Portable generators – such as the Honda models we carry here at Richardson Saw & Lawnmower – are less expensive than permanent backup generators and don’t require a complex installation process. This makes them a great choice for emergency back-up power in most homeowner situations. And since they’re portable, they’re also a great choice for when you’re on the move and need power for work or recreation.
There are four key factors to look at when selecting a portable power generator. Power output determines what the generator is capable of powering. Noise level may be a consideration depending on how and where you plan to use the generator. Fuel and run time affect how expensive it is to fuel your generator and how long you can go before refueling. Finally, certain generators offer features that make them easier to start and use. Keep reading for a guide on how to use these four factors to select the right generator for home, work, and/or play.
Power Output
The most important consideration when selecting a generator is making sure it can power everything you need it to. You can use Honda’s online wattage calculator to help determine the wattage you need for all the appliances you want to run.
When you’re shopping for generators, the description will tell you each generator’s continuous and maximum/surge power ratings. The first describes how many watts or kilowatts the generator can continuously supply without overloading. The maximum or surge power only lasts a few seconds to cover the extra power motors pull when they first start. To calculate the minimum wattage you’ll need from a generator, make a list of everything you want to power and add up the wattage for each item.
The smaller 1,000- to 3,000-watt generators in Honda’s EU and EB series are perfect for supplying power when you’re RVing, camping, tailgating, or boating. They can also be used to run power tools and act as backup power for a few home appliances (like a refrigerator) in case of a power failure.
If you need to be able to power more appliances or ones that require higher wattage, such as sump pumps and air conditioners, you’ll need a larger generator. A typical home will need 5,000 to 7,000 watts to power essential items in case of a power outage. Honda’s portable generators ca supply this level of power. They go up to 10,000 watts in their industrial EB series generators.
Noise
If you will be using your generator in a residential area, make sure to check if there are noise ordinances that regulate how loud your generator can run. Noise is also a consideration if you’re trying to sleep while a nearby generator is running. You also won’t want a very loud generator if you’re using it for recreational purposes and want to carry on a conversation near the generator.
How loud a generator runs in measured in decibels. Click here for a chart that shows the decibel levels of several models of Honda generators and compares them to common noises. The super-quiet EU1000i generator supplies 1,000 watts while producing lower levels of sound than a normal conversation. The most powerful of Honda’s generators, the EM1000, runs just a little louder than the average vacuum cleaner.
Fuel and Run Time
You’ll want to find a generator that is fuel-efficient and has a long run time. One with an 8 to 10 hour run time at half-load is enough that you won’t have to refuel in the middle of the night or worry about it if you leave the house for a day.
Different generators run on different types of fuel, including gasoline, diesel, biodiesel, natural gas, and propane. Deciding what kind of fuel source you want to use can depend on several factors. These include how often you will use the generator and the availability of different kinds of fuel in your area. Honda generators all run on unleaded gasoline, which makes it very easy to get the fuel you need to power your generators.
Features
Make sure the generator is easy for you to start. Most of the smaller models, and many larger models as well, use a pull-handle start. On Honda generators, their automatic mechanical decompressor system significantly reduces the amount of force needed to start the engine. They also offer certain models with an electric start, which saves time and effort. The electric start is an especially useful feature if you’re using your generator in the winter.
Low-oil shut down and high-temperature shut down are safety features that protect your generator. If the oil drops below a safe level or your generator starts to overheat, these features will shut it off. Any good-quality generator will have safety shut down features.
If you’re getting a generator for back-up power, you do have the option to choose either a portable generator or a standby generator. Standby generators are permanently connected to your electrical systems and turn on when the power goes out. Standby generators are more powerful than most portable generators, but they are also more expensive. If you want to save some money, you can easily use a portable generator for back up power. A portable back up generator can be also moved to provide power in remote locations.
Whatever type of generator you choose, doing a little research before you start shopping will help you make a more informed decision. And generator shopping will go much more smoothly now that you know more about the choices you have in terms of power output, fuel, run time, noise level, and various features. If you have any further questions, we’d be happy to answer them for you. Just contact us or stop by our location to talk with one of our equipment professionals. We’ll help you find a generator to fit your needs.
