Usually when we need power, we just plug something into an electrical outlet. But power outlets aren’t available everywhere, and sometimes the power goes out. In those situations, power generators provide an alternative source of power.
There’s a variety of different power generators available for purchase to meet different needs. Answering the question, “What type of generator will work best for me?” depends on a variety of factors.
In this article, we’ll go through the ways to use generators, types of generators to meet those different needs, and what you should look for when shopping for a power generator.
Uses for Generators
Often when people think of generators, they think of using them for home backup power. If the electricity goes out, generators make it so you can still run important appliances like the refrigerator to keep food cold. The most powerful generators can supply power to all the major systems in your home and power things like heating fans, basement pumps, and AC units.
Generators are also a great fit for situations when you need portable power. You can use generators for commercial work, such as supplying power on a construction site. You can also use generators recreationally, to supply power when camping, RVing, tailgating, or boating.
Types of Generators
A home standby generator is typically the most powerful and expensive type of generator. You should have a professional electrician install them. Once permanently placed on your property, they automatically turn on to provide power in the event of a power outage.
Portable generators are much easier to move around. You can still use the larger models for home backup power, but they aren’t permanently installed. You’ll need an electrician to install a transfer switch so you can safely switch over to the generator when needed.
Portable generators are a great fit for home backup power, commercial use, and recreational use. The larger portable generators can power a trailer at a construction site, and smaller ones can power a single tool (like an air compressor or concrete vibrator). The smaller models are also perfect for recreational uses. Inverter generators in particular are portable, compact, and relatively quiet.
Calculating Power Requirements
When you’re shopping for a generator, each one will list the power output in watts. That’s how you know how much power the generator can provide and therefore what tools, appliances, etc. that the generator can power.
First, you need to determine how much wattage you need. For an entire home, you’re typically looking at around 20,000 watts and you’d need a standby generator for that. But if you just want to power the refrigerator, a few lights, and a laptop you could get by with a 2,000-watt portable or inverter generator.
It’s important to figure out exactly what you need to power so you don’t get a generator that’s way too big for what you need. Modern generators are more fuel efficient than they used to be, but you still don’t want to waste gasoline on a huge generator when you only need to power a few appliances.
Honda offers a handy wattage calculator tool and a generator selector tool to help you figure out how much wattage you’ll need. The tools walk you through selecting a generator for home, work, or play.
Features To Look For
Many generators now include safety features to help protect users from carbon monoxide (CO) emissions. Look for features like an automatic CO shutoff, which turns the generator off if a sensor detects high CO levels, and low-CO engines. Depending on the generator brand, these sorts of safety features might go by different names such as “CO Guard,” “CO Minder” or “CO Sense.”
If you don’t want the hassle of a pull cord for starting, many generators offer electric starts so you can turn them on with the push of a button. For portable generators, especially for work or recreational use, consider getting one of the models with multiple outlets so you can power multiple devices at once.
Also, remember to take a look at the fuel source. Most portable generators are gasoline-powered, but you can also get propane-fueled portable generators. Most standby generators are powered by propane or natural gas.
Safety and Setup Tips
Generators are valuable tools, but they can present some dangers if you’re not careful with them. Always operate generators outdoors to prevent CO buildup in enclosed spaces. You should keep generators at least 20 feet away from homes, and point the exhaust away from the house.
You’ll also want to keep the generator dry. You can purchase or build a vented generator tent/cover to protect the generator while keeping it safely outdoors. When the generator is turned off and not in use, you can store it in a garage or shed with other power equipment.
If you’re using the generator for home backup power, make sure you have a qualified electrician install a transfer switch. That makes it easier to switch over to your backup power. It also makes it safer since you’re not running extension cords to each appliance.
Models from Honda and Echo
Two of the brands we carry here at Richardson Saw manufacture generators. Honda has a well-deserved reputation for making reliable, top-quality generators. They offer generators in three main categories: Home backup (emergency power), Recreational use (RV, camping, tailgating, boating), and Industrial use (construction and rental). There’s a wide selection, with everything from portable generators you can carry with one hand to heavy-duty backup and industrial generators.
Echo is relatively new to the generator market, but they have a solid selection available. Some of their models feature low-carbon-monoxide engines. Like Honda generators, Echo models are designed for quieter operation than many competing generators.
If you have any questions or you’d like to browse some in-stock models, come visit us at Richardson Saw & Lawnmower. We’ll be happy to help you find the perfect generator for your home or business.
