Generators come in many forms these days and portable generators, in particular, are proving to be very popular. However, there is still a strong pull for the more conventional home standby generator, after all, no other kind of generator can really offer the same power, can it?
But what do you need to consider when buying a home standby generator? Reading home standby generator reviews is always a good first step to help educate yourself about standby emergency generators but I can go a little further.
Below I’ve compiled a list of all the things you need to consider when buying a home standby generator. So, if you are thinking of getting a standby emergency generator be sure to consult this checklist.
Fuel Type: There is a lot of choices when it comes to the fuel you choose for your standby emergency generator. The main three options are natural gas, diesel, and propane every fuel as its own unique benefits and disadvantages so working out which fuel is best for your needs isn’t always going to be easy.
If you want a quieter generator then you might want to choose propane but if you want a hardier durable generator you might opt for a diesel machine. You also need to consider the costs of fuel and its availability as well. Working out which fuel option is best for your needs will take a little time and research but once done it will help ensure you buy the best standby emergency generator for your home.
Power Level/ Wattage: After deciding the best fuel type for your standby emergency generator you will need to think about what wattage you will need. When it comes to standby emergency generators you can expect very high wattages.
However, every household is different which means you will need to be careful when choosing a generator. You will want enough wattage to safely power everything but you don’t want to end up buying a generator with a very high wattage if you are never going to utilise the extra-power. The higher the wattage the more expensive your generator will be in most cases.
Installation: Once the fuel and wattage are worked out you will need to think about installation. Not every retailer/ manufacturer will offer to install your generator which means you might need to arrange it yourself.
Finding an electrician to do this shouldn’t be too difficult but it is an extra charge on top of the purchase price. You will also need to ensure you have a safe space to install the generator as well. Home standby emergency generators are usually installed outdoors but they can be installed indoors but you will need to ensure there is proper ventilation.
Warranty: Finally you will need to ensure the generator has a sufficient warranty. This can vary wildly but it will usually be between 1 to 5 years at most. However, you might be able to get this extended for an additional charge.
