Choosing a New Generator to Meet Your Needs
Power shut-offs in California. Storms along the coast. People around the country are waking up to the fact that the power we take for granted can be gone in the blink of an eye. For most, losing power means losing the comfort and conveniences of modern life. For some, it can mean the difference between life and death when oxygen concentrators stop functioning. Purchasing a new generator can help protect you against unexpected power outages. When choosing a home standby generator set, portable generator, or large inverter for your home or business, the following are some things you will want to consider.
Establish Your Needs
Establish a baseline minimum power level you will need for your home. You should identify the wattage each appliance and device will need for operation. To save money, it’s advisable to choose a generator that has the ability to supply 10-20% more than the minimum level you think you will need. This cushion is important, as many devices require additional wattage as they cycle on. If you do not have sufficient wattage coming from the generator, it can overload the gen set.
Consider Frequency of Outages when Choosing a Generator
Home standby generators, mid-size or large inverters, and portable gen sets are suitable for areas where frequent power outages occur. You can connect these directly to the circuit breaker in your home or business.
Mid-sized inverters are a fuel efficient option that can supply up to 3,500 watts. These units are ideal for areas with frequent power outages. These generators cost anywhere from $1,000 to $2,000 to purchase.
Larger inverters that can supply up to 7,500 watts cost between $1,500 and $4,000 to purchase. These are usually sufficient to supply the power needs of an entire home. Similarly, you can choose a home standby generator. These fixed units supply up to 20,000 watts and cost anywhere from $2,000 to $6,000.
If you experience periodic outages, then a large inverter or portable new generator are a good option. Portable generators can supply up to 7,500 watts and cost between $700-$2,800 to purchase dependent largely on the power output you desire.
Finally, if power outages are rare and of short duration, then a mid-sized inverter or recreational one is the most affordable option to choose. Recreational inverters supply up to 2,000 watts of power. These units cost anywhere from $500-$1000 for a reliable unit. Many new generators also feature user-friendly smartphone apps that make it easier to monitor fuel levels and operational performance.
We invite you to contact Gen-Tech at (800) 625-8324 for more information about home standby generators, inverters, and portable generator sets. It is our pleasure to answer your questions and help you identify the most suitable generator for the needs of your home or business.