Electrical storms, hurricanes, and other weather events can leave your home without power for weeks. Without electricity, you’ll lose convenience and even hot water, heating, and cooling. So, what type of generator is best for backup power? Let’s explore the key factors to consider.
What are the different types of generators?
Portable generators: Portable generators are designed to be easily moved and transported. They are typically powered by gasoline, diesel, or propane, and they can range in size from a few hundred watts to several thousand watts. Portable generators are often used for camping, tailgating, and emergency power backup.
Home Standby Generators: Don’t Go Through Another Hurricane Season unprepared. Home Standby generators are designed to be permanently installed in one location. They are typically powered by natural gas, propane, or diesel, and they can range in size from a few thousand watts to several megawatts. Stationary generators are often used for commercial and industrial power backup, as well as for primary power in remote areas. Financing is Available.
Generators can also be classified based on their fuel source:
- Gasoline generators: Gasoline generators are the most common type of generator. They are relatively inexpensive and easy to find fuel for. However, gasoline generators can be noisy and produce fumes, so they should only be used outdoors.
- Diesel generators: Diesel generators are more expensive than gasoline
generators, but they are also more fuel-efficient and durable. Diesel generators are often used for commercial and industrial applications, as well as for emergency power backup. - Propane generators: Propane generators are a good alternative to gasoline and diesel generators because they produce fewer emissions and are quieter. However, propane generators can be more expensive than gasoline or diesel generators.
- Natural gas generators: Natural gas generators are the most fuel-efficient type of generator. They are also quiet and produce low emissions. However, natural gas generators require a connection to a natural gas line, so they are not suitable for all applications.
- Hybrid generators: Hybrid generators combine two different fuel sources, such as gasoline and propane. This allows hybrid generators to be more fuel-efficient and versatile than traditional generators.
What is the ideal generator power for my needs?
Install a Generac Home Standby Generator System from Electrical Service Providers Today. The ideal generator power for your needs will depend on a number of factors, including the size of your home, the number of appliances you need to power, and the type of appliances you need to power.
To determine the ideal generator power for your needs, you can follow these steps:
- Make a list of all the appliances you need to power during a power outage.
- Look up the starting and running wattage of each appliance.
- Add up the starting and running wattage of all the appliances you need to power.
- Multiply the total wattage by 1.25. This will give you a safety factor to ensure that your generator can handle the peak load of your appliances.
Here is a table of common household appliances and their wattage requirements:
Appliance | Starting wattage | Running wattage |
---|---|---|
Refrigerator | 1,500-2,000 | 600-800 |
Freezer | 2,000-2,500 | 1,200-1,500 |
Dishwasher | 1,200-1,500 | 900-1,200 |
Clothes washer | 1,000-1,200 | 500-700 |
Clothes dryer | 3,500-4,500 | 1,500-2,000 |
Electric stove | 3,000-3,500 | 1,500-2,000 |
Central air conditioner | 3,000-5,000 | 2,000-3,500 |
Furnace | 1,500-2,000 | 1,000-1,500 |
Well pump | 1,500-2,000 | 1,000-1,500 |
Sump pump | 1,000-1,500 | 500-700 |