How to choose the right home generator
If you’re wondering whether to buy a home generator, you’re not alone. Backup power sources are popular, and manufacturers offer a wide range of choices, from gasoline models costing a few hundred dollars to permanent outdoor installations for several thousand dollars.
Which home generator is right for you depends on your needs. Do you just want to keep your phone charged when the power is out, or do you want to have heat and air conditioning throughout an extended outage?
You might even ask if you really need a generator. The average U.S. home is without power about seven hours a year. Is that enough to justify the expense and attention?
Another part of your planning should be contacting Lynches River Electric Cooperative to get expert advice on the best and safest fit for your home. Members seeking more information can email info@lynchesriver.com for guidance.
Here’s what to know about the four basic choices in home generators:
Portable generators are small enough that you could take them on camping trips, with costs ranging from more than $2,000 to as low as $400. Most can run a refrigerator or a window air conditioner.
However, special attention to safety is required. Because portable generators produce carbon monoxide, you should never use them indoors, not even in a garage. They should be operated more than 20 feet from the house and connected only with outdoor extension cords matched to the wattage being used. Look for models with a carbon monoxide detector and automatic shutoff.
The generator should never be plugged into an outlet or your home’s electrical system. You should also have an electrician install a transfer switch to protect your appliances.
Inverter generators are higher-tech versions of standard portable generators. The power they produce changes to match what the appliances are using. Although a little more expensive, they use fuel more efficiently and make less noise. The same safety guidelines apply as standard portable generators.
Standby generators can cost up to $8,000, plus installation, but they have the benefit of turning on automatically during a power outage and running your whole house. They’re typically a permanently mounted outdoor unit that’s connected to your home electrical system and run on propane or natural gas. It must be installed by a professional electrician.
Power stations charge themselves up while the power is on. They’re not as powerful as some other options, and can be more expensive, but they’re quiet and easy to operate. They can cost between $400 and $6,000. One common use of power stations is to pair them with rooftop solar panels so that electricity from the sun can be available even at night.
With the increased reliance on electronic devices, power outages can be a bigger concern these days. Whatever choice you make, rest assured Lynches River Electric Cooperative is working to get you back on as soon as possible.
