Generators are fast becoming a necessity for each and every household and business. It also makes sense to have a generator just in case there is a blackout and you need a backup source of power. Hence many residences have decided to install generators, so that they have an option to power up their houses in case of an emergency or a natural disaster.
Which Is the Best Option?
When it comes to standby generators I usually refer to two brands which are tried and tested and which won’t shut down abruptly or cause you inconvenience in the long run. The two brands in question are Generac and Kohler and both of them are more often than not brilliant affordable standby generators for your home.
When choosing a generator, it’s important to ensure that you know exactly what you are looking for, for most homeowners it would make no sense to buy a generator 20,000-watt standby generator, not only can this be an extremely expensive proposition, it will also be inefficient and you might cost you an arm and a leg in running cost as well.
Source: Wikimedia
When trying to find an affordable generator it’s important to first of all remember the purpose for which it is being bought. For e.g. a standby generator is going to cost you more than a portable generator, but at the same time it allows a business or a production house to work with a steady stream of uninterrupted power supply. Hence the standby generator is efficient in the sense that it is allowing the business to conduct its operations without interruptions. However if this same standby generator is installed at home is not only a waste of resources, but as I have previously mentioned is probably going to cost you an arm and a leg.
Finding an Affordable Portable Generator
The first question you should ask yourself when buying a portable gas generator is diesel or gas? Each one of them has their distinct advantages however diesel is a more expensive medium of fuel. I mostly recommend individuals to get a gas powered portable generator which is easy to store and is perfect as a backup power source. Furthermore these gas powered generators are also quiet and clean which means you won’t have to listen to the hum dum of the generator constantly. The ideal portable generator should be above 1500 watts and cost somewhere around the $700 mark.
Source: Wikimedia
Finding an Affordable Standby Generator
A standby generator is a different proposition altogether, and is usually going to be used for businesses or very large homes. For those of you who can afford the standby generator I would suggest getting a 20kW smart switch generator. Be warned though such generators can cost you anywhere north of $3000. A standby generator however can be great, as it will allow you to run nearly all your major appliances and will give you an uninterrupted source of energy. I would recommend buying the Generac Guardian series as it is extremely reliable, and I have had little to no problems since the past three years. You can say that it is one of the most sound investments that I have ever made.
When buying a generator or any other thing for that matter it is necessary to do your due diligence, and ensure that you are indeed getting the right product for your purpose. Hence before making any purchase be sure to delve in and out into the specifications and the make of the brand. At times the simplest of things can result in saving you a lot of time, money and effort.
