Fulton, New York is not immune to the occasional blackouts, especially when there are storm surges. Losing power can be a huge inconvenience. If you’re in the middle of doing something important with your computer and the electricity shuts off, you may lose all the work you did. In those kinds of situations, a generator will come to the rescue.
So, in case of emergencies, you might want to invest in a generator. If you’re not sure what you’re looking for, here are some things to consider:
Output
When you’re looking for generators in an online site, one of the most critical factors you need to consider is its power output. Since your regular electricity isn’t usable, you’ll have to rely on the power that your generator will produce.
One way you can decide on how much power you’ll need is by determining which appliances are your top priority. Make a list of the electrical appliances that you need to have continuous power. For example, you may want to keep your refrigerator running because the food inside may spoil if there’s no power.
If you’re on a budget, prioritize the appliances you actually need such as the refrigerator, lights, and heater, among other things.
Type of Generator
There are three types of generators you can choose from:
- Standby – If you’re not too concerned about the costs, then you might like a standby generator. It’s not portable, so when a pro installs it, you can’t move it whenever you feel like it. But, the good part about a standby unit is that it can produce the most output, which is 20,000 watts.
Some models also come with self-diagnosis, so when it detects that it needs repairs or maintenance, it can alert you or the dealer. Standby generators can usually automatically start when it detects the electricity going out.
- Portable – If you’re not in the position to splurge, but you need a generator, a portable one is more affordable than a standby. Unlike the first one, you can bring a portable generator wherever. So you can use it at home or your store if you have one.
However, this can’t produce as much power as standby generators. You also have to be extra cautious where you place it. Portable generators are the models that have a high risk of emitting dangerous carbon monoxide.
- Inverter – Inverter generators cost more than portable ones, but not as much as the standby models. The power output it can produce can compete with that of the portable, but not by much. However, inverter models don’t produce as many hazardous emissions like portable units.
Run Time
If there’s a sudden power outage in Fulton, you may not know precisely when the power will return. It could be for a few hours, or it could also be for days. You need to find out how long a generator will run on a full tank of fuel.
Since the number of hours you might be using the generator is unsure, you should include fuel in your emergency supplies. When you know how long your generator can last, you’ll be ready in case you run out of fuel.
Noise Level
Generators can be noisy. Different models have decibel ratings to let you know how loud it can be when it’s on. Noisy generators can cause a disturbance not just in your home, but to your neighbors as well. It can also cause permanent hearing loss if you’re exposed to it for too long. Inverter generators are the quietest, but if that’s not the type you want, look for one that has a decibel rating of less than 75.
Extra Features
There are also extra features on different generator models that can be a deciding factor, such as the following:
- Auto/Manual Start – Some generators, such as the standby models, automatically turn on when the power shuts down, while there are also others that will need you to flip some switches for them to turn on. Auto start is convenient, and you won’t have to scramble in the dark to get them running. The automatic start, though, is usually for the standby, which is expensive.
- Fuel Gauge – Fuel gauges can come in handy when you want to see how much fuel you have left. It could mean that you can get or prepare another batch of fuel, so your power continues to run.
- Alternative Fuel Source – There are generator models that can run in only one kind of fuel source, like propane, oil, or natural gas. However, there are also others where you can use converters so you can use a different kind of fuel source, allowing you to have other options.
Final Thoughts
Generators can be beneficial every time there’s a blackout in your area. You won’t have to worry about your food spoiling or your family members freezing or suffering the heat depending on the season. Consider the things above when you plan to buy a generator so you can choose the best option.