Last Updated on November 3, 2021 by Kravelv
No matter whether there is an outage at home or you need to work outside, using tools, you still need a source of power. There are multiple options on the market. It’s easy to get lost choosing the best power generator for your house. We suggest you look for a detailed description of each generator you consider buying, like the Westinghouse iGen4500 review. Yet, before you do this, find out what you have to look for in such devices.
Main Features to Look For
If you don’t want to randomly buy the first generator you see in the store, you have to learn more about the product. Depending on the purposes, your demands on the generator may vary. Pay attention to every feature the generator can provide you with and decide which one you need the most.
1. Power
You have to find out how much power you need from the generator. You may be satisfied with 700 watts or consider the 2100 watts tool as not powerful enough. The developer must provide this information in the first place, in the description of the product. Some generators can produce 20 000 watts.
2. Outlets
You need to have outlets that match the generator. Small generators usually require 120V AC outlets and several USB ports, based on their specifics. If you have a generator that is 4000 watts or more, you will need 240V outlets. In case you want to connect the electric wire to the generator, you need a 240V plug. You also can look for GFCI protected plugs if you want to use the product outside the house.
3. THD
THD or Total Harmonic Distortion is a vital feature in case you use lab equipment or laptop and other highly sensitive devices. To avoid electrical circuits’ damage, you may need only 6 percent of THD or less. Yet, you will protect your device from burning. If you require a stable level of voltage, you can buy a generator that provides pure sine wave also known as clean power. Such generators are more expensive and may not be the most powerful.
4. Frequency of use
Ask yourself a question: how often will you use the generator? If you need it occasionally, there are entirely different demands for its quality than for the one you will use consistently. The warranty that almost all developers provide covers 2-3 years. The shortest period is 90 days. The average warranty for consumer use is 6 months. The longest warranty usually is offered by more expensive models.
5. Type of fuel
Here are the most popular fuel types:
- The most popular generators run on gas. It is simple to find and pretty affordable. You have to store it in a protected space.
- Diesel generators provide even better fuel efficiency if you can pay for the upgrade. It is not as easy to find as gasoline, but you may use it for the whole house.
- A propane generator is another option. It is environmentally friendly. However, it is more complex than other fuels.
- In case you want an alternative to common fuels, you can use battery-powered generators. Some of them can be fed with solar panels. They run smoothly and do not provide any distracting noises during work. Such generators are also environmentally friendly since they do not have any emissions.
6. Tank
The fuel tank must be big enough for all your demands. The longer you can stay without refueling the tank, the more valuable the generator. The average generator may provide you with fuel for 7-9 hours of active work, while it is loaded at 50 percent. At the same time, generators with large tanks may be heavier and less mobile.
7. Starting procedure
There are several different ways to start modern generators. Class one is still pulling the cord on the product. Electric start is a less fascinating action, but it is simpler and more reliable. Many generators still have lead-acid batteries similar to the car’s ones. Modern models have lithium-ion options too. You can always leave the charger plugged in to keep the battery charged if you need.
8. Level of noise
If you don’t want to scare away all your neighbors, you may need a generator that provides less noise. Small generators usually work quietly. However, it also depends on the type of fuel you use. Those generators that run on batteries work more quietly than the models that run on gasoline.
Which Generator to Buy
The choice of the most suitable generator is based on your personal preferences, and you can pick a more powerful or silent generator. Pay attention to the quality of its details and other customers’ reviews.