Every home should have a generator, so you won’t be left without all your basic necessities during a power outage. Climate control, lights, and outlet power are all examples of systems you won’t want to be stuck without during a bad storm or emergency. There are many generators out there to choose from, so you should know what to look for to select the right one.

A Guide to Selecting Generators

1. Determine Your Needs

Begin by deciding what you want to keep running during a power outage. Keep in mind that while most outages might last for a matter of hours, there’s always the chance that you might be left without power for the day. Make a list of what you can’t go without, such as heating or cooling, a sump pump, lights, and kitchen appliances. Determine what the wattages are for each of those things and add them up to determine your power needs. Most homes require around 5,000 watts to run the basic necessities.

2. Choose a Type

There are three main types of generators. Which you choose will depend on your budget and needs. The priciest is a full home standby system, which is installed permanently and may be able to power your entire home. It will automatically turn on when the power goes out, so you won’t need to do anything. This unit will need to be installed professionally by an electrical contractor.

The cheapest is a portable generator, which is small and typically runs on gasoline. They can provide up to 8,500 watts and will need to be placed outside at least 10 feet away from your home before you turn it on. Inverter portable generators cost more than their counterparts, but they run more efficiently and are much quieter. This is good if you live near neighbors or plan to take the generator places for use.

3. Select Your Features

Generators come with a lot of great features, so you should decide which are essential to you. For example, an automatic start means it will turn on automatically during a power outage, which is helpful if you’re not at home often. An electric start is a simple button that makes it easy to turn on. A fuel gauge is helpful in monitoring your fuel levels.

When you’re ready to equip your home with a reliable and effective power backup, leave the installation to the licensed electrical contractors at Bonham Electric Inc. Their factory certified professionals provide top-notch maintenance and installations of generators for homeowners throughout the Dayton, OH, area. They are available 24 hours a day for emergency service. Contact them online or at (937) 233-7662 to request a free estimate from their residential electrician.