Sometimes storms, vehicles, winds or other unpredictable reasons knock out power lines. Until the cause is determined and occasionally it takes a while to get the power restored. A home backup generator can be useful, especially if someone in your home is dependent on electricity for health reasons like oxygen. Use the guide below to ensure you purchase the right product for your needs.

How to Choose a Backup Generator

First and most, it is very important to consult a licensed electrician before installing/purchasing a generator of any kind to make sure you operate it safely. 

Installation Type

Generators can either be standby or portable. Portable generators are smaller and cheaper. Store them anywhere. While you’re waiting for electric outage repair, you can connect them to your home, add fuel, and turn them on to temporarily restore power.

Standby generators are larger and are more permanently installed. When outages occur, they kick on right away, making them the lower maintenance option.

Fuel Source

There are several types of generators: gas-powered, propane, and natural gas. Portable generators typically use liquid gasoline, diesel fuel, or bio-fuels. Standby generators are connected to natural gas or propane lines.

The latter is much cheaper to operate; however, you’ll need to already have natural gas lines on your property to connect it to. Gas-powered is messier to deal with since you’re pouring fuel in before and during each use. However, they’re cheaper initially.

Size

Determine the generator size you need by considering which appliances are most important, such as the refrigerator. The wattage or volt-amps will be labeled somewhere on the appliance. Add up the wattage for all these devices. Multiply the sum by 1,000 to identify the kilowatts you need. You can then purchase a generator that supplies that range.

Jemez Mountains Electric Cooperative strives to restore power quickly for all of their customers.  Always report power outages by calling in to 877-753-0095, online or on the JMEC app.  Our professional employees have served the area since 1947 and proudly provide affordable electric service. Visit our  website to learn more about your electric company and call (505) 753-2105 to  answer any of your electric questions.