Generators this Winter: What you should look for
Generators are in demand this upcoming winter more than ever. Last Winter a lot of areas experienced power outages and this Winter we seem to be in line for more. Between the usual outages caused by weather conditions and the rumors of scheduled power outages in response to our current ongoing energy crisis, it’s no surprise that a lot of people, particularly those in rural areas far away from immediate support are investing in a generator for this winter.
So, when you’re looking for a new generator, what should you be looking for?
Application
What you actually plan on using the generator for will determine the type of generator you need as well as what power requirements you should be looking for.
Types
There are different types of generators depending on the application. Firstly they can be put into two categories, domestic and industrial. As this sounds, the ones designed for industrial will be a higher power, more durable, and are positioned at a higher price point to enable the user to power more demanding tools at a higher frequency than the occasional domestic user.
From there, there are four different types of generators.
Home standby generators- These are large units that will usually supply more power than the following options as they are designed to run in place of your typical energy usage during a power outage. Retailing at the highest price point this type of system should be professionally installed and is designed to automatically kick in when the power goes out.
Inverter generators- These generators provide you with cleaner and safer power, meaning you can use it for sensitive electronics without worrying about your devices being blown. It does retail at a higher price point than your typical portable generator but the advantages of being more compact, quiet and energy efficient makes it worthwhile.
Portable generators- Typically coming in at a cheaper price point than home standby generators and inverters, these machines run on gasoline which you would need to ensure you have stored for use. Although these generators are seen commonly in the construction industry they can be used during the winter to power essential small appliances such as lights, fridges, computer ect. However care should be taken for sensitive electronics as there is a high risk of them being blown depending on the model and load type.
Portable power stations- Lastly there are portable power stations. Unlike portable generators these devices are powered by a battery rather than fuel which need to be recharged prior to use. The power stations are designed for short use when you wont need power for long, they don’t produce emissions so they are safe to use indoors but their actual use is limited as they don’t power as much as a generator and their timeframe is shorter, once they have run out of power, they will need a power supply to recharge.
When it comes to the specifications of the model, they vary and your own personal requirements, what you are looking to use the generator to power, among other factors will need to be taken into consideration. For more detailed information check out this guide to buying generators which has a handy calculator to aid in figuring out what wattage you should be looking for.
Fuel type
Probably more important than ever, fuel type is definitely a major factor to consider when browsing for your new generator, this will help you figure out an estimate for the fuel cost which for many is a key issue so looking for more fuel-efficient generators is a high priority.
There are other steps which require some research if it’s your first time looking for a generator, particularly when it comes to the type of application you are looking to use it for. For more in-depth information regarding these aspects such as information around transfer switches, as well as specific generator features you should be looking for then check out this buying guide by consumer reports.
Generator safety
There are some safety rules you should always abide by when running a generator. Some generators have built in triggers which mean they automatically shut off if a build up of CO2 is detected. Even if your generator has this feature it is always advices to still follow the general rule of safety when it comes to generators and that is to always operate the generator outside, a safe distance from your house and ensuring that the exhaust is away from windows and doors.
Honda Generators
A well known and popular brand most often associated with high quality, durable and safe generators, Honda have a range of inverter generators which are compact in size but high in power.
These generators are the lightest and most compact in their class, designed to keep emissions low and have an increased fuel efficiency.
As well as Honda, in store we also stock a range of generators including Pramac generators. Get ahead of the game and visit us in-store today or get in contact to discuss your requirements with a member of our sales team.
