Have you ever lost power at your house? What was the most important item in your house that you want to keep power running to? A recent study shows that 85% of Americans want to keep their refrigerator going first and foremost.
But how can you keep your refrigerator running during a storm that knocks out the power? With a standby generator.
Before you run out to the store to buy the first generator you find, there are a few things to think about. Here are the top five points to consider before buying a standby generator.
Location of the Generator
Before you start thinking about buying standby generators, you need to think about where you will put it. Will it be inside or outside?
If it is outside, you should try to have it somewhere that the elements won’t get to it as much. If it is buried under 3 feet of snow, it won’t do much good, so get it under cover. Also, try to have it elevated somewhat since it will not be as effective if it has water pooling up all around it.
If it will be inside, then you don’t want it next to anything combustible, and you will want some ventilation. Make sure you decide on a proper location before you start buying anything.
Power Requirements
Not all generators are the same size and have the same amount of power. You need to decide what is best for you. Are you getting this for a business that needs every single thing up and running, or is it just for home emergencies and you want some lights and the refrigerator to keep working?
If you want to keep everything going, you will need a generator with a lot more power but it will obviously cost more money. If you want to save some money and are only using this to keep the bare essentials going during a storm, then you can make do with less power.
It is important to plan ahead and figure out how much power is required to run everything you want to keep running. This way you can be prepared for the storm.
Kinds of Fuel
Different generators run on different types of fuel. Diesel, propane, and natural gas are the most common fuel types. Many companies, such as Able Sales, sell multiple types of generators.
To some people, the kind of fuel used may not matter much. But other people have preferences or simply have more access to certain types. It is important to have plenty of fuel saved in case of an emergency, and diesel tends to last a little longer than gasoline.
Get a Warranty
If you want a generator for a long period of time, it is recommended to choose one that comes with a solid warranty.
When you do buy a generator, take a close look at the warranty information and follow it closely. Don’t do anything that would void the warranty!
Maintenance Is Required
Be prepared to do some maintenance on your generator if you want it to last a long time. Many people make the mistake of only turning on the generator once a year when there is a hurricane or other problem.
It is important to run it now and then, do some basic cleaning and repairs, and treat it well-just like your car.
A Standby Generator Boosts Preparedness
If you really want to be prepared for a hurricane or winter storm, buying a standby generator is recommended. But as already mentioned, you can’t buy one and expect it to last forever.
Visit our website to learn about the most common causes of generator malfunctions and how you can prevent them. Then you’ll be prepared for any weather conditions!
