Casey CartwrightYour home is your sanctuary, but unexpected power outages can disrupt that peace in an instant. Investing in a backup power source is a strategic move to keep your life running smoothly when disaster strikes. Below is a guide to choosing the right generator for your home so you never miss a beat.
Assess Your Power Requirements
Start by calculating what you need to keep running during a blackout. Do you just need to keep the lights on and the refrigerator cold, or do you require power for a home office, medical equipment, or an HVAC system?
Create a list of essential appliances and devices, then determine their starting and running wattage. This calculation will give you a baseline for the size of generator you need. The Department of Energy provides helpful instructions for estimating appliance and home electronic energy use, and it’s important to get it right. A unit that is
too small will fail to power your essentials, while an oversized unit will waste fuel and money.
Compare Fuel Types
Generators run on various fuel sources, including gasoline, diesel, liquid propane, and natural gas. Your choice depends on availability and storage convenience.
- Gasoline is widely available but requires safe storage and has a shorter shelf life.
- Diesel is more efficient than gas but can be noisier.
- Propane is clean-burning with an indefinite shelf life, making it great for infrequent use.
- Natural gas connects directly to your home’s gas line for continuous fuel, which eliminates refueling needs.
Fuel source matters for homeowners in specific climates. For instance, Generac generators are perfect for Portland homes because many models run on natural gas or propane, offering reliability during wet, stormy winters without the hassle of refueling in the rain.
Decide Between Portable and Standby
You must choose between a portable unit and a permanent standby generator. Portable generators offer flexibility and a lower price point but require manual setup and fueling during a storm.
Standby generators, however, are installed permanently outside your home like an AC unit. They detect outages automatically and restore power within seconds. This seamless transition is ideal for maintaining a professional environment if you work remotely, or simply for keeping your household routine uninterrupted.
Consider Noise Levels and Placement
Generators can be loud, so check the decibel rating before you buy. If you live in a dense neighborhood with strict noise ordinances, look for models designed for quiet operation.
Proper placement also ensures safety and compliance with local codes. You want your home to be a sanctuary, not a construction zone. Choosing the right generator will make your home a place for relaxation by ensuring that, even during a crisis, your space remains calm and functional.
