Backup Generators are the lifeblood the disaster-preparedness industry. Nothing can prepare you for a natural disaster the way a backup generator will. However, these devices are expensive, so property owners have an obligation to determine which home generator is most appropriate for their needs.
Backup power systems are generally powered or fueled by propane, gasoline, and diesel. Plenty of generators can also be connected to a natural gas line. It is highly recommended in advance of purchasing to learn what sets some generators apart from others in order to make a smart buying choice. Emergency generators can be a costly but smart investment so you want to make sure to get a model that covers your basic electricity requirements.
Some things to consider before investing in a backup generator system for your home:
How much time do you estimate you’ll need from your generator where you live?
Is it better for you to buy a portable model or a more powerful stationary generator?
Is there one type of fuel that makes more sense for you than others? Will it be easy to come by in your area?
Will the fuel source be available during a power outage because of a catastrophe or crisis?
Is there anyone that requires special needs services?
Once you have been able to answer these questions, you will have a better idea of what kind of home generator you will need. Here are some more things to consider that may help you out.
Natural Gas:
Natural gas generators (NG) utilize the most commonly used fuel among generator types and is probably the most dependable fuel on earth. The only issue is even it can be hard to find if you live remotely. Ensure that before purchasing to check your local fuel options. An NG generator can be hooked directly into your gas supply. Refueling is a non-issue, which can save time and money. As an added bonus, NG, will not congeal in your fuel line as it burns cleanly, is quieter than other fuels when burning, starts in cold weather and contribute to a longer engine life.
On the contrary, natural gas may not be available during a natural disaster, and can be volatile if the line is ruptured. You need to hire a professional installerand fuel is rather expensive.
Gasoline:
Gas is the most common kind of generator fuel because they use regular gas like vehicle engines. One big plus of gasoline generators is that the weight-to-output ratio is higher than all others.
Drawbacks cover semi-regular tune-ups, and gas needs to be safely stored and kept cool.
Diesel:
One of the big advantages to using diesel is that has a higher efficiency than other fuel types. It’s great at powering construction equipment and the like and generators. However, it can be more costly than other fuels. Basically, diesel is very efficient and effective in terms of overhead and benefit. Diesel is least likely to combust, diesel generators take less upkeep, and doesel doesn’t throw sparks as it is burned. Diesel generators are also designed to work for long periods, can operate in subarctic conditions, burn fuel at a much slower rate than other generator types, have lower maintenance costs, and is the easiest generator type to obtain.
Limitations are that diesel generators can make a lot of noise, weigh considerably more, and need to be thought-through before installation. They are not so friendly towards the earth and you might not find convenient the permittable hours during which you will be able to leave it running.Propane:
Propane is usually used with a standby generator rather than other fuel types that are limited in the area. One big disadvantage of propaneA drwaback for propane it’s price been known to climb above even standard gasoline. However, with the skyrocketing price of gasoline, this disadvantage is now non-existent. Propane today is the cheapest of all. Difficulties with using propane as a fuel are long gone.
Some advantages of propane are that the fuel lasts a long time in a usable state, it won’t glog your fuel line, propane burns cleanly and doesn’t destroy the environment. It starts great in cold weather. Tanks can be easily filled at most service stations, can be used for prolonged periods, and won’t wear down your motor or fuel line over the years. On the contrary, the fuel system is complicated, set-up can be pricey and should you need one, large reserve tanks aren’t as cheap or easy to find as propane itself is. If you have a leak in the gas line, you could have a bad situation on your hands, and the initial cost of the generator is higher than gas.
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