What to Look for When Buying a Portable Generator for Property

If the power were to ever go out, you could be left with a refrigerator that can't keep your meat and ice cream cold. You could also be left without the ability to heat or cool your home properly. Those who rely on oxygen or other electrical devices for health reasons could be put in danger within minutes of an outage. However, a portable generator could help you avoid all of those issues and more.

How Do Portable Generators Work?

A portable generator uses either LPG, natural gas or diesel fuel to run an onboard alternator. The alternator is what creates electricity that can then be fed into the home. Most portable generators have outlets on them from which you can plug in electrical cords. Therefore, it may be a good idea to buy extension cords or place any items that you need to run as close to the generator as safely possible.

How Big of a Generator Do You Need?

The size of the generator that you need depends on the size of your home. If your residential property needs the generator sets from 3.5 to 7.5 kVA, you might consider the new Kohler petrol generators. Before you buy a generator, you can go to the company's website to learn more about models that fit your needs. You may also be able to ask a local expert about whether diesel generators are the best fit for your home.

Where to Buy Generators

Those who are looking for diesel generators or other types of generators may be able to find what they need online. This may be done either through a supplier's official website or through a site such as eBay or Amazon. They may also be able to find the item that they need at a local home improvement store.

Why Do I Need an Automatic Transfer Switch?

Portable generators can be connected to your home's electrical grid to ensure that power comes on automatically. An automatic transfer switch will monitor electrical levels and turn the generator on when it senses that the power has gone out. This may mean that you won't even notice if a power outage has occurred. However, there may be a slight delay between the time that your power goes out and the generator turns itself on.

How Often Does Your Portable Generator Need To Be Maintained?

You should have your portable generator inspected once or twice a year to ensure that it is still in good working condition. While it is built to withstand the elements, you never know if rain or snow could interfere with its ability to keep the power on unless you inspect it regularly. Most portable generators will come with a warranty to protect your investment.

Which Generator Should You Buy?

The generator that you buy will ideally be the one that fits your needs and your budget. If you live out in the country, it may be best to buy a generator that can run off of LPG since it is easier to store and transport. If you only want to keep the power going to certain rooms in your house, you may get by with a generator that produces 10,000 watts or less. Finally, look for a product that has a strong warranty that is produced by a company that you know will be around to honor it.

Even a minor power outage can be an inconvenience for yourself and your family. While it may seem trivial to not have the internet or your cable television for a few hours, it can have a significant impact on your lifestyle. In more serious cases, not having power could literally be a matter of life and death. Therefore, do yourself and your loved ones a favor by buying a portable generator as an insurance policy against power failures.