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Generators are an important piece of equipment for a business or home. They provide back-up power in the event that your primary source goes out. There are many different types of generators available depending on your needs and budget. The type you choose will largely depend on how often you expect to use it, what your current electrical load is, and any special requirements you might have. Having the right generator at the right time can make all the difference during an emergency, natural disaster, outage or other situation where there is a loss of power. Before you buy a generator, it’s important to understand some of the differences between them and what they’re best used for. This guide covers everything you need to know when choosing a generator for sale.

What to Look for When Buying a Generator

The first thing to look for when buying a generator is the type of engine it has. The two main types are gas-powered and diesel-powered. Gas-powered generators have lower upfront cost but are more expensive to run and maintain. Diesel-powered generators are more expensive to buy but are cheaper to operate. Depending on the situation, both can be used. When buying a generator, you’ll also want to look at the amount of power it can produce and the amount of load it can handle. The amount of load is important for businesses that have high electrical needs such as refrigeration, heating, and air conditioning (HVAC). Most businesses will want to look for a generator with a high kilowatt load. Homeowners will want to look for a generator with a high starting or surge wattage. You’ll also want to look at the size of the generator and where you plan to use it. Residential generators are usually smaller and are ideal for outbuildings like a garage or basement. Commercial generators will come in different sizes, with the most common being 10,000, 13,500, and 20,000 watts. The type of fuel you plan to use is also important when looking at generators. You’ll want a generator that uses the same type of fuel that you already use in your home or business. You’ll also want to choose a generator that complies with local codes and is UL listed.

Types of Generators

Standby - These are larger, industrial generators that are connected to your home’s gas or electric service, and are only turned on in an emergency. They are ideal for businesses that have high electrical loads and need to stay connected to the grid. Standby generators are the most expensive option but provide the most power when the grid goes down. They are ideal for businesses that have high electrical loads and need to stay connected to the grid. They are also a good option for homeowners who have high power needs such as people with medical equipment or refrigeration. Standby generators usually come with an automatic transfer switch that kicks in when the grid goes down. This ensures that power is still flowing to your business or home. Semi-Automatic - These are an option for homeowners who want a combination of grid power and generator power. This type of generator is connected to the grid at all times, and only automatically switches to the generator when the power is interrupted. Semi-automatic generators are a good option for homeowners who want to stay connected to the grid but also want the option to manually turn on the generator when needed. These are also good for people who are concerned about the cost of installing a standby generator. Automatic - These are a good option for homeowners who want to stay connected to the grid without the cost of installing a standby generator. This type of generator automatically switches to the generator when the grid goes down, providing back-up power for your home. Automatic generators are a good option for homeowners who want to stay connected to the grid but also want the option to manually turn on the generator when needed. These are also good for people who are concerned about the cost of installing a standby generator.

How Often Will You Use the Generator?

If you need a generator that’s used frequently, you want to make sure you get one with low maintenance. High-quality parts and a durable construction will make it last longer and require less maintenance. You also want to look at the fuel type. If you plan to use gasoline, you want to make sure it is non-ethanol blended. Ethanol blends are known for causing damage to the engine and decreasing the life of the generator. If you plan to use propane, you want one that is designed to be used with that type of fuel. If you plan to use natural gas, make sure the generator is designed for that type of fuel. You also want to make sure you have properly sized and installed lines. Your generator should be installed in an area that allows for proper ventilation and will keep it away from sources of heat.

Your Home’s Electrical Load

If you have a high electrical load, you want to make sure the generator you choose can handle it. Residential generators are usually rated in terms of continuous watts. This is the full amount of power they can produce at all times. If you have a high electrical load and need a residential generator, you might consider a commercial or industrial generator instead. Commercial and industrial generators are larger and can produce more power than residential generators. They are often used in factories and other industrial spaces that have high electrical needs.

Special Requirements

If you have special requirements for the generator you choose, you’ll want to make sure the generator is designed for those needs. If you are concerned about noise, you can look for a model that features noise reduction technology. If you have a limited amount of space where you plan to install the generator, you can look for smaller residential models. If you plan to run sensitive equipment like computers or medical equipment, you want to make sure the generator has a clean power source. You can look for a generator that has an isolation transformer or a generator that is not connected to the grid.

Conclusion

Generators provide back-up power in the event that your primary source goes out. There are many different types of generators available depending on your needs and budget. The type you choose will largely depend on how often you expect to use it, what your current electrical load is, and any special requirements you might have. Having the right generator at the right time can make all the difference during an emergency, natural disaster, outage, or other situation where there is a loss of power. Before you buy a generator, it’s important to understand some of the differences between them and what they’re best used for.