Overview Of Residential Generators
We have been doing some research on residential generators and their features. Why? Because we are frustrated and suffering, just like so many other people who are losing their power supply either through wild storms that seem to have become common occurrences these days, or power outages. Now the storms we can accept that there is nothing much we can do about them, except be prepared, but spending a couple of days in the dark because of poor maintenance by our utility provider is getting to be pretty darn annoying. We had to toss out hundreds of dollars worth of meat from the freezer last time that spoiled - usually we don't keep it as stocked because of past experience, but this time we took a risk and it didn't pay off at all well. What we have found is that residential generators fall into several categories. It is possible to choose from many different makes and models which will all provide that all important power in times of emergency. The really good thing is that you can buy what you can afford and you will still be so much better off when the lights go out. Here are the generators divided into four basic classes:
1. Small portable - Up to around 2000 watts. These can also be used for recreational purposes and moved around easily because of their size and weight. They can be quite happily used in a residential situation but they will only provide enough power for basic appliances such as lights and refrigerator. Expect to pay around $400 - $600, even less if you buy off-season and on special. 2. Emergency - These generators are usually a bit more robust and will be around 3,000 to 5,000 watts and ideally suited as residential generators. They will probably remain in the same place and even have their own housing built around them, but they will usually be portable as well. Designed to be manually switched on when the power fails. You should have enough supply to start the well pump, run the refrigerator/freezer, power appliances such as TV, and lights. Many of these units are used by tradesman as they can quite happily run their power tools. We found models we liked for around $900, but they can be less or even more expensive. 3. Still portable but up to 15,000 watt models - These are some of the most powerful of this kind on the market and they are ideal for residential as well as commercial standby generators. These are another class of generators where you expect a long life, reliability and smooth operation together with exceptional power. Used as residential generators they are able to start a 4-ton air conditioner unit. Expect to pay around $2,000 for these units. 4. Permanent residential generators - These are the back-up electrical systems that automatically operate whether you are at home or away. They look similar to a central air-conditioning unit and sit outside. You are able to choose what electrical circuits you want to protect, such as furnaces, air conditioners and well pumps. The beauty of these residential generators is that they are completely automatic, run weekly self-tests and there are no extension cords, and most operate on natural gas or liquid propane so there are no tanks to fill. For air-cooled units you can pay as little as $3,500, and liquid cooled units start at $7,500. As you can see, there are many choices for residential generators. If you were building a new home in a storm prone area then it would make sense to have a residential generator installed at the same time. However, the smaller types of units will still turn your situation into one that is going to be so much easier to cope with. |
