If you live an area where your electricity supply is frequently interrupted, you may be thinking about getting a power generator. However, if you've never had to choose a generator before, you may have no idea how to pick one that's right for your home.
By following a few simple tips, and keeping your home's energy requirements uppermost in your mind, finding a generator that can supply your home during a power cut could be much simpler than you think. Here's some advice to get your search for a generator started.
Wattage and Mains Connections
Before choosing a generator, you need to identify which items you wish to supply power to. For instance, if you want a generator to supply electricity to your home during a power cut, you'll most likely want it to provide power to your light fittings at the very least. But you may also want it to power up your television, computer, games consoles, kettle and other electrical items in your home. Write down the wattage required by each of these items and add up the values. The generator you eventually choose should have rated watts that exceed this number.
You also need to consider whether or not you want to connect your generator to the mains power supply in your home. Wiring it up to the electricity mains means that, if you should experience a loss of electricity, your generator will start up automatically so you may barely notice that a power cut has occurred. With this option, it's advisable to get a trained professional to install your generator for you.
However, if this installation cost is beyond your budget, you may wish to get a generator that you have to start manually. In this instance, an electrical generator may be preferable to a gas or diesel-operated model, as re-filling a generator with fuel in the dark can be an arduous and sometimes dangerous task.
To Buy Or To Hire A Generator?
Another consideration is whether to buy or to hire a generator. If power cuts are a regular feature of life in your region, buying a generator may be more cost effective over the long term. However, if your electricity interruptions are supposed to be temporary - for example, if drought is affecting local hydro-power plants - power generator hire may be a wiser option.
Once you've narrowed down your choices, seek professional advice from a retailer or generator rental company before making a purchase. If you've done your own research and are aware of what you want from your generator, these professionals will be much better placed to help you make the right decision.
