The Best Backup Generator Recommended By Your Devoted Generator Installation Company | Dillon, SC
With power outages becoming more frequent and lasting longer in the United States, a generator is becoming a must-have for homeowners. Over the past 20 years, power outages in the United States have doubled due to ice storms, climate change-induced wildfires, and hurricanes.
A study conducted in 2020 found that the average outage in the United States had reached eight hours compared to the four hours reported in 2013. In such cases, a backup generator can be a lifesaver as it keeps your home running through the blackout. With a properly functioning generator, you don’t have to worry about extreme weather.
Finding the best generator for your home can be intimidating. Fortunately, our trusted generator installation company in Dillon, SC, can help you select the best generator for you. Continue reading to learn more about the best generators for your home.
Portable Generators
Sometimes called emergency generators, portable generators are small enough to be moved around but can provide enough electricity to support important devices during a blackout. They are useful if you need electricity away from home and are the least expensive.
There are different sizes of portable generators; smaller ones generate power to supply only a few appliances but weigh less. Larger machines can supply more power, some even for a whole house, but they sacrifice portability for more output.
Not all of these generators can be connected to a home’s wiring system; those that do, need to be installed by a certified electrician. Thus, it’s always wise to check with your local generator installation company in Dillon, SC, for a generator that suits your needs.
Most portable generators run on gasoline. Natural gas, propane, and diesel models are also available. There are multi-fuel generators that utilize two or three different fuel types. Because these are fuel-burning engines and the exhaust contains poisonous gasses, they should never be used indoors.
Most portable generators have a low-tone muffler and make less noise than their bigger counterparts. For detailed specifications, contact your local generator installation company.
Inverter Generators
Classified as portable generators, inverter generators are more fuel-efficient and less noisy than the above-mentioned open-framed types. They are also more compact, provide more portability, and are insulated to absorb most of the noise. The difference between standard portable and inverter generators lies in how they generate electricity.
The initial power produced by these generators goes through a computer-controlled inverter; hence, the name that cleans the electricity, so to speak. This clean power is safer with sensitive devices like phones and laptops.
The inverter can also store power, so it can be used without running. Another great feature is that they adapt the power output to the demand and do not continuously run on the same power. Thus they save fuel and cause less air pollution.
Because of this advanced technology, these generators are more costly than portable ones. They generally produce less power and can only host a few appliances. You could run a few inverter generators together if you need more power. If desired, a generator installation company can install a transmission switch to connect the generator to your house.
Standby Home Generators
Standby generators, also called whole house generators, are permanently installed electric appliances that power your house in case of an outage. They can supply electricity to the whole house. These are the most powerful and costly among the different generator types mentioned.
Whole house generators come in different sizes that supply different levels of electricity. To find out how much electricity you need, you need to calculate the total watts of your appliances. Or you can check your electricity bill. Better yet is to let a professional from a generator installation company do this for you.
Another thing to consider is your preferred fuel type. Standby generators run on propane or natural gas, and you need an electrical contractor to connect the tank or utility line. Propane is considered a cleaner fuel and much cheaper than others.
Most have an automatic transfer switch that’s connected to your electrical system. It turns a generator on in case of an outage and shuts it off once power is back. Your generator installation company will inform you of any regulations in Dillon, SC.
Solar Generators or Power Stations
These portable generators use the sun as their energy source. And while solar power is becoming more popular, there are a few things you need to know.
Unlike other generators, solar generators do not create power. The solar panels absorb the sun’s energy which is converted to electricity. The electricity is then stored in batteries. This eliminates the use of fuel and complicated machinery.
Because no fuel is burned, no harmful substances are released into the atmosphere, making it the most eco-friendly option. That’s why they can be used indoors. Because fewer parts are involved, you won’t need a generator installation company to maintain them as often.
Solar generators generally do not have as high an output as the other generators making it hard to use several appliances simultaneously or appliances that use a lot of electricity. They are much lighter, though, and are great for outdoor use.
Because these generators rely on the sun, there will be a reduction in the power stored on cloudy days, making them not the most reliable power source in case of an outage. To make up for that, some devices allow you to charge through an electrical outlet or a wind turbine.
You can also add more batteries to store more electricity. Likewise, you combine more panels to absorb more energy. Consult with your generator installation company to make sure the panels are compatible.
Let Mister Sparky Generators Perform Your Generator Installation
After learning more about the various generators, you can make an informed decision. If you’re unsure about the best generator for your home, don’t hesitate to contact our certified electricians at Mister Sparky Generators; we’re happy to help.
Besides mounting generators, our generator installation company can also help you with repairs, generator belts and hoses replacement, load management, and fluid sampling. Give us a buzz today!