In the past, people associated home generators with storm preppers or overly cautious homeowners. Nowadays, failing power grids have educated everyone on how important it is to have a generator just in case.
Home backup power can mean the difference between your house freezing over in the dead of winter. It can literally save lives when the city’s power grid fails you.
What makes for the best home backup generator, though?
Types of Generators
The type of generator you buy will depend on the needed generator size, your area’s climate, and your budget. The most affordable models can cost as low as $100 but are only suitable for charging mobile devices. Sufficient home backup energy can run you thousands of dollars.
Diesel Powered
Diesel-powered generators are one of the standard types you’ll find. They use a combination of a diesel engine with an electric generator, but some models work with other liquid fuels.
Under ideal conditions, homeowners can store diesel for up to 12 months, which means they’re a good option if you’re preparing for a long winter or hurricane weather. However, the generator itself doesn’t store well in wet environments because excess moisture can ruin the engine.
Natural Gas
Natural gas generators are an affordable option for your home and run very quietly. However, installation costs may be high because they need a connection to a running gas line.
Standby Generator
A standby generator operates automatically when your normal power source shuts down. Their tank can usually last for around 48 hours.
It’s often used in connection with elevators or life and medical support equipment, so this could be an option depending on your home amenities.
Solar Powered
If you live in a sunnier area, a solar power generator could be your new best friend. Although they may be pricier, they generate energy throughout the day without needing a manual refuel.
One thing to keep in mind is these generators require a solar panel setup in order to charge, so you’ll need some dedicated space to set them up.
Best Home Backup Generator Buying Guide
The best home backup generator will differ based on your circumstance.
Since solar-powered generators require solar panels, you need space for the panels as well as the money to afford them. Most likely, you’ll be happy enough with a diesel-powered generator that requires you have a spare supply of fuel on hand at all times.
If you are considering a solar-powered option, disregard a Patriot Power Generator. Their 1800 model has a low battery capacity and takes too long to charge to be worth its cost.
Prepare for Power Outages
People often take electricity for granted, even when it’s necessary for most of our life.
When your power inevitably suffers a problem, you’ll want the best home backup generator you can afford. Even if your power grid has been upgraded, you never know when a power line is going to go down and leave you in the dark for hours.
Interested in other home improvement ideas? Check out our other articles.
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