Weather is getting more extreme, no matter how you look at it. And while we won’t get into the politics of why here, we will say that it’s more important to be prepared now more than ever.
The energy outage Texas had in 2020 showed us that it’s not even just weather that can fail – it’s our systems too. All that to say, every family needs a generator, for all the “what-ifs” out there.
But there are different types of generators, what kind is best? We’re going over the top three most popular types and who they’re best for, below.
What are the Different Types of Generators?
Most generators work the same, they just differ on the type of fuel they use. Therefore, the best kind of generator for you is whatever you feel most comfortable having on hand. Learn your choices below.
1. Gasoline Generators
By far the most popular type of generator is one that runs on the same sort of gasoline that your car runs on. These are the cheapest kind and the easiest to find, but as we know, it’s not always easy to get gasoline in an emergency.
Or even when someone thinks there’s an emergency and starts hoarding it anyways.
If you don’t live somewhere with extreme weather (like in Tornado/Hurricane alley) then you can get away with a small gasoline generator, making sure you have one or two red gas cans on hand – making sure they’re stored somewhere safe, away from kids, animals, and heat.
2. Diesel Generators
Diesel has lost popularity over the years, even though it’s much safer than it used to be. And if you have access to a gas station, you likely also have access to diesel fuel. However, diesel can be more expensive than gas and it smells stronger, which is something to keep in mind when storing it (even in small amounts).
When shopping for a generator, choose the type of fuel you’re more likely to have easy access to – whether that’s diesel or gas. The choice should come down to that and (of course) the price.
3. Natural Gas
Natural gas generators are not the most common and they’re not the cheapest, but they’re the most sustainable. If sustainability is important to you, you can learn about the pros and cons generator that runs on natural gas in more detail above.
Our advice would be to only get a natural gas generator if you already use it for other appliances (like grills) in your household.
Choosing the Right Generator for You
When it comes to the different types of generators on the market, it’s important to consider what’s accessible to you, what’s cost efficent, and what you’re willing to store at your home or business.
And while it sounds silly, make sure to read the handbook of your generator and practice using it right when you get it. You don’t want to be trying to figure out how it works in the middle of an emergency!
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