How to Select a Portable Generator?

Answer 1

A portable generator can be an indispensable tool in many situations. The purpose of a generator is to take energy from one source, say a gas powered motor, and use it to create electricity. That electricity, it turn, can be used to power electronics such as radios or televisions. Larger generators can power a whole home.

Bringing along a generator can make a camping trip a more comfortable experience. Electric light and a radio can really liven up a camp cookout. If you own or rent a small vacation cabin or beach house, a generator can provide many of the comforts of home, even in places where electric service is unavailable. A generator can also be a money saving option for a vacation home where electricity is only needed several times a year.

Where a portable generator really comes in handy is during a power outage. It can quite literally be a life saver in an extended power outage, as it can be used to power a radio to receive news and emergency updates and a refrigerator to keep food from going bad.

Most portable generators on the market are powered by gasoline engines, though some are available with diesel or propane engines. Which type you choose will be dictated by your needs.

For camping or for a small vacation home, a generator that runs on propane may be the best option. The propane that fuels the generator can also be used to run a stove. Propane also keeps longer than gasoline, so propane tanks may be left at a vacation home.

For emergency use, a gas generator is usually the best choice. It can be stored in the garage until needed and doesn’t take up too much space. To choose a generator, you need to think about what you’ll need to power and how much you have to spend. A small unit that produces 3,000 to 7,000 watts should be sufficient to power a refrigerator and essential electronics. A larger generator that produces 10,000 or more should provide enough power to run a small home.