What To Look For When Buying a Portable Generator

Now that cold weather is upon us, many people may find themselves without power due to snow and ice conditions. As you know there are always power outages this time of year, depending on where you live. Don’t find yourself without a back up this year!

Here are a few things that you should look for when purchasing a portable generator.

• The electricity created by a portable generator is measured in voltage and watts. When choosing a generator, first determine your specific voltage needs and then you can pick a generator model that supplies enough wattage for everything you want it to run. Your main uses will be heat, some lights, stove, refrigerator, television or radio and maybe a water pump.
• Choose the type of fuel you will be using for your generator. Portable generators commonly run on gasoline. However, gasoline can't be stored for very long, so once it is no longer needed, be sure and drain the fuel tank. Propane is another option for fuel. It can remain in the tank without doing damage for extended periods of time and may be a good idea if you think you may need to use the generator several times throughout the winter.
• Portable generators should have large fuel tanks for the best running time. Depending on how long you feel you may need to use your generator, you don’t want to have to continually add fuel.
• A fuel indicator gauge. I believe all models come with this gauge, but be sure it is easy for you to read. You want to be able to easily see how much fuel it has, as you don’t want it to run out of fuel in the middle of the night!
• Be sure it has enough receptacles to allow you to plug in all the devices you want to run. Don’t try to run too many on a portable generator. Be sure it has the safety feature that it will “trip out” and shut itself off if it does become over loaded. Again, your main uses will probably be heat, some lights, stove, refrigerator, television or radio and maybe a water pump.
• They should also have solid steel or aluminum enclosures. Be sure you choose a sturdy generator, you want it to last a long time and it should be sitting outside while in use. Portable generators produce fumes that can cause serious health problems or death if used indoors.
• Good mufflers to reduce noise. If you are going to use it for more than a few days at a time, you may want to spend a little extra to get a generator with a better muffler. Trust me, if you don’t, the noise will get on your nerves before long!
• Be sure it is fully compliant with all relevant emissions regulations.
• Look at new generators that have a two-year parts and labor warranty. Make sure you know what the warranty covers: some only cover certain parts of the generator.

Always follow the directions for use supplied with your portable generator and I hope you have a safe and wonderful winter!

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