When there is a power outage, generators may keep your home cool during summer and warm in winter. It may help to keep your foodstuffs cold and, at the same time, keep your phones and laptops charged.
Although generators are a lifesaver, they might as well be dangerous, especially when you don’t take the necessary precautions. That is partly because most people don’t know what they are buying.
How Generators Work
Basically, a generator doesn’t create electricity. It simply converts mechanical energy to electrical energy. This is referred to as electromagnetic induction.
At first, the engine in a generator generates mechanical energy or motion. This energy produces electric charges that are then pushed into the magnetic field through a conductor.
The outcome of this is electrical currents, which are used to power things, from medical equipment and walk-in coolers to phone chargers and lights.
Choosing the Right Generator
If you ever lost power, then you already understand how inconvenient it might be. Whether it is because of a downed power line or a major storm within your area, you will never be sure if the outage will last for days, hours, or minutes.
This is where generators come in. Although choosing the right generator is no easy feat, there are several key factors you might want to consider, including:
- Type
Whether you require backup power for your business or temporary electricity, there will always be the right type of generator, perfect for your needs.
Among the best types is an electric generator, also referred to as a dynamo. You can purchase electric generators, whose mechanical energy is provided by the following:
- Wind turbines
- Gas turbines
- Steam turbines
- Mobility and Size
The size of a generator might be an indication of which one is suitable for your needs. It plays an important role when it comes to portability. So if you need a generator for recreational reasons, a smaller one will be suitable.
If you are looking to move around with your generator, consider lifting points so as to have easy access. Handles and wheels may also be included in the generators, though not every time.
- Budget
Before shopping for a good generator, it would be best to determine your budget. Generators are basically available at different costs.
So determining the amount of money you can spend is important in order to choose a generator that meets all your requirements. Fortunately, many good sellers may provide you with financing options to ensure you go with a generator you will need.
- Features
Think of all the features you might need in your generator, including an electric starter. Many portable generators come with a pull cord so as to get these machines started.
But others come with a simple push-button battery starter that is easy to use. Apart from electric starter, other features to look at include:
- Low oil shutoff
- Gauges
- Inverter technology
- Dual-fuel use
- Multiple outlets
Concluding Remarks!
Hurricanes, electrical storms, and other weather events may plunge your house into darkness for hours, days, or even weeks.
Without power, you may lose the convenience of electricity and probably even cooling, heating, and hot water for your home. But with a good generator, everything is all covered.