* Guest Post
Whilst winter hasn't arrived just yet, this is the perfect time of year to start considering a generator. A generator is a fantastic thing to have if there is a power outage and it is something that you want to have installed before this happens, there is nothing worse than panic buying a generator, only to realise that it doesn't meet your needs. But with so many on the market and so many different options, how do you know which generator is best for winter use?
Give Yourself A Budget
It's always good to outline your budget first, this will then set the basis for what type of generators you can look it. It may be that your budget will allow for a top end portable generator or an entry level standby generator, either way, you will know what you have to spend. To know more in this particular area, you can read various generator reviews here.
Asses Your Power Usage On A Normal Day
Is the heating always on and the washing machine going on a seemingly constant cycle? It may be that you will need to look a generator with a high output so that you can continue to live the same way that you do currently in the event of an outage. If your house takes a long time to heat up, and takes a lot of energy to do so, a higher-powered generator may be the best option for you. At a minimum, a household can run basic amenities on 5000 watts, in some cases, this may be enough, but if you have a full house that is difficult to keep warm this will be the minimum output that you want.
Consider How Often Power Outages Happen
If every winter you find yourself coming home from work and the house is freezing, with no lights and the freezer looks as though it is beginning to defrost, then maybe it is time to invest in a standby generator. A standby generator will automatically flick on once it senses the power has cut out, so you won't notice the difference when you get home from work. If this has never happened to you and don't remember the last time you suffered a power outage, a portable generator would be perfect for your needs.
What Type of Generator Do You Need?
Do you live in a location that is quite rural and tough to reach during winter? Or do you live in an area that is often battered by storms and has had long power outages in the past? A home standby generator could be a good option for you. This type of generator needs to be installed by a professional, but these are the types of generators that will kick in and start as soon as the power goes out.
They are large units and can generally power an entire house, but you will need to keep fuel on hand! If you haven't suffered power outages in the past and want to have a generator on hand for those emergency situations that you don't think will ever crop up, a portable generator could be a good option, These generators aren't plumbed or wired in but will generate enough power to keep the essentials in your home running (fridges, freezers and tv's). If you are considering purchasing a portable generator, also consider purchasing a carbon monoxide detector that will warn you if the levels get too high in the house.
Purchase from approved dealers
Even if you are buying an entry level standby generator, you want to make sure that you are getting a reliable and trustworthy piece of equipment. Make sure you purchase and get it installed from an approved dealer or seller, so that in the event of a mechanical breakdown it is covered, even in the depths of winter or in the middle of a storm. Purchasing from an approved dealer will also help you to keep on top of generator maintenance, which will help the generator run for years to come.
Final Thoughts
Purchasing a generator before the bad weather sets in is always a good idea, don't wait until there is a power outage to make a rushed and potentially bad decision! Consider your budget and purchase the best you can with the money that you have available. Make sure you fully assess and understand the amount of power you use on a daily basis; you don't want to purchase a generator that will struggle to keep your house warm and your lights on.
Both standby and portable generators are good options; you just need to decide which one meets your needs! Having a generator installed and ready to go before winter will bring you a sense of calm and quiet relief when the adverse weather does come in, just follow our handy five step guide to choosing the right generator for you!
