A home backup generator can keep you comfortable when a power outage suddenly strikes. However, that level of comfort can be compromised if you buy the wrong one for your home and your needs. In this blog, we are going to go over the 5 mistakes you need to avoid when purchasing a backup home generator.
- Overestimating or Underestimating Power Needs
One of the most critical mistakes you can make when purchasing your backup home generator is getting one with too much or too little power. The last thing you want during a power outage is for your generator to be incapable of powering your appliances and systems. You also don’t want a generator that produces way more power than you need as it’s less efficient.
Now, to avoid this mistake we don’t recommend basing your power needs off of a guesstimate. Instead, you should take note of all the appliances you want running during an outage. First, consider the most essential appliances, systems, equipment, etc. you absolutely need, and then consider the less essential ones. Once you have a complete list you can find their wattage needs on the machine or online, and then total it all up to get your power needs.
- Disregarding Fuel Availability
Don’t just go with the first backup generator for home use that you see on the market because it may require fuel that is really expensive in your area, or has an insufficient supply. Instead, when you are deciding on generators to purchase, you need to determine the fuel and pricing available in your area. To get you started on your search, the three most common types of fuel for home backup generators are natural gas, propane, and diesel.
- Not Looking at Noise Levels
Home backup generators can be noisy and that noise can start to bother you, especially if they’re running for long periods of time. The purpose of a generator is to keep your home running during an outage so you can stay comfortable, and being comfortable with a loud generator will be very difficult. During your search, be sure to look at models that are designed for residential use and feature noise-reducing technology.
- Only Basing Your Choice on Price
A low price may seem appealing at first, but you may end up paying more down the line. Many homeowners make the mistake of purchasing a cheap low-quality generator that’s unreliable. Instead, we recommend that you think of your generator as a long-term investment that will make up for its cost as it continues to keep you comfortable during future power outages. Remember to budget effectively and consider how much it costs to install your backup home generator and how much it will cost to keep it maintained.
- Overlooking Maintenance Requirements
Much like any other machine, home backup generators need regular maintenance to provide reliable long-lasting performance. Many homeowners make the mistake of overlooking the maintenance their generator needs, or completely neglecting them. Maintenance may seem like a hassle at first but when your power is out and your generator fails to perform you’ll start to regret not tending to it. Luckily, some companies, like us, do offer service subscriptions so you don’t have to worry.
Those are the five mistakes you need to avoid when purchasing a backup home generator. To help you make the best decision possible, working with a professional such as GenerX Generators can make the process a lot easier. With GenerX Generators, we are happy to help guide you through the process and make sure you select the best emergency generator for your home, just click here to contact us.
Get peace of mind knowing that your home is ready to go in any situation with GenerX Generators. As a Premier Generac Dealer, we sell, install, service, and maintain Generac Generators, one of the most well-established and trusted brands on the market.
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