How do I Purchase a Generator?
Purchasing a generator for your home for the event of a power outage means knowing what you require. Most people purchase portable generators that run on gas, but the more power it supplies the costlier it becomes. Does this Spark an idea?
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Size
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Know the right size of generator by how much power you need. Generators come in various sizes and power outputs, so you need to know how much power you require. For example, to run a microwave, you need at least 750 watts of power, while a refrigerator needs on average, 600 watts. Generators put out AC power and the quality of that power will depend on the generator. If cost is a concern, you might wish to purchase a smaller generator. Let the dealer know your requirements for a perfect fit.
Considerations
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Know which appliances you need to keep running. Consider which appliances you need to keep running. Refrigerators, stoves for cooking, air conditioning or heating and lights require different levels of power. The larger the generator, the more you can operate on it, while smaller generators will require you picking and choosing what appliances to run.
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Know Your Appliance Wattage
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A light bulb contains it wattage printed on top. You need to know your appliances' power needs, so check the labels. The power level for a light bulb is its wattage. If you do not know your appliances' wattage, ask an electrician to help you.
Price Range
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Know your price range before going to the store. Portable gas generators run from $300 to $2,500, as of 2010. Permanently installed generators cost from $2,000 to $6,000. Gas generators should be installed outside the home, due to venting carbon monoxide from the unit. Finally, a battery inverter system ranges from $350 to $1,200. Battery inverter systems run on batteries, so placing them in a well-ventilated place in your basement is not a problem, as they do not vent gas.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit appliance image by martini from Fotolia.com power image by razorconcept from Fotolia.com contents of fridge image by Christopher Hall from Fotolia.com light bulb image by David Ng from Fotolia.com 3d dollar sign image by lixai from Fotolia.com
