A generator can be really helpful when you are experiencing a power outage, or you need a power source in a remote location. That being said, generators come in various types for different purposes – so, you need to make sure that you purchase only the right kind for your needs. Here are the types that you may go for:
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Quiet Portable Generators
When you are going on a camping trip or need a source of energy for a more remote location, then you might want to invest in a good quiet portable generator. These units have an overall smaller capacity – but they are a great option if you want to plug in a stereo system at a barbecue or need to power your RV during a camping trip.
Quiet portable generators, as their name suggests, were made to be very quiet – mostly at about 50-60 dB. This means that if you place them several feet away from where you are sitting, you should not be bothered by the sound – nor should it bother any potential neighbors. It should be no louder than your average conversation.
For portability purposes, these generators were also given wheels and handles. This way, even if you need to carry the generator to a remote place, it should be easier to do so thanks to the portability extras. Quiet portable generators are also very easy to store. Considering that most of these units are used in RVs or other small places, they were made compact enough to be easily stored.
Inverter Generators
Inverter generators are quite new on the market – which is why they include most of the technological breakthroughs. In a way, they are quite similar to the conventional generator – but the difference lies in the way they produce power. They create AC power (like pretty much any other generator), turn it into DC– but then invert it back into AC.
This creates a pure sine wave of power that remains constant – making it perfect for sensitive home appliances such as cell phones, laptops, TVs, and so on. These utilities are quite sensitive to power fluctuations, which is why the inverter generator is actually such a convenient solution.
These types of generators are also quite popular on the market because they are very quiet. They use the latest technologies and high-end features, including mufflers, which should keep the noise at about 50-60 dB. This is why they are very convenient to purchase for those who have neighbors easily bothered by the noise.
Solar Generators
Gas-powered generators might be quite convenient and easily accessible – but there’s no denying that aside from being loud, they also emit a gas smell. Plus, once the gas runs out and you’re far from any gas stations, then you are out of luck. If you have to stay one or two more days in that area, with no gas around you, then you best say goodbye to electricity.
That being said, this should not always be the case – not if you go for one that uses the right kind of fuel. A solar generator, for instance, will be able to harness that power from the sun – therefore, providing energy that is clean and very easy to use. This way, you will not be depending on any fossil fuel.
Dual-Fuel Generators
As their name suggests, dual fuel generators can use two types of fuel in the case of an emergency. If you have no access to gasoline, for example, a dual fuel generator will also work efficiently on propane. This will keep the energy going until any potential outages go away.
Since they use different types of fuel, these units may also prove cheaper to run in the long run. Many people prefer the propane option, as it is not as costly. Plus, if you live in an area where the climate is unpredictable, a dual-fuel generator might also prove efficient (e.g. propane is more suitable for summer whereas gasoline is more convenient during winter).
Whole-House Generators
When the power in the house is down, then your entire activity is jeopardized. In this case, you might need a backup power source that can power up any basic appliances in your house – at least until the power goes up again.
Whole-house generators are generally quite big and bulky, but they also have the amperage that you’ll need to power several appliances at once. The standard whole-house generator will have at least 10,000 watts – which means it is enough to power your lights, a laptop, a TV, and so on. You just need to make sure that it has the fuel capacity to keep things going for a longer time.
The Bottom Line
A generator, regardless of its type, can be very useful when it comes to power outages or using said power remotely. You just need to determine what generator works best for your purposes. Read more product reviews on Homeair.org.