How To Choose Portable Generators
There is only one job for a portable home generator and that is to supply electricity where you need it. You want to be able to transport your portable generator easily to any place you need power and start it up to provide the electricity you need.
The important points to consider here are, in no particular order:-
1) How much does the generator weigh
2) How much power does it give
3)Is it reliable and will it work when you need it to.
4) How often will it need refueling to keep constantly running.
These factors will help you decide if a generator is suitable for your needs.
First the weight of the portable generator. One persons portable generator will be another persons, ‘leave in place’ generator. If it is too heavy for you to move or you need assistance to move it and there is nobody around to help then it may as well be bolted to the ground for all the difference that would make. It may be officially described as portable but it will not suit your requirements.
How Much Power Does It Give?
This is a very important factor in your choice of generator. If it does not give you enough power then it cannot do the job for you.That is not to say it is useless and many people manage with lower rated generators but they have to manage their power requirements to what the unit is capable of providing. In most cases some power is better than none but you will do better to get a full power portable generator from the start.
Is The Generator Reliable?
An unreliable generator can be a hazard. It may be because it is old, it requires maintenance or it is just downright unreliable but a generator is a piece of equipment you must be able to rely on to work when you need it. If you can’t rely on it get it fixed or replace it with one that you know will work when you need it to.
Running Time
If you need to leave your generator running overnight or all day but the tank only holds enough gas for four or six hours use you will need to be around to refill the tank. If you are asleep that is not much good to you. Make sure any generator you rent or buy has a tank that will allow it to run for as long as you need it before it runs out of gas.