Which Generator Should I Buy? Four Factors That Will Help You Pick The Right Portable Power Generator
Electricity is a wonderful thing. In our homes, we usually take it for granted that we can flip a switch when we need light or turn on the stove when we want to cook. But if you need power when you're away from home or you want a back-up in case of a power outage, you'll need a generator for power.
Choosing a portable generator to back up your home in a power outage or provide a portable energy source can be a daunting assignment. There are many brands and models to choose from, and you want to ensure that the generator you choose will be able to fill your needs.
Portable generators – such as the Honda models we carry here at Richardson Saw & Lawnmower – are less expensive than permanent backup generators and don't require a complex installation process. This makes them a great choice for emergency back-up power in most homeowner situations. And since they're portable, they're also a great choice for when you're on the move and need power for work or recreation.
There are four key factors to look at when selecting a portable power generator. Power output determines what the generator is capable of powering. Noise level may be a consideration depending on how and where you plan to use the generator. Fuel and run time affect how expensive it is to fuel your generator and how long you can go before refueling. Finally, certain generators offer features that make them easier to start and use. Keep reading for a guide on how to use these four factors to select the right generator for home, work, and/or play.
Power Output
The most important consideration when selecting a generator is making sure it can power everything you need it to. You can use Honda's online wattage calculator to help determine the wattage you need for all the appliances you want to run. When you're shopping for generators, the description will tell you each generator's continuous and maximum/surge power ratings. The first describes how many watts or kilowatts the generator can continuously supply without overloading. The maximum or surge power only lasts a few seconds to cover the extra power motors pull when they first start. To calculate the minimum wattage you'll need from a generator, make a list of everything you want to power and add up the wattage for each item. The smaller 1,000- to 3,000-watt generators in Honda's EU and EB series are perfect for supplying power when you're RVing, camping, tailgating, or boating. They can also be used to run power tools and act as backup power for a few home appliances (like a refrigerator) in case of a power failure. If you need to be able to power more appliances or ones that require higher wattage, such as sump pumps and air conditioners, you'll need a larger generator. A typical home will need 5,000 to 7,000 watts to power essential items in case of a power outage. Honda's portable generators ca supply this level of power. They go up to 10,000 watts in their industrial EB series generators.Noise
If you will be using your generator in a residential area, make sure to check if there are noise ordinances that regulate how loud your generator can run. Noise is also a consideration if you're trying to sleep while a nearby generator is running. You also won't want a very loud generator if you're using it for recreational purposes and want to carry on a conversation near the generator. How loud a generator runs in measured in decibels. Click here for a chart that shows the decibel levels of several models of Honda generators and compares them to common noises. The super-quiet EU1000i generator supplies 1,000 watts while producing lower levels of sound than a normal conversation. The most powerful of Honda's generators, the EM1000, runs just a little louder than the average vacuum cleaner.
