During the hurricane season, it is important to have a generator on hand. Strong winds and rain are notorious for cutting off the power during a heavy storm, but generators can help to restore your home. Whatever your needs are, it is important to choose the right generator for your home.

Which Generator is Best for You?

Most people are not aware that there are different types of generators. For example, there are portable generators, which are used to keep a few appliances running such as your refrigerator or an electric stove. You may plug in your appliances directly into the generator itself, or if there is a special connection installed, you can plug it into the wall outlets. Depending on the wattage, portable generators can cost between $300 to $1,200.

A standby generator is used to keep your whole house functioning. They run off of a gas connection or a propane tank and turn on automatically when the power goes out. These types of generators typically cost anywhere from $5,000 to $10,000.

When choosing the right size, you need to keep in mind what you are preparing to power when there is a blackout. Generators are based on electrical capacity NOT physical size. This means you should add up all the appliances you want to power simultaneously. Aside from this, you should also add in an item in your home that requires the most electricity for precautionary measures. In case of an emergency, you want to remember the small, but important uses for generators such as chargers for electronics, flashlights, and even powering personal medical equipment.

Safety Measures

Portable generators should never be placed inside and should remain at least 10 feet outside your home. These types of generators run off gasoline which creates carbon monoxide (CO) emissions. This type of gas can cause illness and even death if not taken care of properly. When using a standby generator inside your home, you should always have working smoke detectors and CO (carbon monoxide) detectors. Never fuel the generators while they are hot and remember the saying, “Let it cool before you fuel.”

Choosing the right generator and installing it can be complicated. Call Mister Sparky® of San Antonio at (210) 899-2430, for generator advice or assistance. We’re always here to help!