I want to buy a generator, in case our electric goes out again. I know nothing about them. What kind should I get?
2007-03-17 18:01:25 · 7 answers · asked by ? 3 in Home & Garden ➔ Other - Home & Garden
costco has one for $399. just brought my self. it great! prefect size, and the muffler on it really reduces the noise.
2007-03-17 18:30:02 · answer #1 · answered by water 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should decide what household appliances you want to power from the generator. From that you can decide on what capacity is required.
How do you plan to connect the generator to your house? Extension cords can be used, but it gets messy and it takes a fair bit of time to hook everything up. Doesn't help much for hardwired devices such as the furnace or well pump.
The best option is to install a proper generator transfer panel. Selected circuits are powered from the generator panel. You use a single extension cord from the panel to the generator, throw a switch and the house is powered again.
Please do not consider the use of a double male cord to plug into the dryer or stove outlet. This practice is terribly dangerous and against all electrical codes.
If you are in a neighborhood with other houses nearby you may want to consider a low noise generator. Overhead valve engines typically have lower noise output than side valve engines, and are more efficient and longer lasting. Do you want it powered by diesel, gasoline, natural gas or propane?
Read through my generator website and check the links.
http://members.rennlist.org/warren/generator.html
2007-03-18 00:29:26 · answer #2 · answered by Warren914 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You must know what wattage you need. Look up watts used for the appliances you want to run. Do you use electric furnace and hot water heater? If so, you will need a very large generator to run everything. Without furnace or heater, and by taking turns running different appliances, you may be able to get by using something as small as 5500 watts.
2007-03-17 18:41:00 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
think about what it is you want to run in an emergency your refrigerator,computer, tv.your microwave and then ask the sales person which generator can handle that kind of load.
then decide according to you budget
2007-03-17 18:19:03 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Get a small Honda. They are quiet and reliable. You just need one to run your fridge, some lights and a stove.
2007-03-17 18:10:38 · answer #5 · answered by Tiger Beer 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you need to talk to someone that knows the type you want, you will need to know what you expect to have on it, ... furnace, lights ect. That way you will be able to get the right size and wattage for what you need.
2007-03-17 18:07:48 · answer #6 · answered by Couto 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
buy something that has high hp or watt.
2007-03-17 18:16:26 · answer #7 · answered by Archangel 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋