Power outages are a fact of life, and so are home generators that keep your power running through them. You’re probably looking at a generator yourself, but with so many varieties on the market, it’s a little confusing to figure out how much power a generator actually produces. The amount of power they supply depends on their size and type.
The Portable Power Providers
Portable generators are the smallest ones you’ll find. As the name implies, you can take them practically anywhere, which makes them useful for camping and emergencies. Depending on their size and quality, they’ll produce between 2,000 and 8,000 watts of power. With a lower-end model, this is enough to keep your refrigerator, lights and TV running. You can also keep your computer, window AC and sump pump working with a higher-end generator. Most homes require roughly 7,500 watts to keep all these necessities running at the same time.
Innovative Inverters
Inverter generators work a little differently from standard models. Most regular generators generate AC, or alternating current. Inverter generators convert AC to direct current, or DC, and use a microchip to convert it back to AC at a more stable voltage and frequency. They also run more quietly than traditional generators because they change their power levels based on what’s being used.
If you have medical devices or use your computer for work, an inverter generator is a better choice that runs longer on 5 gal of gasoline. The only real drawback is that they produce less electricity. Not drastically less, but they range between 1,000 and 7,000 watts. Some people use these alongside a portable generator while others use them as a cleaner, more environmentally conscious alternative.
Live in Complete Comfort With a Whole House Generator
As the name implies, these generators, also known as standby generators, produce enough power to run your whole house during an outage. Many of them also run on propane or natural gas, so they’re cleaner options that last somewhat longer than portable generators.
They’re kept outside your home and switch on automatically once a power outage begins. Best of all, some models produce up to 50,000 watts, so you won’t have to decide what to sacrifice beforehand. They’re more expensive and require professional installation and maintenance, but they’ll definitely keep you comfortable during tough times.
Generators produce varying levels of power depending on their size, fuel choice and your own needs. When looking for your own generator, don’t forget to take both the running and starting wattages of your appliances into account. When you need generator services in Nashville, TN, contact Pioneer Generators.