Generators use fuel sources like natural gas, solar energy, or gasoline to produce electricity and let you manage emergencies like a power outage. They come in different shapes and sizes, allowing people to choose suitable ones for their homes. Today, extreme weather events have become more frequent. These have led home generators to become fairly common. More and more people are investing in these effective machines to survive power outages resulting from storms or other natural happenings. With different models available in the market, you can avoid the big units and settle for the portable ones instead for more comfort. Their prices have come down from before, and one can easily attain them if necessary. Read on to learn about the various kinds of home generators available.
Inverter Generators
Different sorts of inverter generators are present in the market. So, how do you select the right one? They differ in the way that they produce electricity. A typical generator generates electricity in a single-phase and cannot keep the flow steady. However, inverter generators produce electricity in three stages. They first develop a high-frequency alternating current (AC). Next, it is inverted to a direct current (DC) and eventually inverted again to a stable AC output.
Although it may look complex, the process helps produce clean energy which remains stable while in use. It is suitable for sensitive electronics, like laptops and phones. Inverter generators also function more quietly because of the stable energy output. These machines can protect electronic equipment from power surges.
Portable Generators
Portable generators are small, compact, and easy to carry around. They are typically fueled by solar energy, gasoline, or propane, as they are readily available. While the last two can be sourced from a gas station, solar energy comes directly from the sun. Portable generators are small in size. Hence, they can be stored easily in a vehicle. A lot of people even keep them in a garage or shed.
On camping trips, the finest ones, like the EcoFlow DELTA Max Portable Power Station, can run the cam comfortably, recharge mobile devices, and even keep the lights on after sunset. If you are looking for a generator for power outage, get one of the portable devices, as they are the best device in every respect. Also, they can easily fit in the car for emergencies, which is a significant advantage.
Standby Generators
They have a higher price tag than the portable ones. While the latter can be carried or stored conveniently, standby generators become semi-permanent features of homes. Also, they take up more space than air-conditioning units. These machines have massive fuel tanks and commercial-level engines with high fuel efficiencies. These allow them to provide power to a home during emergencies.
They are effective for powering backup emergency systems or small cabins. At times, they are outfitted with WiFi connectivity that lets the user see the machine’s status through a mobile app. Apart from the cost, they have another disadvantage; they need regular maintenance to operate during a blackout. Despite these cons, they are in high demand as they turn on automatically during a power outage and provide uninterrupted power to a home.
Gasoline Generators
Generators can operate on various fuels, but gasoline is the most common one for these machines. Generators that run on gasoline belong to this category. They have relatively low prices and straightforward controls. These make them the ideal choices for shoppers on a limited budget. Although they have high emission rates and run on gasoline, which is quite expensive, plenty of users still pick them. People who use their generators infrequently are usually the ones that prefer them over the other kinds.
Diesel Generators
As the name indicates, they are fueled by diesel and not gasoline. This category mostly contains standby devices. However, there are also some portable diesel generators and inverters available. These machines tend to offer more efficient power output than gasoline standby generators.
Also, there are cost benefits to purchasing these devices. Since they are more fuel-efficient than gasoline-powered ones, you will spend less on fuel in the long run. These machines function well in freezing temperatures if they get winter diesel fuel. The regular one can freeze and gel, preventing the equipment from starting. Also, diesel’s low burning temperature puts less strain on an electric engine. It lets diesel generators live a long life which is a great advantage.
The only con is that they produce toxic and harmful emissions. However, if you seek durable and easy-to-maintain generators, go for them.
Natural Gas Generators
They run on natural gas and are mostly standby generators. Buyers can also get portable ones that operate on natural gas. Natural gas generators generate a significantly lower rate of emissions when compared to gasoline and diesel-powered generators. It makes them an excellent choice for whole-home backup power.
These devices are highly durable. With regular maintenance, they can last for years. Although they have a very high installation cost, their pros outweigh their cons. If you are an eco-friendly shopper and concerned about the environment, this machine is a perfect choice. Currently, they are in high demand and if you are looking for the top generator for a power outage, go for natural gas generators.
Solar Generators
Solar generators can be expensive to install, but remember that their fuel is renewable and free. It is their most notable advantage. Solar generators like the EcoFlow DELTA Max Portable Power Station are ideal for storing in the car or camping. They have built-in solar panels, but you can also get ones that have detachable solar panels. You can set them up the way you want, to better utilize the sun’s rays.
Hydrogen Generators
They are relatively new to the market. As the name suggests, they are fueled by hydrogen gas and are created with internal fuel cells to manage the device’s fuel efficiency. One of their advantages is that they produce a higher power output than others. Also, they are very sturdy and hence resistant to impact damage. Hydrogen generators are ideal for homes, especially in rural areas that need an uninterrupted power supply.