Portable Electric Generator Considerations
Did you know that writers like me, magazines and other periodic publications develop editorial calendars? These are simply a roadmap of what is going to be written when. I decided on the topic of portable generators about 3 months ago. I felt it would be a Ho-Hum column and bulletin. Boy, was I wrong! Evidently tens (maybe hundreds) of thousands of people out there have suffered just like myself and my family during storms. My suggestion to you is to consider buying stock in one of the top portable generator companies for your IRA or Keogh plan.
Noisy but Nice
Portable electric generators are often powered by the same gasoline engines that deliver power to air compressors, lawn mowers and similar equipment. As you know, these engines produce lots of noise. Some generators are quieter than others. It is something you should absolutely consider when purchasing a unit. I can tell you from experience that the droning of a 5 or 8 hp gasoline engine for countless hours can drive you crazy. My air compressor drives my workers and myself crazy! When you need electricity in an emergency you will already be stressed. You don’t need some extra noise grating your nerves as well!
Countless Options/Variety
I am astonished at the variety of sizes and types of portable electric generators. You are not going to have an easy time making up your mind! Many are air cooled. However as you get up towards 5,000 watts or more of power you get into liquid cooled engines. Some models offer multiple outlets of different power, AC & DC current capabilities, built in GFCI safety breakers, electric start, etc. It reminds me of buying a car! You will have a tough time keeping all of the options clear in your head.
I suggest you make a list of “must haves” before you start shopping. For example, where will you put the generator? How will you move it into position? Will moving it require wheels? What will be the most important use? Write down as many things as you can think of. Write down a wish list. What things would you love to have if money was no object?
Not So Fast….!
Don’t walk out the door just yet. You have to wander around your house and do a power study first. I want you to imagine that the power has just been cut off to your house. It is 20 degrees outside. What do you need electricity for, to keep you partially comfortable and your water lines from freezing?
A power study is simply a list of everything you MUST operate at some point during the power outage. Find the wattage of the electrical devices and write down this number. If you can’t find watts on the appliance or motor, write down amps. We will convert amps to watts in a moment.
Once you have this list, add up the total wattage. Don’t forget to add lights that must be on. Not every light mind you, just the ones that are a necessity. Now, what things on the list MUST be on at the same time? Often you don’t have to have the refrigerator, freezer and the furnace on together. Why? A winter emergency will require reduced refrigeration (the house temp may fall into the 50’s and 60’s). A summer emergency will require full power to the refrigerator and freezer but none to the furnace.
Once you have the list of the things that must be on at the same time you can calculate the total wattage you must have as a minimum.
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