Have you dealt with one power outage too many? Lost food in your fridge? Tired of relying on candles for light? If so, it might be time to invest in a generator. But what is the best type of generator for your home? Since buying a generator is a big decision, let’s explore your options to help you make the right choice.
A generator is a backup power source that provides electricity when your main power grid fails. It converts mechanical energy into electrical energy, ensuring that essential appliances, lights, and heating or cooling systems stay operational during an outage. A properly sized generator will supply ample power to keep your home running smoothly. Generators are especially valuable in areas prone to severe weather, where power outages can last for hours or even days.
If you’re looking for a new generator in the Quad Cities, Point Electric can help! We also provide generator service to keep your system running efficiently.
A generator supplies electricity to a home by using fuel (like natural gas, propane, diesel, or gasoline) to power an engine, which creates mechanical energy. This energy then powers an alternator, turning it into electricity. The way electricity is distributed from this point depends on the type of generator you are working with.
For whole home generators, they’re directly connected to your home’s electrical panel. When the power goes out, the generator automatically starts up and provides electricity to your entire home.
Portable generators need to be set up manually. You either plug appliances directly into the generator or connect it to your breaker panel with a transfer switch.
Inverter generators provide less power and are ideal for small devices like laptops or lights.
Let’s look a little more at the types of generators you might be considering.
For most homeowners, a whole home generator is the best type of generator because it provides ample power automatically and without interruption. It runs on natural gas or propane, connects directly to your home’s electrical system, and ensures your lights, appliances, as well as heat and air conditioning remain operational. They are the best type of generator when you have a family member reliant on health equipment that requires electricity. With a whole home generator, you will have peace of mind every time the power goes out.
A portable generator is a flexible option for job sites, workshops, and outdoor projects. Its mobility makes it ideal for powering tools, running equipment or handling tasks like power washing. While a portable generator can provide temporary power to essential appliances during an outage, it requires manual setup, runs solely on gasoline, needs frequent refueling and can be quite noisy. Though portable generators are useful in certain applications, they are not the best type of generator for whole-home backup power.
Inverter generators are the smallest of the three and run relatively quietly. Perfect for your next camping outing, they can run your lights, heaters, smartphones and devices, and more. Inverter generators are not ideal for homes, but are very efficient at powering small appliances. Because they “invert” energy, they are more fuel efficient, and are a cleaner, safer alternative to a regular generator.
Each type of generator has its own purpose, but for keeping your home powered during an outage, a whole home generator is the best type of generator. It delivers the power necessary to keep your household running without interruption.
At Point Electric, our knowledgeable team can help you choose the best type of generator for your needs, provide expert installation, and provide ongoing maintenance services.
Contact us today to get started!
Would you like more information about generators? We have some helpful videos on our YouTube channel.
