Nowadays, many households invest in generators to power up their homes during power shortages. When it comes to choosing a residential gasoline generator set, there are a lot of factors to consider. How do you decide which is the right generator for you? In this article, we'll cover a helpful generator buying guide to help you select an ideal generator for home use.
What Is A Gasoline Generator?
It is also known as a gas/petrol generator, which uses gasoline as its primary fuel source and supplies electricity by using an internal combustion engine to convert gasoline into electrical power. Typically the engine consists of a cylinder, a piston and a crankshaft.
These powerful machines come into two types: stationary (for home/business backup) and portable (for camping or temporary sites). Many people choose gas generators for home use due to their lower cost, ease of use and portability. Gas-powered generators are also used to provide electrical power in other various situations where grid power fails.
What Size Gas Generator Do You Need for Your House?
You need to consider many factors when shopping for a generator, such as power output, cost, durability, noise, etc. The power output of the generator as well as the power needs of your home is one of the most important considerations. You need to consider what you'll be using the genset for and what appliances need to be powered. For example, if you need a generator to power your whole house, a small portable gas generator may not satisfy your power needs. However, it can be taken with you on the go and suffice for a camping trip.
To buy a generator right for your needs, consider the frequency of your power outages and the appliances you wish to power during an outage. To determine the wattage required to operate various systems, appliances, and other devices, it’s necessary to have a basic understanding of running wattage and starting wattage. Running wattage, or rated watts, is the basic amount of power needed to keep the device running. Starting wattage, also referred to as peak watts or surge power, are extra watts needed for 2~3 seconds to start motor-driven products like a refrigerator or circular saw, this is the maximum wattage the generator can produce.
Below is a chart of common household appliances, systems, and other devices with their approximate running wattage:
| Appliance | Running watts |
| Refrigerator/Freezer | 600~800 |
| Television | 50~300 |
| Laptop | 20~75 |
| Microwave | 700~1800 |
| Toaster oven | 1100~1200 |
| Space heater | 1250~2000 |
| Central air conditioning | 2000~4000 |
| Smartphone charger | 5~15 |
| Hairdryer | 1500~2500 |
| Vacuum cleaner | 300~1500 |
| Kettle | 1500~2000 |
Add up the total running wattage of each item needed for the home and then add it to an individual item with the highest number of starting watts. That will be the total starting watts needed.
How Much Does A Gasoline Generator Cost?
In general, the costs of gasoline generator sets vary depending on a number of factors including whether it’s a standby or portable, the power capacity, manufacturer and other features. Gas-powered generators are usually the most affordable and their prices will be relative bargains for buyers. After you have determined how much power you need, you can decide between a standby generator and a portable generator. One thing to realize, the costs of standby generators include both product costs and the installation costs, while portable generators have a fixed price that depends largely on how much power the unit has.
If you invest in a gasoline generator, you’ll have to budget for the gas cost and storage. The cost of a portable gas-powered generator usually ranges from a couple hundred dollars to upwards of $2,500 for higher-end models. According to HomeAdvisor, standby whole-house generators range from $5,000 to $25,000 after installation. Installation costs include labor, circuits, transfer switches, and concrete pads, which may vary due to some factors and range from $500 to $5,000.
When shopping for a gasoline generator for home, you need to consider whether there are factors that could increase the cost of installing a generator, such as the location to place the generator, which is related to your fuel source and circuit panel.
What Is the Best Type of Generator for Home Use?
Besides fuel source and cost of generator sets, you need to consider other important factors including performance, type, noise, safety and other features when buying a residential generator. Generators can run on a variety of power sources and each fuel type has its advantages and disadvantages.
Gas-powered generators are popular with users for its cost, availability, portability and ease of starting. However, they have a short service life and their engines are generally less fuel efficient than diesel engines. Thus, you’d better use a gasoline generator as the standby power rather than the primary power source. If you focus more on saving money on fuel, then a diesel generator might be right for you.
If you need a durable generator with longer running time for home, it's recommended that you choose a diesel generator. Diesel generators are known for their durability, reliability, and long lifespan, which can be used as a permanent power supply system.
You may also like to read: Is it better to buy diesel genset or gasoline generator?
Other Features to Consider:
Automatic CO Shutoff: Generators with automatic carbon monoxide shut off can bring you peace of mind by automatically killing the engine if they detect certain gas levels that could be dangerous.
Electric Start: This feature allows you to starting your generator by simply pushing a button. You don’t need to use a pull-card to turn on the generator.
Low-Oil Shutoff: Choosing a generator with low-oil shutoff feature can protect your generator from damage by automatically shut off when the oil reaches below a certain level.
Fuel Gauge: If you are operating a gas-powered generator or a diesel generator, a fuel gauge allows you to see how much fuel is left and you will know when it’s time to refuel.
Noise level: If you buy a generator for home use, the noise level of the genset may be a factor. Consider purchasing a silent diesel generator operating with lower 75dB if you are worried about disturbing the neighbors or other people living in your home during operation.
Still have problem choosing a generator for home use? Contact us today!
If you’re still unsure what size gasoline generator or which type of generator is right for you, don’t hesitate to contact us. As a professional manufacturer of diesel generator sets, Dingbo Power offer various generators ranging from 25KVA to 3000 KVA which can fit your needs and budget. Our team of professionals can help you choose the perfect residential generator.
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