- \n
- Purpose or Application<\/li>\n
- Power Requirements<\/li>\n
- Noise Level<\/li>\n
- Portability and Weight<\/li>\n
- Fuel Efficiency & Run Time<\/li>\n
- Ease of Use<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Buyer’s Guide to a Portable Generator –\u00a0Portable Generator Purpose or Application<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Typically, applications fall into one of three categories:<\/strong><\/p>\n
- \n
- Home back up or emergency power for select appliances and heating. Power requirements and noise levels are important factors for this type of generator.<\/li>\n
- Recreational use for your RV, camping, tailgating, and boating. Portability is the main concern for this generator.<\/li>\n
- Industrial use such as for construction sites. These generators tend to get more use and require longer run times.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
Generators are engineered towards each of these applications. However, when selecting a generator consider your individual unique needs because some models can be used in all 3 categories.<\/p>\n
Buyer’s Guide to a Portable Generator –\u00a0Portable Generator Power Requirements<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Portable Generator Home Applications<\/h4>\n
To determine your basic home power needs, start with these three questions:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Do you use city or well water? A well pump may require a larger 240 volt generator (3800 watts or above).<\/li>\n
- Is your heating system electric, heat pump, or gas or oil forced air? Gas or oil forced air systems can get by with a very small generator. Electric furnaces and heat pumps typically need 15,000 watts or more to run and cannot be powered by a portable generator.<\/li>\n
- Is your hot water heater electric, gas, or oil fired? \u00a0Gas or oil fired heaters use as little as 2500 watts. Electric heaters often require at least 4500 watts.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
Homeowners can often power most household appliances using a portable generator between 3000 and 6500 watts. See the Wattage Estimation Chart<\/strong> for estimates.<\/p>\n
Buyer’s Guide to a Portable Generator –\u00a0Portable Generator Recreational Applications<\/h4>\n
\u00a0RVs:<\/strong><\/p>\n
The primary factor you need to consider is the size of your AC unit(s). The AC\u2019s needs may vary based on many factors, including the ambient temperature and the efficiency of your model.<\/p>\n
Campers, Tailgaters, and Boaters: <\/strong><\/p>\n
Light weight portable generator models of 1000-2000 watts will handle most needs. Check the power requirement of the appliances you want to use.<\/p>\n
Buyer’s Guide to a Portable Generator –\u00a0Portable Generator Industrial Applications<\/h3>\n
Industrial power needs range widely, based on what kind of tools you are using. To determine your portable generator power needs, start with the Wattage Estimation Chart<\/strong> to build a quick estimate<\/p>\n
Wattage requirements for starting a tool or appliance with a motor will be much higher than the watts required to run the device. See more about starting versus running wattage below.<\/p>\n
Buyer’s Guide to a Portable Generator –\u00a0Starting versus Running Wattage<\/h3>\n
Some appliances require extra power to start up while others maintain the same power requirements constantly. Resistive load appliances require the same amount of power to both start and run the equipment such as light bulbs or a coffee maker. Reactive loads contain an electric motor, which requires additional power to start, but significantly less power to run once it gets going. Typically starting power is 3 times the amount of power to run the application such as a refrigerator, furnace fans, well pumps, air compressors and power tools.<\/p>\n
Buyer’s Guide to a Portable Generator –\u00a0Portable Generator Noise Level<\/strong><\/h3>\n
The noise level of your generator is a major factor in determining the right model. Many areas have noise ordinances that may impact generator usage, particularly at night. Noisy generators are unsuitable for many applications such as camping. Generators should be labeled with a decibel rating. Models may vary, but an inverter generator with a 6500W maximum load may typically have a 60 dB(A) @ rated load comparable to an air conditioner at 100 feet. A traditional 6500W maximum generator may produce up to 75 dB(A) @ rated load which is the same rating as standing next to a washing machine.<\/p>\n
Buyer’s Guide to a Portable Generator –\u00a0Generator Portability and Weight<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Consider how you will be moving and storing the generator. Larger models can weigh over four hundred pounds. Wheel kits and carts are available for both large and small models.<\/p>\n
Buyer’s Guide to a Portable Generator –\u00a0Portable Generator Fuel efficiency & Run Time<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\u00a0Most portable generators run on gasoline. \u00a0Inverter generators are generally quieter and more fuel efficient. They are becoming available in larger models ideally suited for home and commercial use. Be sure to consult the Wattage Estimation Chart <\/strong>and find models suitable for your application. Commercial applications may want longer run times that would require larger fuel tanks.<\/p>\n
\u00a0Buyer’s Guide to a Portable Generator –\u00a0Wattage Estimation Chart<\/h3>\n
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