Find between the following 7 Types of Generators for home use.
A generator can charge your phone when you are camping, or it helps to keep the lights on in your home during a power outage in your area. When you are not connected to a grid, generators convert mechanical energy into electrical energy which becomes the best source of power.
There are several things to consider when you are going to select different types of generators: multiple types of fuel used and the power capabilities of the generator, and the wattage of the electrical home appliances you want to power.
Let us learn more about the very famous types of generators.
Types of Generators, a quick look:
- Whole House Generators.
- Portable Generator.
- Inverter Generator.
- Gasoline Generator.
- Diesel Generator.
- Solar Generator.
- Natural Gas Generator.
Above is the common main list of types of generators, let’s dive further into their explanation.
1. Whole House generators
This category is also known as the standby generator for the home, it can easily keep all the household appliances running. In an emergency, it keeps the lights on and your HVAC system working. Normally all the whole house generators can easily be connected to the existing fuel supply at your home, like propane or natural gas. Furthermore, some whole house generators come with a backup power source like gasoline or a solar system in order to make sure that your house appliances can run even without the worry of no fuel. The latest generators in the market can usually connect with an application, in this way you can run checks on the generator on a regular basis. A whole home generator will be a good investment if you are living in such an area where you meet with natural disasters like hurricanes or heavy storms that frequently knock your power out.
You need to expect an impressively large amount of price tag with such a generator. You will not only pay for the generator itself but also its installation and yearly or quarterly maintenance to make sure that it works properly. If we talk about size, Most whole home generators are large in size and comparatively take up some extra space than the standard air conditioners.
Pros
- In case of an emergency, it will turn on automatically
- It can power an entire home
- As it connects to your house circuit board so you do not need to worry about extension cords
- It can easily connect to your existing fuel supply
- It is designed to run for a long period of time
Cons
- It consumes a lot of space
- Comparatively expensive
- It needs yearly or quarterly maintenance
- It can also be noisy
2. Portable Generator
Portable generators come in small sizes and have a long list of uses. This size of generator is fueled by solar power, propane, or gasoline, and will also cost less than as compared to whole-house generators. Whether camping or working in a workshop, mostly small tools and appliances can easily be powered up by using portable generators. This type of generator comes with a such feature that it has multiple outlets through which you can plug in each appliance or tool.
But in case of emergency, a portable generator will not be able to power up your whole house. But it can provide power to small appliances for a short period of time. And yes, make sure to check the wattage of the home appliances or your tools before going to plug into the portable generator.
Pros
- It can power your multiple appliances and tools
- Can be easily moved and carried
- It can be stored easily
- It is comparatively less expensive than other types of generators
Cons
- It creates noise
- It does not come with much power as compared to a whole-house generator
- It is unable to power your all tools and appliances
- It does not turn on suddenly in case of power failure
- It must be used outside of the house and at least 21 feet away from home
3. Inverter Generator
An inverter generator works intelligently as compared to other types of generators. It does not run at a constant speed, but the inverter generator automatically adjusts its engine speed in order to meet the electrical demand. And because of this feature, noise, and fuel consumption are amazingly reduced. We can even charge our cell phones, laptops, and tablets because inverter generators produce clean energy. We can also store power in inverter generators, so it’s a great option for us while traveling, boating, or camping.
On the other hand, you cannot be able to run large appliances just because of inverter comes with a lower power outlet. But you can merge two inverter generators together in order to increase the power.
Pros
- Inverter generators are usually the quietest generators
- It comes under the portable category
- It comes with easy maintenance
- The best type of generators for electronics
- It does have fewer emissions
Cons
- Comes with a lower power outlet
- Much more expensive than portable generators
4. Gasoline Generator
A gasoline generator is a very common type of generator as it is the best option for lower-powered tools and appliances. When we talk about cost, it tends to be the inexpensive generator type, but with the passage of time, the gas cost becomes more expensive than other fuels.
As gas is easily available, it may not be a serious case in an emergency. We can store gas for up to a maximum of three to six months in an airtight container. Furthermore, if we add a fuel stabilizer then we can save gas for up to three years.
Pros
- The gasoline generator is the least expensive
- Gas is readily available
- Easy to find in the market
- Low noise than diesel generators
Cons
- Gasoline generators can only be used outdoors
- Gasoline is more expensive compared to other fuels
- This type of generator is highly flammable
- It throws high emissions
5. Diesel Generator
This type of generator works very well in such conditions where the temperature is freezing. These generators put less strain on the engine because of the low burning temperature of diesel and that makes it more durable. As compared to gasoline generators, diesel generators are more fuel efficient. It means you spend less amount of money with the passage of time on diesel generators.
Furthermore, diesel generators are much heavy and that’s why it is less portable. Besides this, this type of generator produces dangerous or harmful emissions that will be toxic if inhaled.
Pros
- Works efficiently as compared to gasoline
- Inexpensive to operate than gasoline generators
- It works for a long period of time
Cons
- It must be used outdoors
- Much more expensive than gasoline generators
- It makes a lot of noise
- Does harmful emissions
6. Solar Generator
Solar generators work on such clean and fresh energy from the sun. this is not harmful so you can run it safely indoors as they have no emissions. As they are much more expensive to buy but solar generators often have low maintenance.
This type of generator comes with low power output as compared to others. Specifically, solar generators are dependent on the sun for power, so it’s not always reliable in case of emergency at night. In order to have more power, we can add multiple solar panels to increase the power output. But in a few generators, battery power can also be added to increase the power output and reliability.
Pros
- Comes with low maintenance
- Solar generators have no emissions
- Solar generators can be run indoors
Cons
- Because of sun dependency, may not be reliable in an emergency
- Provide lower power output
- Much expensive
7. Natural Gas Generator
Such generators that work on natural gas are produced low emissions as compared to gasoline and diesel. Natural gas generators are proven to be very cost-effective and even they don’t require much storage because natural gas can easily be delivered using gas pipelines.
Initially, the setup of a natural gas generator with maintenance can be expensive. But with regular maintenance it becomes durable. On the other hand, as a generator is dependent on natural gas if the gas supply is cut off in case of an emergency, the generator will not work.
Pros
- Can get gas through the existing pipeline
- Low emissions
- Quite clean fuel
Cons
- Its maintenance cost is high
- It cannot be used indoors
- We bear high installation costs
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