Preparing for next year’s hurricane season could have some Southwest Florida homeowners on the hunt for a dependable generator. It can be hard trying to find a generator that fits all your needs, but when a hurricane hits, it’s important to have a generator that will ensure that you have power for days. To help you find the right generator for your home, consider using this list:
How does a standby generator differ from a portable generator?
Standby generators offer an extended amount of energy for long power outages. Moreover, standby generators are installed permanently on a concrete pad in your yard, which means that the standby generator is directly connected to your house through an electrical panel and powered by an external fuel supply, such as natural gas, liquid propane, or diesel. A portable generator provides anywhere from 1KW to 10KW of power to keep the essentials like your refrigerator, some lights, and maybe a water pump running.
How much does it cost to have a standby generator?
On average, a standby generator can cost between $4,000-$5,000 to purchase, and $4,000 to $6,000 to install. If you live in Southwest Florida, it’s rare to find natural gas for your standby generator. If your home doesn’t have natural gas, it can cost up to $5,000 to install a propane tank to supply gas to your standby generator.
How much does it cost to have a portable generator?
You can usually get a portable 3KW generator for under $1000, or you can get a portable 8KW generator for $2,000-$3,000, and if you want more power you can get a 10KW generator for $2,500-$3,500. Remember a good portable generator will range from $1,000-$2,000 depending on the brand. Don’t forget that when you have a portable generator that you will have to put gas in it to keep it running. You will also want to keep in mind that whenever there’s hurricane or terrible storm, there’s usually going to be a gas shortage. Make sure that you have extra gas for backup.
What can I run on a 2000-watt generator?
A 2000-watt generator could power a 500-watt deep freezer and one element of the electric stove. Or you could run the freezer, cook with a 650-watt microwave.
How many kilowatts do I need in a standby generator to run my house?
If you live in a three bedroom and two-bathroom house than you probably only need a 16KW standby generator, to run the essentials in your house. However, if you plan on using the electric washer and dryer, electric stove, microwave, air conditioner, etc., you will need to have a 20KW standby generator. If you want to live in total comfort during a power outage, then you will probably need to use a 22KW standby generator.
Why should I purchase a standby generator vs a portable generator?
During a storm, a standby generator can power the essential appliances in your home. Moreover, standby generators have longer run time than portable generators. Normally, portable generators need to be refueled every few hours. Standby generators, on the other hand, connect directly to your gas line, allowing for prolonged running times.
Does a standby generator increase your home’s value?
Yes, it can increase your home’s value. That is if you get it installed “legally”. Consumer Reports states that in some cases your home value can increase by 3 to 5 percent. A 2014 report by Remodeling Magazine indicated that installing a standby generator can provide up to a 150% return on your investment.
How much power do you need to run a portable generator?
Portable generators provide 3KW to 10KW of power in your home. In some cases, 3KW to 10 KW is enough to run some households, just as long as your essential appliances don’t include the plasma TV, the AC, and your hot tub. You probably can run a water pump, a heater, some lights, and a refrigerator with a 5KW to 8KW.
What can you plug into a portable generator?
The portable generator is never enough to run everything in your house, but you can use it to power your refrigerator, freezer, lights, hot plate, fan, or microwave. Remember that the lower the watts on your portable generator the less you will be able to plug in.
What is the best generator to get?
If you’re planning to purchase a generator you want to get a standby generator installed by a licensed and certified electrical professional. Standby generators can restore power in seconds after a power outage. On the other hand, a portable generator can power individual items like plug-in appliances and lamps with extension cords. We recommend that you don’t take the cheap way out. A portable generator will only last for one storm before it needs repairs or breaks down. Also, it’s always safe to buy a generator from a well-known brand. Usually, generators that are made by a well-known manufacturer will last longer with less maintenance. Before consider purchasing a generator, we recommend all homeowners in Southwest Florida conduct extensive research before purchasing a generator.
A storm can leave you with a power outage that can disrupt your life, but you can be prepared if you have a whole home generator. A whole home generator provides power to your house when a power outage happens. If you’re currently looking to get a whole home generator installed and prefer monthly payment options, then Ygrene financing is your solution. Ygrene financing offers 100% accessible funding on energy efficient home improvement projects with no money down and no payments until 2021. BHS is proud to be the only Ygrene elite contractor in Southwest Florida. If you are currently looking to buy a whole home generator, please schedule an appointment with the professionals at BHS, by calling (239) 946-4426 . BHS is proud to be the leading air conditioning, electrical, and plumbing company of Southwest Florida since 1980.
