Whether you are a parent at home, an entrepreneur leading a small venture, or a large scale manufacturer, we all rely on electricity to conduct everyday tasks and carry out professional duties. It’s fair to say that without it, our modern lives would come to a grinding halt. As a matter of fact, power outages are an all-too-common occurrence with immediate consequences that can range from spoiled foods in the fridge to disrupted business operations and industrial production lines. While service providers usually do their best to supply our homes or facilities without interruptions, events like natural disasters and major network repairs can disturb our daily routines. Meanwhile, these emergencies can easily be handled when you’re equipped with an independent power generator. In the following guide, we’ll be detailing some of the most compelling reasons why owning a generator is always a great and forward-thinking investment, irrespective of your consumption habits and power needs.
We’ve also provided useful tips on what to consider before purchase, along with the different types available on the market.
Guaranteed convenience and safety
At one point or another, homeowners have all experienced that feeling of dread and helplessness that comes when the power is unexpectedly cut off. Blackouts are generally caused by extreme weather, such as hurricanes, heavy storms, or heat waves which can damage power lines. If the blackout lasts a few hours, or several days, a million things begin to cross our minds – no internet, no hot water or refrigeration, no lights to navigate around or read, and so on.
This is even more so the case for people who live in remote or rural areas. Fortunately, you won’t need to worry about any of that if your place of living has a back-up energy source. Aside from being a reassuring presence, a home generator will allow you to continue performing your household chores, keep your electronic devices charged and functional, and survive the blackout without fear or anxiety.
Likewise, a power outage can be an even greater handicap for facilities such as restaurants, shops, companies, hospitals, construction sites, or production units – any place that relies on heavy energy consumption. Without energy, they would be virtually inoperable. As a result, in the event of an emergency, these locations will need a reliable, high-power device in order to keep the power running, fulfill daily obligations and operations, as well as prevent costly losses. It will also keep all security systems in function to keep intruders away.
Stationary vs. Portable Generators
As we’ve seen, generators can come in handy in a variety of situations, from the home to the workplace. That said, you need to invest in one that is suited to your individual needs. Seeing as there are loads of product offerings that come in different sizes, capacities, and price points, the energy experts over at https://www.ablesales.com.au recommend selecting a model that is in line with your typical usage and habits to avoid instances of underpowering, or worse, overpowering your household devices of commercial installations. As such, doing a little research on what’s available currently in the market is important and bound to be a guarantee for a successful and long-lasting purchase.
Right now, you would typically find two main types of generators: stationary and portable. Let’s have a look at their main characteristics and properties.
- Stationary Generators – Also referred to as ‘standby’, this type works as an all-inclusive alternative power source. They run on propane or natural gas and can operate automatically. That means whenever the power is suddenly cut off, a stationary generator will activate itself and provide adequate electrical coverage to the entire home or facility. However, this convenience does not come cheap; you would be looking at a minimum investment of $10,000, with prices quickly escalating, according to size and capacities, built quality, materials, and features.
- Portable Generators – Significantly more compact and affordable, these generators are smaller and more practical devices that help keep your devices and household appliances operable during blackouts. Contrary to their standby counterparts, they demand manual operating and more caution monitoring. Also, they are powered by gas, which requires them to be placed at a fair distance from the home or facility to avoid health hazards, such as carbon monoxide poisoning. Last but not least, due to their compact size, they have less important capacities (3–6 liters of gas at the most), which means that they require more frequent refilling. On average, models start at around $500 and can go up to $1,500.
Outdoor and open air activities
Now, beyond the conventional power outage emergencies, owning a generator can also be very useful in many normal situations. For instance, homeowners may decide to use these devices for any gathering that is held in the backyard or outdoor space. Between powering lights (direct or indirect) and sound systems, a portable generator could be a practical alternative.
Similarly, one of these is an indispensable companion for camping and trekking enthusiasts. Because they are always on the move and have no permanent access to electricity, using a mini generator on a great outdoor adventure is a convenient tool to be used as a source of heat and power for cooking, making coffee, charging devices, and much more. Lastly, a large capacity generator is an absolute must for party and event organizers who want to provide a well-rounded entertainment experience; from energy-hungry lighting systems for music and speaker installations.
All things considered, there are a thousand and one valid reason why investing in a power generator is always a smart and well-reasoned endeavor. Power outages can bring about many inconveniences and pose serious challenges. Whether at home or on the job, a generator can cater to all residential, commercial, or industrial energy needs. While it can indeed be a costly purchase, it’s basically an investment that pays itself off over time. As a last word of advice, it’s always best to determine your typical electricity usage and to consider the size of your home or facility prior to scouring the web or visiting your local store.
