5 Considerations for Home Generators Near Austin, Texas

With sweltering summers and quickly changing weather throughout the year, Austin, Texas property owners need reliable power sources for their homes. Home generators can provide essential power in the event of an outage, ensuring you have the services you need in an emergency. But there's a lot for property owners to consider when choosing a home generator for their Austin-based property.

Below, we've outlined five of the most important aspects to consider when selecting the right home generator for your Austin residence.

1. Determine Your Home's Power Needs

The first step when selecting a home generator is to identify your property's power requirements. Many home generators offer a range of wattage options, and the size of your property and the types of appliances you need to operate in the event of an outage will help you determine the wattage range of the generator you need.

Choosing a generator with too little power can cause the generator to run inefficiently and will limit the number and size of appliances you can power during an outage. But selecting a generator with too much power will be wasteful — not to mention more expensive — when you don't need it.

2. Choose a Fuel Source

Your next decision will be to select a generator fuel source. You have several options, including propane, natural gas, and diesel. Each fuel source comes with its own set of benefits and drawbacks, and which one is right for you depends largely on the preference and availability of the fuel type in your area.

Propane is the most popular choice for home generators due to its affordability and easy availability. But it is worth noting that some of the highest wattage generators can't be powered by propane. Natural gas is considered the most reliable fuel source, as it's always connected when you're using it and won't require refilling or maintenance as often. Diesel is the most powerful type of generator fuel, but it is also the least efficient.

3. Determine The Number of Outlets Needed

When choosing a home generator, you'll also need to consider the number and types of outlets you need. Many people opt for generators with multiple receptacles, including outlets that can power high-wattage devices, such as air conditioners and refrigerators. It is also important to select a generator with GFCI, or ground-fault circuit interrupter, outlets that will shut down the generator if an electrical abnormality is detected.

4. Decide on Power Usage

Another factor to consider when selecting a home generator is the frequency at which you plan to use it. These generators are typically used in emergency situations, but they can also be used for foreign power supplying, special events, and even as a reliable backup to your home's power source. Knowing when and how frequently you plan to use your generator can help you select the most affordable and efficient option.

5. Prioritize Safety

One of the most important aspects to consider when purchasing a home generator is safety. Generators give off carbon monoxide, a potentially hazardous gas that can be extremely dangerous in enclosed spaces. To ensure your safety, choose a generator with a carbon monoxide detector and consider regular maintenance, so you can prevent problems from arising. Additionally, double check that your generator meets all local regulations and placement guidelines, and abstain from purchasing a used generator, as it may not meet modern safety standards.

Home Generator

Austin

Power Outage