5 Things to Consider When Looking for Home Generators in Austin, TX 78721

Home generators can be an incredibly useful addition to any home, particularly in Texas with its volatile weather patterns and potential for power outages. Whether it's to protect against power outages due to natural disasters or just to power a couple of crucial appliances system-wide, selecting the right home generator for your needs can be a complex process. Selecting the right home generator isn't something to take lightly, and before making a purchase you'll want consider five primary factors.

1 Size

Before you even begin shopping for a home generator, you need to figure out the right size for your needs. Size, here, usually refers to the wattage your generator will produce — the higher the wattage, the bigger the generator will be. As a general rule, you should be looking at the total power required when purchasing a generator as opposed to the individual wattage for each appliance. The total wattage for all of the machines or appliances you want to power should be added together to give you an estimate of the minimum wattage you'll need for your generator.

2 Type

The type of home generator you'll need depends on how you'll be using the generator. The two most common types are portable and standby generators. Portable generators are oftentimes the lowest-priced option, as they usually run on gas and are more compact. That makes them ideal for home use, since they can be moved around and stored more easily than their counterparts. On the other hand, standby generators are permanently installed and ideal for longer power outages. They tend to be more reliable, costly, and require installation.

3 Noise Levels

Another factor you should consider before purchasing a generator is the noise output. Generators aren't quiet machines, so you want to make sure you get one that won't immediately set off your neighbors' complaints. Generally, the more powerful the generator is, the noisier it can be. That's not to say you have to sacrifice power for noise, but it's something to think about when shopping around.

4 Shut Down

No generator will last forever without maintenance, which is why it's important to make sure your generator comes with an auto-shut down feature. This feature will turn off your generator once it runs out of fuel to avoid potential damage to the engine or yourself. Keep in mind that even with a shut down feature, you're still going to want to make sure you routinely maintain the generator and change the oil regularly.

5 Price

The cost of a home generator varies based on its wattage. With bigger wattage comes bigger prices, so you want to make sure you're getting a generator that's relatively powerful, dual-fueled, and cost effective. That can be a difficult balance, so be sure to do your homework and read user reviews before shelling out cash for an appliance you might not use often.

Finding great home generators can be a tricky process, but if you consider each of these five factors then you should be able to find the ideal home generator for your needs. And for complete peace of mind, contact a qualified technician to install it to ensure it's done correctly.

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