Home Generators Near Me – Everything You Need to Know Before Making the Switch in 78749, Austin - Texas

With the number of power outages increasing in recent years, Austin-area homeowners in 78749 are beginning to investigate home generators as part of their home maintenance plans. Home generators offer a measure of security and convenience in times of emergency, and come in a variety of sizes and styles to meet your individual needs. From traditional standby generators to solar-powered units, homeowners now have a range of options when considering a home generator.

This article will evaluate the various options available to 78749, Austin homeowners, outlining the benefits and drawbacks of each. By the end of the article, you should understand the differences between the different types of home generators, and understand which type is right for you.

Types of Home Generators

At a basic level, all home generators convert the kinetic energy produced by the generator's engine into electrical energy that is subsequently used to power appliances and other electronics. There are two main types of home generators: standby generators and portable generators.

Standby Generators

Standby generators are large, stationary units that are hardwired directly into your home's power grid. When the power goes out, these generators automatically "kick on" and provide your home with power. The size of the generator required largely depends on the total wattage of your house's appliances, lights, and other electronics.

The main benefits of standby generators is that they are reliable and provide power on-demand, without the need to manually start and monitor the system. Additionally, standby generators connect directly to your home's natural gas line in order to produce electricity, which allows for a more cost-effective long-term solution than a portable generator.

The main drawbacks of standby generators are that they are significantly more expensive than traditional portable generators and require more setup. As they are hardwired into the home, they must be installed by a professional, and additional permits may be required by local authorities.

Portable Generators

Portable generators are gas- or diesel-fueled devices that produce power through similarly-sized engines. Rather than being hardwired into a home's power grid, these generators use a cord and receptacle that is plugged directly into a breaker box.

The main benefits of portable generators are that they are easily moveable and relatively inexpensive. Additionally, installing a portable generator is relatively simple and does not require a professional.

The main drawbacks of portable generators are that they produce less wattage than standby generators and must be started manually. Additionally, portable generators typically require more maintenance than standby generators and cannot be used for long periods of time.

Questions To Ask Yourself Before Investing in a Home Generator

Before deciding on a home generator, 78749, Austin homeowners should ask themselves a few simple questions to determine what type and size of generator is right for their home.

The primary question is how much wattage does your home need to run? Standby generators are most appropriate for larger homes with multiple major appliances, as these units have a greater capacity to provide sustained wattage. If you choose to invest in a standby generator, it is important to get professional advice on sizing the unit to ensure sufficient wattage is provided throughout your home.

For property owners who require a less powerful source of electricity, or who intend to move the generator often, a portable generator may be the most appropriate choice. To determine the size of portable generator you need, consult the manual for your appliances and count the number of appliances you intend to power simultaneously.

The essence

For Austin-area homeowners in 78749, home generators offer a measure of security and convenience in times of emergency. The type of home generator you choose largely depends on your home's wattage requirements and whether you intend to move the device. Standby generators are best for larger homes with multiple major appliances and provide a reliable, cost-effective solution, while portable generators are more appropriate for smaller power requirements or those who require frequent mobility of the generator.

Home Generators

Austin

78749