Power and priorities key in buying generators

Following last week’s winter storm, many are investing in generators to help ensure key appliances are kept running when the power goes out.

High winds and cold weather can cause intermittent and unexpected power outages, leaving perishable items vulnerable and dropping the temperature in homes heated by electricity. Amelia Moore of Bomgaars in St. Joseph said the selection of generators varies based on price and the priorities of the buyer.

“It definitely depends upon what you’re going to use it for,” Moore said. “You need to determine what you will plugging into them, and what fuel you plan on using.”

Generators run on propane, gasoline or diesel. So the estimated amount of usage, along with the perspective fuel cost, should be part of the determination when buying one. Moore warns that underestimating the amount of watts needed can cause problems.

“If you overload the generator, the generator will shut down automatically,” “ Moore said.

Experts say estimating power consumption is key to deciding how much you are willing to spend on a generator. According to jackery.com, a typical household refrigerator needs about 700 to 2,200 watts of power. A sump pump can use around 1,300 watts, and a water well pump can use about 2,200 watts. Most central heating units in a home consume from 3,000 to 6,700 watts of power. All of these essential elements should be factored in when preparing to buy a generator.

Portable generators start at about $3,000 for a smaller portable unit, which can provide emergency power for a few appliances for a short period. Larger “whole-house” standby generators can cost from $5,000 to $18,000, not counting installation fees for the larger units.

Regardless of the size, Moore said that consistent maintenance and safety should be an ongoing part of owning a generator. She suggested that when not in use, fuel treatment should be added consistently to keep water or other elements from degrading the fuel.

Also, the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute, an international trade association based in Washington, D.C., recommends several safety tips for those choosing to use a generator for home or business. In addition to ongoing maintenance, the OPEI suggests plenty of ventilation for portable generators, which means using them outside and away from windows or vents to prevent carbon dioxide from drifting indoors.