What are the Different Types of Generators and Their Uses?

When it comes to emergency power, generators are a great option. From whole-house generators to portable generators, there are many types of generators available to suit your needs. Whole house generators (home backup generators) are the best choice for home use. Also known as a home backup generator, these machines can keep all your appliances running, the lights on and your HVAC system running in the event of an emergency.

Most home generators can be connected to your home's existing fuel supply, such as natural gas or propane. Some whole-home generators have a backup power source, such as solar energy or gasoline, to ensure that the machine can run even without fuel from your home. Portable generators are smaller in size and powered by gasoline, solar energy or propane. These types of generators will cost less than a whole house generator and have a long list of uses. From hiking and camping to working in a workshop, many small tools and appliances can be powered by a portable generator.

The generator has sockets where you will need to connect each appliance or tool. In an emergency, a portable generator won't be able to power everything in your home, but it can power small appliances for a short period of time. Inverter generators work differently than other types of generators. Instead of operating at a constant speed, the inverter generator automatically adjusts the motor speed to meet electrical demands. Because of this, noise and fuel consumption are significantly reduced.

Inverter generators produce clean energy, which is recommended when charging cell phones, tablets, or laptops. Energy can also be stored in the inverter generator, making it a great choice for traveling, camping, boating, or in a motorhome. Gasoline generators are the most common type of generator and an excellent choice for lower power appliances and tools. When it comes to costs, gasoline generators tend to be the least expensive but over time, the cost of gas is more expensive than other fuels. Diesel generators work well in difficult conditions such as sub-zero temperatures and are more durable because the low combustion temperature of the diesel puts less pressure on the engine.

Diesel generators save more fuel than gasoline generators so you'll spend less money over time on the diesel generator. Solar generators run on clean renewable energy from the Sun and are the only generator that can operate safely indoors because there are no emissions. Solar generators often require little maintenance but are more expensive to purchase. Solar generators have a lower power output than other types of generators and because they rely on the sun for energy during an emergency or at night, they aren't always reliable. If more energy is needed additional solar panels can be added to increase the power output. In some solar generators power is also added to the battery to increase power output and reliability. Standby generators are much larger than portable generators and arguably the best generator for home use because they are automatic and can provide more energy.

While portable generators are a temporary solution with limited power options, a backup home generator is a permanent backup power source. A professional electrician will install your home's backup generator on your lot. While a portable generator is manual and requires refueling domestic backup generators are automatic. They can power high-powered appliances such as the air conditioner stove and more. Choosing the best home backup generator for your needs isn't always easy. You should consider the size of your home your needs and the number of high-powered appliances you have.

However once you have this information a backup generator can give you the peace of mind you need when the power goes out. Inverter generators are best for camping and outdoor activities as they're quieter than other types of generators but have limited energy capacity. With an inverter generator you can power lights fans and smartphones. These machines are lightweight like portable generators they use an alternator and convert AC energy into direct current which can then be stored. The disadvantages are that installing this type of generator may cost more due to gas lines. Propane is also highly flammable and since it is connected to the fuel tank it is not portable. Propane generators aren't as fuel efficient either. Natural gas powers portable and emergency generators some of the benefits of natural gas include that it burns cleanly and is often efficient.

Propane or steam generators have a longer lifespan than diesel and gasoline generators. Of all the options on the list gasoline generators are among the most common mainly because gasoline is readily available and these generators are at the lower end of the cost scale. However gasoline is not usually available during power outages as it requires manual refueling.