Portable Power Generator Might Be a Key to Power

Portable Power Generator Might Be a Key to Power

The world is taking note:  A portable power generator might be one of the best, most affordable energy sources for those in times of crisis. In recent years, even months, Mother Nature has delivered strong blows to households across the nation via variations of wind, rain and ice.  Families who have relied on electricity for nearly every need have experienced what it’s like to do without it – and they don’t want to do without again.  But since weather is uncontrollable, they must take control of their needs another way – possibly with their own portable generator.

Just like an old friend is on standby when the going gets rough, this generator will be too.  And unlike you, it won’t be relying on the electricity.  The portable power generator does not depend on electricity as its source like an air conditioner, water heater or electric furnace, but instead is powered by an engine.  The engine is supplied with natural gas from your gas line or a liquid propane tank. 

Best of all, you don’t have to get out a book in the midst of a power outage and read instructions by candlelight on how to hook it up.  You don’t even have to be at home. Your generator is installed with an automatic transfer switch that monitors your power rather than relying on the thermostat to kick it on. 

There are many quality options available in generators.  Some will be propane powered, others will be diesel electric.  Some of the best-reviewed ones are the Honda Portable Quiet Generators.  Effective at their job, these Honda models are especially noteworthy because people who use them almost forget they’re there, thakns to the noise-reduction tecchnology.

If there is a down side, it’s the price.  If you want the generator to supply power to your entire house, be ready to cough up big bucks – in the neighborhood of $4,000 to $15,000.  The alternative is to supply power to specific circuits like the air conditioner or furnace; the stove and refrigerator or freezer, or the water heater.   It’s a matter of choosing priorities.

So if money is no object, go for the whole house.  If money is a consideration, choose a smaller unit that supplies power to specific circuits also known as an essential circuit system, supplying power to a zone of your house or a specific appliance.  The portable power generator is equipped with pre-wired automatic transfer switches, and because your circuit breaker is divided into different circuits, your system will not be overloaded.  To determine the size generator you will need and get an idea of the price, you will need to supply the number of circuits you want to power and the size of each circuit (amps/volts).  Installation is simple.  Just match your circuits in your main electric panel box to the circuits on the generator unit. 

Let’s review…no electricity – no worries.  Portable power generators will be ready and waiting to take over in an emergency power outage.  Nothing to plug in, no tanks to fill, no dangerous flames to ignite.  Choose whole house or specific areas or appliances.  It may even be more reliable than an old friend.