Buying a generator is a big decision, especially when it's meant to protect your home or business during emergencies. Whether you're preparing for power outages due to storms or other unforeseen events, here are four key things to know before making your purchase of a propane home generator.

1. Research beforehand

Before you rush into buying a generator, it’s essential to do thorough research. Not all generators are the same, and selecting the right one depends on your specific needs. Take the time to learn about different types of generators, their capacities, and fuel types. A good idea is to contact a trusted generator store like AA Power to to ensure you get the generator you need. Additionally, look for reviews and get a clear idea of which generator fits your situation.

2. Identify electrical needs

In an emergency, you won’t need to power everything in your home, just the essentials. Taking the time to identify which items are critical will help you choose the right generator. For instance:

1. In cold climates, it's key to ensure the furnace is on the system to prevent frozen pipes.
2. In hot and humid climates, backing up your air conditioner is vital to avoid mold growth.
3. Protecting the food supply by powering the refrigerator and any standalone freezers is important too.
4. If your home or business uses well water, the well pump should be part of the system to ensure toilets can be flushed and water remains available.

3. Determine power requirements

Once you've identified which appliances and systems you’ll need to power, it's time to calculate your power needs. This means determining how much electricity each device requires to run, as well as the additional surge power some appliances need to start up. All generators (even a propane home generator) are rated in watts, and it's essential to know both the running and starting watts of each appliance. Some appliances, like refrigerators, require more power when starting up than they do to keep running. Be sure to account for both running watts (the amount of power required to keep an appliance running) and starting watts (the extra power needed when the appliance first turns on).

This information can be given by consulting the manufacturer’s guidelines for each appliance or working with an expert in generators to ensure you choose one with enough capacity to meet these needs without overloading.

4. Consider your budget

Generators come in a wide price range, so it's important to consider your budget before making a decision. While you may be tempted to go for the cheapest option, remember that a reliable, high-quality generator can be a long-term investment. Nonetheless, at AA Power you can always find a a dependable generator that fits your budget without compromising on performance, ensuring you get the best value for your money.

With these four key points in mind, you'll be well-prepared to choose the right generator to keep your home or business safe and powered during emergencies. With more than 20 years of experience in the field of Power, we are your option when it comes to finding the right new or rental propane home generator. So, when you are ready to select a generator, choose us.