A generator in Ohio can be very useful in all sorts of situations, whether it’s for providing power to your home when the lights go out or running equipment at your business when the electricity goes out and backup generators fail to kick in. But buying a generator can be tricky. There are many different models, types, brands, and features to consider. Plus it’s not always easy to tell which ones are reliable and which ones aren’t. Here are tips to help you navigate the generator market in Ohio and find one that fits your needs and your budget.
1) Do you need it?
Some generator salespeople love to talk about how many appliances you can run, but it’s important to remember that generators are not designed to power your whole house. If you want something that will run a few essentials (air conditioner, fridge) during an outage, you may be better off with an inverter generator. This smaller and more manageable appliance usually has fewer moving parts, making it easier for you and your wallet.
2) How big of a system do you need?
The obvious answer to how big of a system do you need is? It is based on your needs. If you live in an area prone to frequent power outages, it might be smart to purchase more capacity than you think you need. However, with that said, if there’s even a slight chance of hurricanes or other disasters where electrical service is lost for extended periods, it may be smart to have additional backup power (batteries, generators) as well. We like using a generator from Ohio Generator System because they come fully installed and ready to go. All you have to do is hook up your transfer switch and turn them on!
3) Can you afford it?
Generators are great, but they’re also not exactly cheap—generator purchases need to be taken seriously. Before you commit to buying one, make sure you can afford it. Compare costs between brands and models, don’t forget to include maintenance costs and fuel (some states have mandated that generators must run on natural gas), etc. If you think you can afford one, great! If not, prioritize other budget areas or wait until your finances improve.
4) Where will you store it?
You’ll need to have space on your property for your generator. If you plan to store it outside, ensure it won’t get rained on, as water can damage sensitive electrical components. If possible, keeping it under a porch or other out-of-the-way space protected from precipitation is ideal. The noise of a generator might be an issue if you live in an apartment building; talk with your landlord before buying one and make sure they’re okay with it.
