Summer is generator season. Whether it is hurricane preparedness, tailgating, or planning a camping trip with the family, the need for electricity on the go is more necessary now than ever.
To pick the right generator, you will need to keep a few things in mind: type, size, and wattage. There are two main types of generators, which are portable and stationary. Many people opt for a portable generator so that it can be stored when not in use and brought out when it is needed. These are also far smaller and cheaper than stationary backup generators.
Size and Wattage of Different Generators
To figure out the size and wattage you will need, you first need to come up with a list of all items and appliances you will need to power with your generator.
Once you figure out which items you will need to power, it's best to consult the instruction manual or search helpful articles online to figure out how much power you will need to run them. Add up the total number of watts for all appliances and that is the minimum amount of energy you will need from a generator.
A small portable generator that produces about 1,000-2,000 watts, like Honda’s EU 1000 and EU 2200, will power the basics such as a refrigerator, microwave, sump pump, lights, and a TV. These are best when using a generator for hunting, camping, and tailgates. They will use less fuel, be more accessible to transport, and provide plenty of power for the necessities.
From a mid-sized portable or small stationery, you can expect about 5,000-8,500 watts of power, giving you the capability to control the basics plus some comforts such as window units, computers, and additional lights and pumps. This size is great to keep for hurricane or storm preparedness. These generators will help you live comfortably in the event of having no power or electricity.
Large portable and large stationary generators can produce upwards of 10,000 watts giving you the power to run central air conditioning, electric stoves, water heaters and more. These can be very technologically advanced and have settings that allow them to switch on immediately when power is lost, many can cost 10’s of thousands of dollars, however Honda’s 10K only costs about $5,200, with the reliability and performance you’ve come to expect from Honda. Large stationary generators typically are used for commercial purposes for buildings like hospitals and police departments that cannot afford to lose power at all.
What size and type you choose has to do with what you feel is vital to power when electricity is not at your disposal. The basics are excellent for many people including those using generators for outdoorsmen and recreational use; however people with large families or small children prefer something more powerful to ensure that they do not have to sacrifice their comforts in the wake of a storm.
Whatever your needs may be when shopping for a generator, Bozeman Distributors has product and customer service in mind. We sell some of the most technologically advanced, reliable, and fuel-efficient Honda generators on the market today, with a knowledgeable staff to help you find what best fits your needs. Call and contact us today to have a look at our inventory of Honda generators today!