Buying a Generator? 6 Top Things to Consider First [2024]

Photo of author
Written By Adeyemi Adetilewa

Generators are used for multiple reasons. They play a crucial role in providing nonstop electrical supply to both homes and businesses.

A generator works as a useful source to supply electricity which doesn’t require being connected to the main grid. Though the required supply and voltage may vary in both sectors, they are, however, necessary.

Is it worth buying a generator?

The decision to invest in a generator depends on your specific circumstances, needs, and several key factors.

The frequency and duration of power outages in your area, the criticality of your reliance on electricity, and the specific appliances or systems that require uninterrupted power are all pivotal considerations. If you live in an area prone to frequent power outages and rely heavily on electricity, investing in a generator can be worthwhile.

Your lifestyle, the number of individuals dependent on electricity, and the overall cost-benefit analysis of generator ownership versus potential alternatives should be thoroughly examined.

What to know before buying a generator?

What to know before buying a generator?

If you too are planning to buy a generator for your workplace or home, then several factors need to be considered.

These considerations are crucial to help the product run in the long run. Additionally, taking a few essential steps beforehand will allow you to bring home the ideal product that will perfectly cover your needs.

1. Power

You must first understand the requirement of this additional power in your home or workplace. Ask yourself if you need it just to provide additional lighting at a construction place or home, or to use it as emergency equipment.

Once you understand the exact need, you can then be able to choose the required power option. The power outputs range from 1 kVA to 2500 kVA. You can make a choice accordingly from the range to suit your needs.

2. Size

Another significant factor to consider before buying a generator is the available space where you can place the product.

Gensets come in several sizes that can range from small ones that are portable to large ones that are used in industries. In simple words, the bigger the size of the generator, the more will be its power production.

So, ensure that you have arranged a dedicated space beforehand to operate the purchased generator.

3. Cost

The third aspect to keep in mind is the price of the generator that you are purchasing. Though as compared to the petrol versions, diesel generators are much cheaper.

Moreover, they tend to be at least 30 percent more fuel-efficient and generate more electricity for a longer duration than petrol ones.

Additionally, if the usage of the product will be for a certain amount of time only, then you can also consider renting instead of purchasing. This, however, depends clearly on your usage and area of coverage.

investing in a diesel generator

4. Maintenance

One major advantage of investing in a diesel generator is that it does not require too much maintenance.

Unlike those generators operated by other fuels such as petrol, a diesel engine comes with few parts and hence, less maintenance. It is much more reliable and one of the favorable choices for both regular and less usage.

However, you sure need to check the quality and performance of the cooling system. This is necessary because the engine demands a higher intake of air to work without causing any form of inconvenience.

This factor is also important to ensure the safety of the machine.

5. Safety

Whether you are installing a generator for your home or office use, be very careful to first understand and then maintain the safety of yourself, the machine, and those nearby.

There are several safety features that a diesel generator boasts. “Karen Lao from Krugerpower says that you shouldn’t buy a generator that doesn’t have full earth-leakage protection, which keeps you safe from electrocution.”

Likewise, you should also take a look at the other important features such as secured fuel cubes, emergency stop buttons, child safety, weather-resistant, automatic start systems, and many more.

6. After-sales value

Maybe, sometime in the future, there may come a time when you wish to sell the purchased generator. The reason here can be many ranging from the desire to buy a bigger machine to relocating to another country. Therefore, you must ensure that the product you purchase now will have a good resale value.

If you are investing in a diesel generator, then there will be little chance of getting a bad deal. This is because people prefer diesel as a fuel for its cheap price, easy availability, and efficiency than other forms of fuel. However, you must still ensure to purchase a good quality product that boasts excellent features.

While checking out the options online or offline, you should also remember to check how much noise is the particular generator producing. Many neighborhoods have noise restrictions and therefore, analyzing this beforehand will help you in the long run.

In addition to noise, you must also give a thorough check on how many outlets are available in the machine. Doing this will help you to know how many appliances can you power once the purchase and installation are done.

While a diesel generator for a home may come with not many outlets, those for commercial purposes can be the opposite. You can talk to an expert handling your requirement to get through this particular requirement along with the rest.

For homeowners, finding a portable diesel generator can make for an excellent investment.

It can give the required amount of power to peacefully function several appliances such as lights, refrigerators, computer systems, television sets, air-conditioners, and more. Not only will it be wonderful for use at home, but also when stepping out to camp, picnic, and other excursions.

To add more to the usage, you can also lend a portable generator to your family members and close friends to help them during times of emergency.

Buying a generator

Benefits of Buying a Generator

Here are some of the benefits of buying a generator for your home or business:

  • Peace of Mind: A generator can provide a significant sense of security and reduce anxiety during power outages. Knowing you have a reliable backup power source can alleviate stress and allow you to focus on other priorities.
  • Safety and Well-being: In situations where electricity is critical for health and safety, a generator becomes indispensable. Medical equipment, essential medications, and communication devices can continue to operate, ensuring the well-being of individuals who rely on them.
  • Comfort and Convenience: A generator can maintain a comfortable living environment during power outages. You can continue to enjoy essential amenities such as lighting, heating, cooling, and refrigeration, minimizing the disruption to your daily routine.
  • Property Protection: Power outages can lead to damage to appliances and electronics due to voltage fluctuations or surges when power is restored. A generator can safeguard your investments by providing a stable power supply.
  • Business Continuity: For businesses, a generator can be crucial for maintaining operations, preventing financial losses, and preserving customer satisfaction. It can also protect sensitive data and equipment from damage.

Conclusion

Buying a generator is not a tough job unless you have the assistance of experts in the industry.

Several websites offer an excellent range of generators in all sizes, shapes, features, and fuel types. You can list down a few from the list that delivers in your area and start comparing the products. This will allow you to understand the availability of the different designs while also being able to check the price.

While doing the comparison, you can take a look at the reviews and customer testimonials that are easily available on these websites for each product. This will give you an insight into the performance of the particular product.

Disclaimer. The views and opinions expressed here are those of the authors. They do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of IdeasPlusBusiness.com. Any content provided by our bloggers or authors is of their opinion and is not intended to malign any organization, company, individual, or anyone or anything.

For questions, inquiries, and partnerships, please email the Editor at ideasplusbusiness[at]gmail[dot]com. Check out our Media Kit for more information. You can explore our services and resources on the IdeasPlusBusiness.com store. Download "200+ Backlinks Directory for Startups" (A curated list of 200+ websites from which to get backlinks for your business).