You'd like to buy a generator for your house. Maybe you're off the grid. Maybe you just want the security of your own power supply for when the power goes out. Regardless, this is a major investment and you want to make sure you're not paying for more generator than you need while backing up the loads most critical to you. We've put together a few easy tools to help you figure out what size generator you need with a list of common household loads, a power measurement converter tool, and a few brief articles on the different types of equipment.
Need a Generator at home, but not sure what size to buy? Cashman Power can help.
Diesel or Gas?
This will depend largely on what fuels you can have delivered to your location.
Here are some important, brief definitions:
Gas Gensets:
Our Gas Gensets run on petroleum vapor products. Gasoline is not an option. Gas options are natural Gas, propane, and biogas.
Diesel Gensets:
Our Diesel Gensets require #2 diesel fuel or a blend of biodiesel up to 20% (B20) from a high quality provider of fuel that meets all applicable quality standards. Click here for more information on biodiesel standards.
Gas gensets in the typical home power range (8-25kW) are powered by automotive-based engines which have been converted to run on gaseous fuels. These units are relatively simple for a homeowner to maintain and the initial cost is usually a bit lower. The fuel also either requires no storage (natural gas) or easy long-term storage (propane).
Diesel gensets in this power range are more heavy-duty than their gas counterparts. Basic maintenance is still within the capabilities of a mechanically-inclined homeowner, but they are more complicated and parts are more expensive.
Diesel Advantages:
- Heavy-duty design typically allows for longer life
- Better fuel efficiency
- Runs cooler
- Readily available, even in rural areas
- Stable, safe fuel to store
Diesel Disadvantages:
- Noisier (~20%)
- More expensive to maintain
- Fuel stored for a long period of time decays in quality
Gas Advantages:
- Quieter operation
- No available storage for natural gas
- Long term storage capability with propane
- Less expensive to maintain
- Lower emission levels
Gas Disadvantages:
- More flammable fuel
- Supply can be cut off (natural gas)
- Less fuel efficient
New or Used?
Just like buying a car, a new genset will cost more and depreciate quite a bit at first. However, a new unit comes with full warranty and dealer support providing the most reliable operation. Quality used units are available, but keep in mind warranties will be limited and repair parts get harder to source over time. Most quality used units will cost 60-80% of new. If it's really cheap and seems too good to be true, it probably is. Electricity is a vital part of our everyday life "“ don't gamble with your family's security.
How Can Emissions Laws Affect Me?
Purchasing a new unit assures you the latest technology and lowest emissions as well as certified Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) compliance. Older units likely will not meet current standards. This does not mean you cannot run them, but your local environmental authority having jurisdiction may limit your run hours per year, require you to add some sort of costly aftertreatment, or even disallow the unit's use at some point in the future. Emissions compliance is the #1 challenge facing engine manufacturers in the 21st century. Be sure you know the laws in your area and comply with them. Compliance is strictly the owner's responsibility.
