Portable generators have continually increased in popularity over the past decade or so, but especially in the last few years. These machines are great assets to have on hand when an emergency strikes to keep you from having to go without power.
The benefits of having a generator are pretty clear but finding the right one can be more tricky. Often it’s an investment, so you don’t want to make the wrong choice.
Luckily for you, we’ve compiled a list of the top nine questions to ask when looking for a diesel generator for sale to make sure you get your money’s worth!
When you’re thinking about how to choose a diesel generator, you’ll need to figure out where you want to put it first.
Generators come in all different shapes and sizes depending not the specific machine you choose. There’s no sense in looking at machines if you don’t know which will fit in your spot and which won’t. Knowing the right size will allow you to narrow down the search field and make the decision much easier.
Measure all of the dimensions and keep that in mind as you begin your search.
Next, you should look into what type of generator you’d like and if standby vs portable generators. Both of these operate in a very similar fashion but with a key difference.
A standby generator is installed in place and doesn’t ever move. It’s always ready to be used regardless of the situation. A portable generator is often stored in a separate location and brought out when it’s needed. They both offer great power sources but have different maintenance.
New vs used generators isn’t as big of a question as how efficient the unit is. The mechanics of the machine is more important than whether it has been used before to determine if you’ll get your money’s worth.
You want a generator that will use its fuel as efficiently as possible. Some machines will require you to use way too much fuel without much output of power, this will end up costing you much more in the long run. Checking for efficiency and output capacity is an important step in finding the right generator.
As you’re checking efficiency, you can also check how much power it will be able to put out while being run.
It’s helpful to know how much power you’ll need in an emergency situation to run the things that are absolutely necessary. That way you can match that need with machines that will only meet those requirements. This ensures that you aren’t left having to decide what gets power and what doesn’t in an emergency.
One of the biggest deciding factors in how efficient a generator is and how much power it will produce is what type of fuel it uses.
The types of fuel all have their pros and cons, it’s up to you and your specific situation to decide which is best. But it’s important to look into all options before making your decision.
It’s also important to keep in mind if you’ll be able to keep that fuel in stock and ready to go in the case of an emergency. Having a generator for emergency preparedness doesn’t do much good if you don’t have the fuel it will need to run as well.
No matter which kind of generator you decide to get, it’s going to make some noise. They all do when they’re in use, it’s just a fact of life.
But some generators have added technology that makes them slightly quieter than others. Depending on where you’re using the machine, you may need to look more closely into the noise levels.
Depending on where you’re needing to use a generator, it might be a good idea to see if there are any extra management capabilities that would be helpful. Most notably would be a remote operating system.
If your generator is for a business, it’s likely that you won’t be present at the business when the emergency strikes. Being able to turn on and access your generator from wherever you are is a game-changer for keeping things under control.
Generators are an investment and something that shouldn’t be taken lightly. That means that regular maintenance should be performed to keep it in the best working order possible.
Every generator has its own unique needs as far as maintenance is concerned, which is why it’s important to understand before committing to a specific machine. Luckily, most don’t require a lot more than regular inspections and occasionally starting it up to make sure it’s running and ready for you when you need it.
Everyone knows that things don’t stay the same for very long. There are always things adjusting and shifting to meet new needs. This includes power supplies, which can change over time to match your home or business situation.
When searching for a portable generator, it’s smart to look ahead and understand if the same unit could be added to meet a growing need. There are many configurations you can use with generators, so it’s helpful to know what’s available and possible for your machine.
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Everyone has seen how things can change very quickly in our world. You never know what’s coming next and being as prepared as possible is always a good idea.
Finding the right diesel generator for sale and getting it installed for your home or business will help bring you peace of mind and confidence in your ability to handle anything. You won’t have to try to scramble to figure out a solution if the power goes out.
If you’re interested in finding a good generator, check out our listings and contact us today for more information!
Check out our Used Generator inventory
FAQs About Buying A Diesel Generator
There are two different types of diesel generators – Air-cooled and liquid-cooled generators. While the air-cooled ones are smaller and portable they are less powerful. The liquid-cooled generators on the other hand are larger, quieter, and more powerful.
If you have budget constraints and will not use the generator often you should buy a used generator. But make sure you give it a thorough inspection. If you need a generator more often, a new one, with a warranty would be perfect for you.
The price of a diesel generator can vary based on numerous aspects. For instance, you would have to take into account the size, features, portability, and brand. Besides that, you should also include the cost of fuel, maintenance, and installation while calculating the cost of a generator.
The average energy consumer in the US experiences almost 200 minutes of power outages each year.
While that may not seem like a long period, being without power during a winter storm or in the extreme summer heat is dangerous. Every minute without power is an inconvenience.
The solution? A generator.
Buying a generator can save your life but you need to shop smart. Here’s what you should know before you purchase a portable generator.
When buying generators, you should first consider which type of fuel you’ll be using. The most common options are propane, natural gas, and diesel.
Propane is the most popular fuel option for emergency generators.
Having a propane tank onsite allows you to maintain a large supply of fuel in case of an emergency. Propane has a better heating efficiency than other fuels and puts off no greenhouse emissions.
Learn more about the pros and cons of propane in this article.
Natural gas is provided by your local utility company.
This solution is viable since most people can safely rely on their utility company to provide the fuel when an emergency strikes. But, if you want to live off the grid, natural gas has its drawbacks.
Not only do you rely on the natural gas company for supply, but you are also at their mercy when it comes to pricing. There’s no shopping around for the best fuel rate with natural gas.
Diesel is generally viewed as a safer fueling option as it’s less flammable than the alternatives.
But despite its safety advantage, diesel fuel comes with many disadvantages. You’ll need to keep a supply of fuel available and replace it often as it comes with a short lifespan. You’ll also be subject to the fluctuating prices that come with diesel fuel.
There are three main types of generators to choose from: home standby generators and portable generators
Home standby generators make the best choice for emergency generators.
These permanent units are installed by a professional and start automatically anytime your power goes out. While these typically cost more, their permanence and automatic start provide ease of mind for all emergencies.
These work best with propane fuel or natural gas.
Portable generators are generally smaller than home standby generators and cost less.
The convenience of these generators is that they can be used anywhere and don’t sit in one permanent position. You’ll just want to make sure they are around 20 feet away from your residence and any other structures.
The big drawback is that these don’t start automatically and they most commonly run off of gas or diesel fuel. You’ll need to have a stash of fuel ready at all times in case an emergency strikes.
The size of the generator you need depends on the energy usage of your house.
Portable generators are smaller than the alternative and generally range from 3,000 to 8,500 watts. These work best for homes with small furnaces that run off of city water.
Standby generator sizing usually runs from 5,000 to 20,000 watts. These are great for homes with large furnaces that rely on a well pump for water.
Emergency generators are meant for emergency situations. During an emergency, you should conserve your energy and fuel usage because you never know when power will return. A small generator is always better than no generator at all.
If you want a more detailed report of what each generator size can cover, check out this guide.
After you’ve chosen your generator type and size, you need to find a place to keep your new generator.
Like mentioned previously, portable generators are movable and not in a fixed location. This means you can try out different locations to find the best one that works for your household. Just make sure you keep the generator 20 feet away from any structure.
A professional will help you install your standby home generator so they can help you choose the right location. You’ll want to pick a location that is convenient for regular maintenance and away from any areas in your yard that may flood. Also, you’ll want your generator close to your fuel supply.
Before you decide on a location for your generator, you should check to see if your town or county has specific codes requirements.
Not all generators are created equal. Beyond choosing your generator type, fuel, and size, there are also extra features to consider.
Some of the most popular features include:
Just like with a car, the more features your generator has the more expensive it becomes. Sit down and consider which features you feel are worth investing in before you start shopping.
The last question you should always ask before buying a generator is, “Is there a warranty?”
Most generators come standard with a warranty. These warranties can range anywhere from one to five years. If you are offered a generator without any warranty, you should look elsewhere.
Many companies will let you buy an extended warranty for a higher cost. If you are making a big investment with a state-of-the-art generator, an extended warranty may be wise.
When buying a generator, it’s important you get answers to the above questions.
Most people will end up choosing a home standby generator ran by propane gas. This solution is the most economical choice to protect your home during emergencies. You’ll rest easy at night knowing you have a reliable generator ready to go.
After purchasing your generator, you need to set up a propane delivery service to ensure your generator is ready when you need it. Contact Kauffman Gas today to set up your propane delivery.