Propane generators have many advantages over gasoline or diesel generators. Propane engines produce less noise, offer better efficiency, and burn much cleaner than gasoline does. If you have decided to buy a propane generator, then you are going to enjoy the power outages with the power still silently flowing in your house.
In this post, we have listed down a few key points which will help you to select the right propane generator.
Factors to consider before choosing the best propane generator
- Portable or Standby generator
The first thing you will need to decide is which one you need, a portable generator or a standby generator. Both of them have their pluses and minuses. A Portable generator is equipped with wheels and carrying handles, which means you can easily bring it along to your camping site or power an RV. If you run out of fuel when camping, then propane might not be available nearby, and you will have to drive a long distance.
Whereas standby generators are installed outside the house and work quietly than portable ones. They start automatically when the power goes out and turns off when the power comes back. For portable generators, this needs to be done manually. But, standby generators cost more than portable generators.
- Size of a Generator
What we meant by the size of a generator is its power output. A generator should be of the right size. You don’t want to end up with a small generator that can’t power all appliances you want it to power or with an oversized generator, for which you will be paying more.
To choose the right size, you should calculate the power needs of your house and buy the generator, which generates 25% more power than your needs, due to the fact that the lifetime of a generator will decrease considerably if it always runs at its full capacity. The generator will have two power ratings, starting watts and running watts, so both of them need to be taken into account.
- Power Outlets
If you are going with the standby generator, then you don’t have to worry about the power outlets as it directly gets connected to the electrical circuits of your house through a transfer switch. But, for a portable generator, it is an important consideration. A propane generator should have a variety of outlets to run different appliances.
- Starting System
A propane generator can either have a pull start or an electric start or both of them. The electric start offers convenience, and you can start the generator instantly with the press of a button. Most of the propane generators will have an electric start accompanied by the pull start. If the electric start malfunctions, then you can always use the pull start.
Some generators will have a remote start, and you can turn on the generator from a distance using a remote key fob.
- Safety features
A propane generator should have adequate safety features to ensure the safety of a person as well as of the unit itself. A generator should have circuit breakers, low oil, and low fuel shut-off mechanisms. A circuit breaker will trip in case of an overvoltage. And low-fuel and low-oil shut-off will turn the generator off, preventing damage to the engine.
- Warranty
The quality of a generator is directly proportional to the warranty the manufacturer offers. A higher warranty means that they have full faith in their product to work flawlessly. The generator is a machine and is prone to malfunction, and if that happens in the warranty period, then the company will repair it free of charge.
So, it is important that you buy a propane generator from a reputed brand that offers a longer warranty. Also, consider the accessories which come with the generator.
My name is Sardar Ayaz a professional content writer and SEO expert having Proven record of excellent writing demonstrated in a professional portfolio Impeccable grasp of the English language, including idioms and current trends in slang and expressions. I have ability to work independently with little or no daily supervision with strong interpersonal skills and willingness to communicate with clients, colleagues, and management.
I can produce well-researched content for publication online and in print, organize writing schedules to complete drafts of content or finished projects within deadlines. I have 12 years’ experience to develop related content for multiple platforms, such as websites, email marketing, product descriptions, videos, and blogs.
I use search engine optimization (SEO) strategies in writing to maximize the online visibility of a website in search results