Power outages used to be merely a nuisance. Nowadays, however, having consistent power is not just necessary; it’s imperative. As a result, more people are considering the idea of having a generator at home. But if you’ve never used a generator before, the terminology and process can be confusing.
The Basic Process
The basic explanation for how generators work is that it converts fuel to electricity. When you turn on a generator, it uses a reserve of fuel to create electricity that then powers whatever the generator connects to. No matter what type of generator you have, this is what it does.
How Generators Turn Fuel Into Electricity
Most generators use propane, gasoline or natural gas that’s stored in a tank. The tank may be in the generator or external. Some generators have a battery that stores power, and you either charge these using a wall outlet or a mini solar panel.
Solar/wall-charging generators are also called battery backups or portable power stations. These are the compact portable stations you see in ads for camping. They come in different sizes and power capacities, and you can use some models to power refrigerators and other appliances. Those store a charge like a big battery, hence the various names.
But generators that use gasoline, natural gas or propane are different. These are mini combustion engines, similar to what gas-powered cars use. When the engine powers up, it consumes fuel, burning it to create heat. The heat energy heats a gas that expands and pushes pistons. They turn a crankshaft that connects to a component with magnets and coils. This process generates electricity.
Two Choices for Home Generators
When you choose a generator for your home, you have a choice between a whole-house (or stand-by) generator or a portable generator. Portable generators have a fuel tank that you fill as needed. You start these generators yourself and hook up specific appliances to them. These are great for when you know you just need to power a few things, like a refrigerator and computer. Many portable generators are now dual-fuel, which can be a lot better in emergencies. With dual-fuel, you run the generator on whichever fuel is available or affordable.
The other choice is a stand-by or whole-house generator. These are anchored to the ground outside your home; they kind of look like the exterior unit for a central air conditioner. These use fuel from a tank on your property, and they’re usually connected to the home’s electrical panel. When power goes out, the stand-by generator’s transfer switch automatically starts the generator. It can take 30 to 60 seconds or so for it to kick in. Because the power flows to the circuit breakers, the generator powers your whole home.
Don’t End up in the Dark
Even a small generator can be the difference between having those little comforts available and watching your food spoil. Start looking into generators now so that you’re prepared the next time a storm blows through.
We can help you choose a generator type. If you’re in Hendersonville, NC, and you need a new generator, give Champion Comfort Experts a call to arrange for a consultation.
