Power cuts are common problems, as inevitable issues like bad weather, circuit malfunction, or emergency maintenance work can disrupt the electricity supply anytime. Here, an emergency generator can be a relief. This device lets lights and appliances like refrigerators and sump pumps run. Seniors would especially benefit from such tools, as emergency generators can help keep assistive and care devices running during power cuts. That said, it is important to buy the right generator.
Determine requirements
The first step when buying an emergency generator is to figure out why one needs it and how will they use it. This is because different types of generators are designed to meet varying requirements. For instance, a heavy-duty emergency generator designed to provide backup power to an entire home will differ from the portable generators used on camping trips. Additionally, depending on the intended use, the price of generators varies. For instance, a full-fledged backup generator for a business or household will be bigger and costlier than a portable one.Â
Additionally, the size of a generator is determined by its power generation capacity. So, to know the exact size of the generator one needs, one should first determine their energy needs. For this, one should start by listing all the devices and appliances that need to be run using the generator during a power cut or on a trip. Once this is done, one can check the wattages of each device and appliance and add them up to get the total wattage. Then, one can begin looking for generators with output that matches the required overall power. This is how one can ensure they don’t end up getting a generator that doesn’t meet their requirements. An emergency generator that cannot generate the amount of electricity to run essential appliances will be useless in blackouts. Conversely, a generator with excessive power generation can damage appliances.
Consider types of generators
Knowing the different types of emergency generators for seniors available in the market can help in making an informed buying decision. As each type has distinct features, it will serve a unique purpose. So, exploring available options can also help buyers determine which features they need. This will help them avoid spending on unnecessary features. Typically, all sellers offer certain basic types of emergency generators for seniors.
Standby generator
This is one of the most common types of emergency generators, especially for residential use. A standby generator can be a permanent energy solution for a couple of reasons. First, this device is designed to last long. Second, the installation is permanent. The generator is typically powered by natural gas or propane. It comes with the capability to activate on its own whenever there is a power outage. These features make this type a go-to option for households considering investing in emergency generators. That said, standby generators are usually pricier and bigger than other variants in the market.
Portable generator
This type is usually equipped with wheels that make the device portable. The generator here is also smaller, making it easy to carry along on trips. That said, a portable generator is likely to have a lower wattage than other variants, so it cannot power a home or huge appliances. The device runs on gasoline.
A key benefit is that this generator is cheaper than most other types of emergency energy solutions in the market.
Inverter generator
Being slightly smaller than portable generators, an inverter generator is also lighter and quieter. This type comes with a straightforward working mechanism. It only generates the amount of power that is required. In this way, it is more efficient than traditional portable generators. This is why many seniors may prefer inverter generators over conventional portable ones when they need emergency power supply for their RV or camping trips.
Set a budget
Once one has a fair understanding of the options available in the market, they should check emergency generator prices to set a budget. Typically, standby emergency generators, being bigger than other variants, come with a power generation capacity of over 20 kilowatts. So, they are also more expensive than other devices. Seniors will be able to find standby emergency generators available at a starting price of around $10,000–$15,000. These prices generally include the installation cost and the charges for connecting to gas lines and other fuel sources. On the other hand, the cost of portable generators is significantly lower, ranging between $1,500 and $3,000. Seniors looking for eco-friendly options, such as solar-powered generators, can expect to spend anywhere between $15,000 and $60,000. This price includes everything from the installation of the solar panels to the cost of batteries required to charge the generator. Small or portable solar generators would be cheaper but then would also offer a low energy output.
Seniors trying to save money can look for discounts, seasonal sales, and deals, as retailers may offer exclusive offers to older adults. Seniors can also contact local sellers to get an emergency generator price list and then choose an affordable option. Certain sellers hold on to unsold emergency generators and may be willing to sell them for cheap to seniors.
