7 Tips for Buying the Best Dual Fuel Generators
Generators can come in handy when there is a blackout or when you need extra power to tackle a high energy-consuming task. Power outages do occur and planning ahead in anticipation of these outrages will help stay ahead of your game.
For hospitals that run critical jobs like operating rooms or life support machines the value of a standby generating set cannot be overemphasized. Human lives are at stake when there is a power surge or outage. During winter we need electricity to keep the house warm. When you go off-grid supply, you must have a means of generating electricity.
Since the power supply from the mains can be unreliable, in your home or office environment you can purchase a good generating set to keep things going before power is restored. While there are numerous options and applications for generating electricity, a smart thing to do will be to look out for one that has a dual fuel option.
If using a dual fuel generator appeals to you, here are 7 tips to consider before buying one. Have a nice read:
1. Determine the Primary use for the unit
If you are buying a dual fuel generator then it must be able to satisfy a specific power need. Calculate the power requirement to determine the kind of power generator in watts to buy. Analyzing the specific electricity needs will place you in a better position of choosing the best dual fuel generator. The use of the unit is much more important than additional features that the generator comes with.
2. Determine the limitations of the location
Location limitation means those environmental aspects that may hinder the proper functioning of the dual fuel generator. Since it’s dual-fuel gen you should consider how easy it is to get the required fuels to power the generator. Consider the effect of sown during winter. Snow can prevent you from operating the generator outside your house during winter. In this case you have to make sure a suitable shelter is in place
Distance to the nearest filling station can also be a barrier. If the nearest filling station is afar off you might need a fuel reservoir to keep things running or look for alternate sources of fuel like those in your car.
3. Pick a generator with a favorable review
At this stage you should be familiar with what you need in a generator, the next step will be to look for a reliable generator that meets your requirements and has a decent amount of positive reviews.
Consider the additional benefits as well as the cons of the unit before making a decision.
Change your preferences if you find something better than what you had in mind. Reviews are important in saving you valuable time that you would have used on research.
4. Check the noise level
Most complaints with using a dual fuel generator are the noise that it emits. More often than not, the Noise level of a dual fuel generator is usually stated on the product detail page. Generators are usually very loud units to have around the house so have a second look on any unit you can find with low noise levels.
5. Size of the dual fuel generator
There are fairly compact units in online shops and departmental stores to consider if the size is an issue for you. However, be informed that the bigger the generator the stronger the coil and the more powerful the output.
6. Safety
To pick a good dual fuel generator, consider the inbuilt safety features that make it a good buy. At the very least, the generating set should have low-oil shut off that stops the engine from working.
This prevents engine damage hereby prolonging its lifespan. Other safety features on dual fuel generators include a circuit breaker and a voltmeter.
7. Pick the right price
Although price is important, it should be one of the last things you consider after you must have found what to pick. Price is not always a useful indicator of value because there are underpriced and overpriced units in stores today.
