Generator Resources

There are several methods, including the following:

• Build a generator enclosure with ventilation. If you use other loud equipment, such as an air compressor, be sure to build an enclosure big enough for the largest item, so you can get double duty out of your enclosure.
• Buy a zombie box. Zombie boxes are often portable and collapsible, so they’re perfect for taking on camping trips.
• Muffle your generator with plywood. Simply place a piece of plywood against each side of your generator. Set the top of the plywood against the top of the generator and create an A-frame of space on each side of the generator.
• Because the exhaust on your generator is the loudest, position your generator so the exhaust is away from your house.
• Use a long extension cord, so you can position your generator behind a shed or garage, which will serve to muffle the noise.
• Place your generator inside a shed with acoustic panels against each wall of the shed to prevent echoing. Also be sure there is plenty of venting in the shed to prevent fume buildup.
• Position your generator on a thick, sound-absorbing mat to prevent the vibration that occurs when a generator is set on a hard floor.
• Replace the generator’s muffler if it’s faulty.
• Install a generator silencer.

Important considerations for using a portable generator in extreme temperatures or in harsh weather include the following:

• Be sure your battery is in good working order and no older than 3 years old.
• Be sure your fuel is not too cold. Fuel should be stored in moderate temperatures. You may need to use an additive or stabilizer to operate your generator in extreme conditions.
• Be sure to use either an engine coolant heater to keep your generator’s engine near 100°F. You might also be able to use an immersion or space heater, depending on the housing on your generator.
• Be sure not to operate your generator uncovered in snow and rain. If your generator is not grounded it could cause electrocution. Your generator should be enclosed in a canopy structure to prevent rain or snow from hitting it.
• Change the plugs and filters on your generator at least every 200 hours of use.
• If you plan to store your generator for more than a month, be sure to empty the fuel tank. First, add some high-quality gas stabilizer to the fuel in your tank. Next, run the engine for roughly 15 minutes and turn it off. After the engine cools, start it and run it until your generator is out of fuel. If there seems to be too much fuel in the tank to run it dry, you can use a non-conductive siphon to empty your generator’s tank.

An inverter generator is a generator that inverts electricity for the purpose of generating a clean, regular sine wave and stable current that can power sensitive electronic devices. An inverter generator is quieter, more compact and more efficient than a standard generator. Inverter generators are typically more expensive per watt than standard generators.

A standard generator, on the other hand, produces only an AC current and an irregular sine wave with harmonic distortion and less stable current that can harm sensitive devices. This irregular sine wave won't harm electrical tools and appliances but could damage devices with microprocessors. Standard generators cannot automatically adjust to your electricity load, so they require more fuel and larger tanks than inverter generators.

• Check the oil level each time you use your inverter generator. Generally, an oil change is required after the first 20 hours of use and then every six months after that.
• Check the air filter after each use. Inverter generators benefit from a filter cleaning after the first 50 hours of use and then every three months after that. You can clean a filter with warm water and a mild detergent, such as dish detergent. Dry the filter thoroughly. Next dip the clean filter in clean engine oil and squeeze out excess oil. (Too much oil will cause the generator to smoke.) If the filter is damaged, don’t bother cleaning it; replace it instead.

The Energy Information Administration (EIA) tells us that a typical household in the U.S. uses 10,632 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity per year, or 29,130 Watts per day. Divide that by 24 hours for an average of 1,214 Watts to power a home throughout the day, so any standby generator you purchase should be capable of delivering at least that amount.

Another way to calculate the size of standby generator you will need: tally the total wattage you’re likely to use in your home during a power outage, i.e., the wattage of each appliance you’ll need to use. Next, divide the total wattage by 1000 to convert watts to kilowatts. Then multiply kilowatts by 1.25 to add extra for a safe margin and future power needs. The number you arrive at determines the number of kilowatts a generator must deliver to be an appropriate standby for your home.

• You will have water from your well. Without electricity, your well pump and filtration system will not be able to provide safe water for household use.
• You will be able to save the food in your refrigerator and save hundreds of dollars in food replacement costs. Food in a refrigerator that’s no longer operating can spoil quickly, forcing you to use all the food quickly and throw out the rest.
• You will be able to continue working from your home or running your business with the power to run your computer network.
• If anyone in your household depends on a medical device that requires electricity for power, that power can continue and prevent risk to a loved one’s health.
• A generator can keep your sump pump running to prevent water from accumulating in your basement. Whether you have this problem continuously or whether it only happens occasionally, you know the importance of being able to run a sump pump.
• If you are going on a long camping trip and would like the benefits of electricity to cook or light up your campsite, a generator is a wonderful convenience.
• A generator can provide electricity for your power tools, so you can use them on jobsites without electricity.
• You will be able to keep your electric or hybrid car charged.
• It’s much better to have a generator ready to go when a storm hits than to have to source one in a hurry.

• Battery condition and charge level
• Fuel system, for leakage and water intrusion
• Fuel and oil lines, for leakage
• Engine oil level, to ensure an appropriate level