And when you get your generator, remember to never use a gas or liquid propane-powered engine indoors and never plug a generator into your home’s electrical system without first installing a transfer switch to prevent fires and other electrical damage. I’ve combed the web to find the best deals on portable generators, so you can save a little money while prepping for extreme weather situations. Also: Best portable power station: Emergency power when you need it
The best generator deals: November/December 2022
Here are 4 of the best deals on home generators right now:
It features 6 wall-style outlets, 2 USB-C ports, 4 USB 2.0/3.0 inputs, and a 12V DC outlet, so you can plug in up to 13 devices at once. It also includes a solar panel for fast charging and topping up the internal battery when wall charging isn’t an option or for a greener fast-charging option. The 13HP engine and 6.2-gallon gas tank give the generator up to 9 hours of run time, and if you prefer propane, you can get up to 5 hours of use with a 20 pound tank. This generator has 7 outlets, so you can plug in multiple devices at once to keep phones, medical equipment, and important appliances running during an outage. It also features a fuel switch so you can flip between gas and propane as needed, and it makes running the engine empty for storage faster. With a low oil shut-off and idle control mode, the generator automatically shuts off when there isn’t enough oil in the engine, preventing damage while also reducing noise and fuel consumption – which is great news for residential use. If you want to make sure you have electricity for at-home medical equipment and appliances during a weather emergency, a portable or inverter generator is your best option. If you do opt for a portable or inverter generator, you’ll need to make sure you get one with more than enough wattage to run everything. Lowe’s has a handy worksheet available, so you won’t accidentally burn up your fridge. Without a transfer switch, you could overload your home’s wiring, causing fires, short-outs, and all kinds of other damage. If you intend to use a portable or inverter generator to run just a few appliances, make sure to read the operating manual thoroughly before plugging anything in. Home standby generators are much more robust, having lifetimes upwards of 40 years. No matter which kind you choose for your home, proper engine maintenance is a must. Make sure that all air, oil, and fuel filters are regularly changed as well as regularly changing the oil itself, and you’ll be able to keep your generator at optimal efficiency for quite some time.
