Remember that starting any appliance needs a lot more energy than running that appliance.  Appliances need an energy boost to get them started.  Much like humans really!  With this in mind, do not start all your appliances at the same time.  Start them one by one.  This can really cut down on the size of generator you will need.

Always round up when sizing.  So if you think you need a 1900w generator, get a 2000 watt.  This will allow for growth but more importantly, allow for things you have forgotten about, or when your daughter really needs to use her hair straighteners in an emergency!!

Sometimes you will see the power rating written as 2KW or2 kilowatt, this is the same as 2000 watt.

If in doubt, just call the manufacturer of the product or appliance and ask them what they would recommend. Generac home generators have some very informative videos on their website so do check them out.

Oh and remember to get some gas stabiliser for your gas, this will ensure that your gas does not deteriorate over time.

The guide below will help you. Do remember to add in your freezer and its contents.  Often people do not realise that they have so much food and meat in there, sometimes totalling hundreds of dollars.  If you forget about it during a loss of power then it will spoil, or best case is you will be faced with eating an awful lot of meat in a very short space of time.

Generator Size Guide

Always allow for extra capacity. Remember there may be things that you have forgotten about.  But more importantly allow for room to grow into your generator for home use.  Appliances in a home tend to grow and not shrink. As your family and home grows you do not want to be changing your backup power supply.

Invest in a system that you have room to grow into.  This will be much more cost effective than installing a new one.

What Size Home Generator Do I Need? is from GENERATORS FOR HOME USE

If in any doubt, call the supplier or the manufacturer, they will be more than happy to help.

1. Make sure you buy a known reputable brand.
2. If buying second hand buy from a reputable seller.
3. Test your generator as soon as it arrives.
4. Don’t operate or test generators inside, indoors or in enclosed spaces. Only run your generator where there is good ventilation, where you know the exhaust fumes can escape and where your will not be inhaling them.
5. Follow the manufacturers instruction for installation. These are usually very simply written and have simple diagrams which you can follow.
6. Follow manufacturers instruction for all aspects of operation.
7. Keep all instructions and manuals in a safe place.  A place you have easy access to in the event of a powercut.
8. Copy the most essential operating instructions and leave by the generator.
9. Regular maintenance of your generator is essential to ensure optimum performance.
10. Don’t operate in an area  that has flammable or combustable materials.
11. And finally make sure to register your guarantee with the supplier as soon as you recieve your purchase.

If you are using propane portable generators then you would be well advised to check out best practices for working with carbon monoxide fumes.  It is especially important not to run your propane generator anywhere near your house.  This is because the fumes can be potentially very dangers, and you do not want them getting into your home.

If you do not have a carbon monoxide alarm installed in your home, then get one.  Always have extra batteries on hand for it and even have a spare alarm.  Quickly do a maintenance check on your alarm before you start your propane portable generator.

Home Generators And Safety is from GENERATORS FOR HOME USE

These recommendations below have been produced by the consumer reports organisation.

* Keep your generator clean, dry, and free of leaves and other lawn debris to help prevent overheating. Use a damp cloth to wipe exterior surfaces, a stiff brush to loosen caked-on engine dirt or oil, a shop vacuum for loose dirt and debris, and low-pressure air to blow away dirt. Don’t use a hose, which can force water into the fuel system. And keep at least 3 feet of clearance on all sides for adequate cooling and access to controls.

* On propane portable generators generator, prevent gum from forming in the fuel system as the generator sits by adding stabilizer (about $5 for 25 gallons) to the fuel tank. Run the engine for several minutes to circulate the stabilizer. Once stabilized, fuel can be safely stored for up to a year. If you use the generator only for emergencies, don’t store fuel in the tank, since the generator may sit idle for more than a year.

* Be sure there’s enough engine oil. Many generators shut down automatically to protect the engine if the level gets too low. To keep yours protected, check the oil level whenever you add gasoline by pulling the dipstick or filler plug. On models that run on propane or natural gas, check the level at intervals specified in your owner’s manual. And keep a couple of quarts of oil on hand for emergencies.

* Change the engine oil, carburetor air filter, fuel filter, and spark plug regularly according to the owner’s manual.

* Run the generator once every few months to ensure that it will start when you need it. Some larger stationary generators periodically cycle themselves on and off automatically.

* Use a transfer switch to connect your generator to the electrical system in your home. That’s the only way to power hardwired items like a furnace fan, central air-conditioning, and wall outlets. It also avoids the risk of running extension cords between the generator and your home.

* To prevent carbon-monoxide poisoning, never operate a generator inside a house or garage. Also be sure the generator is at least 15 feet from the house to prevent exhaust fumes from entering through windows, doors, and air conditioners.

* Store the generator in a well-vented shed or other protected area away from the house and any fire source.

Source: Prepared & Written by Consumer Reports at http://www.consumerreports.org

Maintaining Your Home Generator is from GENERATORS FOR HOME USE