Power generators are useful tools when your home’s regular power supply fails. And if commercially generated power is unavailable, homeowners can also use a power generator. If you need a power generator for your home, you need to consider a few essential factors.
One thing about power generators is that they tend to make a lot of noise when running. This noise can be very disturbing for people in a house and other people in the nearby area. While many people need power generators, the loud, disturbing noise can be very distracting.
For that reason, silent generators, also known as quiet generators, are becoming increasingly popular among homeowners. Although these generators are not entirely noiseless, there is a significant difference in the amount of noise produced.
It is natural that you want to purchase the quietest power generator, but how can you find it? With so many quiet generators to choose from, picking the right silent generator can feel overwhelming. In this guide, you will find out what you should consider when getting your portable generator.
Portable Generators
Portable generators are diesel or gas-powered devices that provide temporary electrical power. They have a built-in engine that turns the built-in turbine. The turning motion of the turbine exists to create usable energy up to a particular wattage.
Home and business owners can connect an electrical appliance with a generator. These generators come with sockets where you can plug in any appliance. Wiring the generator in the house’s sub-panel is another way of using portable power generators.
You will find two main types of portable generators in the market: conventional and inverter generators.
Conventional Generators
Conventional power generators are the oldest, most popular type of power generators. They are powerful devices that run large appliances such as televisions and refrigerators. However, these are also very loud.
Inverter Generators
Unlike conventional generators, inverters are less powerful and much smaller. However, these generators are much more efficient too. For starters, inverter generators provide cleaner power. These generators are also adjustable, meaning they automatically power up and down based on your usage. Since they are popular for maintaining constant current, inverters are more expensive than conventional generators.
Factors to Consider when Buying a Quiet Home Generator
If you’re looking for the quietest generator, you will need to consider plenty of things. Keeping the following things in mind can help make the generator-buying process much simpler and faster.
Sound Measure
The sound your generator produces is the top priority when buying quiet generators. To make a decision, you won’t regret, measuring the sound is critical.
Power generator manufacturers often label the models with their decibels. Whether purchasing one online or physically, don’t forget to check for the decibel rating. Decibel (dB) is the measuring unit for a power generator’s noise.
Regular generators typically have a noise level rating of 100 dB. A 100 dB noise rating produces noise as loud as a power saw. On the other hand, most quiet generators operate at a noise level of 65 dB or less. This noise level is similar to the noise of two people having a conversation. If you’re looking for the, quietest generator, you may want to look for one with a noise rating of 50 dB.
That said, the decibel measurement only provides a rough idea to determine how loud a power generator. Measuring the sound is nearly impossible as several other variables are also at play. For example, you can’t tell whether the decibel rating provided by the manufacturer is accurate. Similarly, where you place your power generator also affects the noise.
Fuel Type
The fuel type is a critical consideration when buying any type of power generator. But, it becomes essentially important when purchasing a quiet generator. The type of fuel your generator uses leaves a significantly affects how much noise it produces.
For example, diesel or natural gas generators create a loud noise. In contrast, propane fuel is much quieter when running. Similarly, solar power generators are also available if you’re looking for something portable.
However, solar power generators are more expensive, and is only available for portable generators. Nevertheless, these are quiet generators, so you may be willing to pay extra if you don’t want it to be noisy. Another option is to pick a dual or tri-fuel power generator. These generators allow more freedom for fuel choice to reduce noise.
That said, you can’t make a final decision without considering other factors that affect your fuel choice.
Low Wattage
High wattage is one of the major reasons why power generators are noisy. If you’ve used generators before, you know that a generator with a high wattage produces more noise than a generator with lower ones.
Choosing a low-wattage power generator ensures less noise, but make sure the wattage count is sufficient to power your home. If the wattage is too low, it may not be able to provide power for all the appliances you need.
Typically, low-power generators generate around 1000 to 1500 watts. On the other hand, more powerful generators generate 7000 watts or more. Consider the power demand you expect it to meet when purchasing a generator.
A low-power generator should work for running small appliances like alarm clocks, lamps, and radios. Similarly, ones with a higher power are necessary if you want to run appliances that demand more energy, such as refrigerators.
Generator Storage and Maintenance Tips
If you’re planning to purchase a portable power generator soon, you should know how to store and maintain it.
Short-Term Storage (Around Two to Three Weeks)
If you want to store your generator for a short time, you would want to follow a few storage tips. Start by cleaning the debris off the unit after every use. Then, you can move your power generator to the garage or outbuilding. Make sure you choose a storage area that makes accessing the generator easier you need it.
Long-Term Storage (Around Two to Three Months)
The same storage tips apply to the temporary and long-term storage of power generators. After using them, clean the unit and find a suitable storage spot. Additionally, you will also need to carry out an additional step before leaving your generator in the same place for more than two months. Pick a high-quality gasoline stabilizer and use it to fill your fuel tank.
Change Generator Oil
Power generators often shut down when the generator oil level falls past a certain level to protect the engine from damage.
Sufficient fuel is essential to keep your portable, quiet power generator running smoothly. You can also increase the engine’s lifespan by providing it with sufficient oil.
Ideally, you should check your quiet generator’s oil level each time you’re refueling it. You can check using a dipstick; if the oil level is not up to the full marker, it is time to refill. On that note, find a suitable oil option considering the engine type, cost of oil, and the amount you need.
Final Word
Generators are a necessity for many homeowners who often face power-related issues. While a portable generator can solve that issue, it comes with a catch. Most power generators produce a loud, disturbing noise. For that reason, more people are switching to quiet generators. Consider checking the device’s sound, fuel type, and wattage when buying one for your home.
