Here’s How to Choose the Right Generator

Backup power. Peace of mind.

A power generator provides your home, cottage or job site with both. A generator is essential during power outages, and can come in handy during home renovations, entertaining or on outdoor adventures. When choosing a generator as a secondary power source, consider location, power needs and features. Here’s how to find the power boost you need.

Here’s How to Choose the Right Generator

Types of Generators Wattage Needs Features & Accessories

Types of Generators

There are three main types of generators, each with its own unique benefits.

Wattage Needs

When shopping for a generator, start by calculating your location’s wattage needs. This will ensure you pick one with the wattage capacity to power essential appliances, electronics and home systems like heating, cooling and septic.

Generator Features & Accessories

When choosing a generator, consider product features and add-on accessories that can boost safety and convenience, save fuel, and just make life easier when you’re powering up in the middle of a storm.

Auto Idle Control

Turns the engine off when it’s not in use, preserving fuel and extending run time

Auto Transfer Switch

Turns on a standby generator if it senses power has gone out (sold separately)

Manual Transfer Start

Easily change the energy source from utility power to generator power (sold separately)

Electric Start

An easier alternative to pull-start handles on portable and inverter generators.

Circuit Breakers

Prevents system overload, protecting appliances that are connected to the generator

Dual Fuel

This hybrid generator (portable or inverter) runs on gas or on propane, for more flexibility

Remote Start

Why go outside when you can start your generator from indoors using a key fob?

Safety Shutdown

Shuts down a standby generator in unsafe conditions like low oil, high temperature, low coolant etc.

Wheel Kit

Improves the mobility of portable and inverter generators, making them easier to manoeuvre

Find the Right Generator

Get started by calculating your home, cottage or worksite energy needs.

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FAQs

What is a dual-fuel generator?

Portable generators used to run exclusively on gasoline. This works great for most work applications, but less so during a power outage when gas can become scarce. A dual-fuel generator can run on either gas or propane, so you can simply connect the tank from your BBQ to get running again. This works well, but that 20-pound propane tank won’t keep your generator running forever. For the ultimate in functionality and peace-of-mind, consider a tri-fuel generator. These units add natural gas to the mix of fuel choices and allows you to run your generator for days or weeks via a connection outside your home.

What is an inverter generator?

An inverter generator converts AC (alternating current) power into DC (direct current) power, then uses a microprocessor to invert it back into cleaner AC power. The result is a higher quality, more consistent and reliable AC power source. This makes an inverter generator a safer choice for charging sensitive devices like laptops and cell phones which could be damaged by a conventional generator. Look for an inverter generator that outputs a pure sine wave vs. a modified sine wave.

Can you charge an electric car with a portable generator?

Yes, but you’ll need to use an inverter generator with a pure sine wave. Otherwise the electric vehicle may consider the power source dirty energy and simply refuse to charge for safety reasons. Charging an electric vehicle with a portable generator is a good emergency option, but it takes time. For example, a 4000W generator will take up to 24 hours and several tanks of gas or propane to fully charge the vehicle.

Can I run a furnace with a portable generator?

Yes, but you’ll need a certified electrician to do the setup. One method involves rewiring the furnace circuit so it can be unplugged during a power failure and re-connected to your portable generator by an extension cord. Another option is to plug your generator into a power inlet box on outside your home, which in turn connects to your furnace via a manual transfer panel inside your home. You can also simply plug your generator into a meter collar transfer switch installed behind your electric meter. This option requires no rewiring of your electrical system.