Are you shopping for a diesel generator? These units generate electricity by using a diesel engine to provide an emergency power supply in the event of outages. Diesel generators can be used in both households and commercial properties. There is a variety of portable diesel generators for sale in Canada.
The following tips will help you choose the best one.
Table of Contents
Consider the type
When purchasing a diesel generator in Canada, buyers need to get familiar with the types available in the market. There are industrial and residential units, depending on the location where they’re planned to be used. The former is of large size and capable of providing a great amount of power for a longer period. As the name itself explains, these devices are used in industries with high power demand.
The latter, on the other hand, are smaller and provide a limited amount of power. Residential models, therefore, are designed for use in households, offices, and small stores. Another difference to make is between air-cooled and water-cooled generators. Air-cooled models need air for the cooling function of the unit to operate. Besides an air intake system, no other parts are used.
In contrast, water-cooled models use water for cooling and rely on a separate system to achieve this function. Nevertheless, buyers should know that water-cooled models are more difficult to maintain in comparison to air-cooled models. Check out the following useful tips for maintaining a generator.
Pick the right size
Another crucial factor to take into account is the size of the portable diesel generator. The size of these units depends on the appliances you plan to power, measured in watts. Not all appliances use the same number of watts to operate. For instance, refrigerators and stoves need plenty of watts to run, while fans and light bulbs require a minimum.
Heating and air-conditioning systems, however, use the most watts to run, especially commercial models. A wattage guide will be useful in determining your exact power needs. For instance, microwaves need between 1000 and 2000 watts to operate, as opposed to vacuum cleaners, requiring between 300 and 1500 watts.
Coffee makers use between 600 and 1200W. Conversely, washing machines need between 500 and 1000 watts. Laptop computers use between 20 and 75W, while LED TVs only fifty. It’s of the utmost importance to prioritize your needs when planning the appliances you intend to use.
The first appliances on your priority list should be your refrigerator and freezer unless you want your food to spoil. Heaters and ACs must be factored in as well. When the weather is cold, you’ll definitely need your heat pump to operate. The same goes for areas where summers are scorching. Follow this link, https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/estimating-appliance-and-home-electronic-energy-use, to estimate appliance and home electronic energy use.
Besides these appliances, you’re also advised to include your microwave, dishwasher, stove, TVs, lights, fans, computer, etc. Since appliance wattage varies, make sure you check the wattage on individual appliances to get accurate information.
Don’t forget the startup watts
Apart from considering the wattage requirements of each appliance, you should also factor in the startup watts. The majority of electric appliances draw a large amount of power during startup. The larger the unit, the more power it will need to start operating.
Let’s take your AC as an example. If it runs at 4000W, it probably draws 4100/4200W on startup. Hence, the diesel generator you purchase should exceed the number of startup watts.
Consider control and power management systems
When shopping for a diesel generator in Canada, make sure to purchase a model that transfers the power from the grid to the unit automatically in the event of power outages. These models come with high-tech control and power management systems, tracking the performance of the unit.
Moreover, high-end models display warnings related to low fuel or performance issues. Also, they provide plenty of analysis data to increase the efficiency of the unit.
The power management system is essential for optimizing the consumption of fuel and the generator’s performance based on the load. Click here for some safety rules on using a portable generator.
Final word
Purchase a generator that matches your needs!
