Gulf Coast residents are facing the biggest risk as Tropical Storm Isaac builds to the 96-mph-plus winds that define a Category 2 hurricane. But Consumer Reports' latest tests of 15 portable and stationary home generators confirm that some models could leave other homeowners in other states with less power than they thought as the hurricane season heats up. And if you think a trusted name and a higher price guarantee a better generator, think again.
We focused on models that produce the 5,000 to 7,000 watts should power most home needs. Three midsized portable generators—the $850 All Power APG3560, $1,250 Gentron GG3203, and $700 Briggs & Stratton 30468—slipped when it came to delivering the higher surge wattage needed when air conditioners, refrigerators, and pumps cycle on.
Two others could shorten the lives of fridges and other motorized appliances by making them run hotter than they should under heavy load. The portable $1,200 Generac XG7000E 5798 proved shy of the 120 volts home circuits typically need. And the stationary Briggs & Stratton EmPower 040301 was also low on voltage and fell short of the even power delivery we got from the best generators we tested.
A better bet: Generac's portable GP5500 5939, a CR Best Buy at $670. It's one of four portable generators and two stationary models that delivered the smooth, consistent power you'll need when the lights go out.
Before buying any home generator, check out our video—and use this guide to help you decide how much you want to power and how many watts you'll need.
Via: Don't let Tropical Storm Isaac catch you with a subpar generator
{ 0 komentar... read them below or add one }
Posting Komentar