Are you looking to power your home or your worksite? If yes, then you need to find a generator that will serve your needs and save you money as well. Here are seven ways to buy an affordable generator.
1. Research
Regardless of your budget, it is always beneficial to know what you are searching for when purchasing a generator. Buying a cheap no-brand generator on an e-commerce site such as eBay can save you a lot of money. But will you be confident to plug your costly power tools and appliances? The damage caused could cost you more than you had saved. Hence, consider other things other than the price. Be sure to sort out the excellent value for money options from the dodgy options.
2. Fuel Source
Gasoline is the ideal fuel choice for tiny engines, and it is common since it is readily available. There are also generators that run on diesel fuel, which tend to be costly. If you go for an affordable gasoline generator, you need to know the drawbacks. In case of a natural disaster, the gas supply of a region can be depleted. Additionally, storing a lot of gasoline is unsafe, and the shelf life is limited. Hence, it is best to buy the gas moments before you need it.
3. Know Your Brands
It is essential to know the brands that will guarantee you exceptional value for money. For instance, Cromtech Generators sell one of the top budget inverter generators that are accompanied by a national service network as well as a one year warranty. It has a low price because it is made in China, where manufacturing expenses are far lower as compared to countries like Japan and Australia. However, the fact that the equipment is made in China does not mean it has low quality. Nowadays, China has some of the top quality standards on earth. Some premium brands such as Yamaha and Honda have some of their models of generators and components being manufactured in China factories. See some great Honda models on http://www.generatorplace.com.au
Moreover, Cromtech is supported by Crommelins Australia, which is an Australian company that deals in power equipment manufacturing and distribution. For instance, MyGenerator.com.au brand has service technicians who carry out quality control checks prior to committing to the distribution of any generator brand. The brand has tested many Chinese brands, and while some are quality, others make claims that they don’t fulfill. Hence, make sure you purchase your generator from a credible retailer. There have been many instances of clients buying cheap, faulty generators and getting no help from the retailers. As you look for your budget generator, ensure you check the brand as well as the appliance and the application.
4. Run Time
There is a variation in the amount of time a generator can operate on one tank of propane or gasoline. Overall, the more electronics and appliances connected to a generator, the quicker it needs to be refueled. A regular gas generator with 3-4 gallon tanks can operate for 10-12 hours. However, inverter generators have smaller capacities of 1-2 gallons, making run times shorter. But they are more fuel-efficient, especially the ones with energy-saving modes. This will save you a lot of money in the long run.
5. Warranty and Support
The most significant difference between budget and premium generators is service support and warranty. Cheap generators are usually not accompanied by an extended warranty that is offered by premium generators. However, this does not mean that you lack a cover. For instance, Cromtech Generators have warranty and service supported by the credited Australian manufacturer called Crommelins. Therefore, in case of a problem regarding the purchase, you are assured of countrywide service support ready to assist. The brand has hundreds of reputable service agents throughout the nation.
But be keen not to buy cheaper brands such as Gentrax, Lectron, Fuji, and others that you can find on e-commerce sites. The central issue surrounding these brands is the availability of spare parts and after sale services. In case you find a spare part and have it checked by a technician, other issues will begin to appear. The majority of Chinese brands will fail to offer support, leaving you with a useless machine. Another great, affordable inverter generator manufactured in China that has national service support is called Supaswift. All Power Industries support the Supaswift generators and All Power Countrywide Service Dealer and Spare Parts Network back it.
Cromtech comes with a one year warranty, which is similar to other generators that are also affordable in its category. If it is crucial for you to have a longer service warranty, look up the popular Japanese brand generators like market leaders Yamaha that offers four-year warranties and have more than 200 reputable service agents countrywide. Numerous customers want their generators to have a national service network, which makes them opt for a premium brand like Yamaha. This is expected for a superior product.
6. Fit For Purpose
Overall, the more powerful and bigger the generator, the higher the cost. Hence, an ideal way to save cost on a generator is buying the size you require. You can work this out by looking at the wattage of the tools and appliances you want to power and search for a generator that meets this need. Going for a very cheap generator might get you a generator that fails to offer sufficient power for your appliances. Additionally, it is critical to consider the type of application. If you want to use your generator for heavy applications like medium to big power equipment and tools for worksites or rural applications, then it is best to go for a portable trade generator such as Gentech and Powerlite. These brands are durable and tough and are designed to handle the big demands of Australian job sites. Hence, for heavy and business demands, go for a premium brand, but for recreation and domestic use, opt for a cheaper brand.
7. Outlets
Portable generators usually have 3-4 outlets, which are not all standard plugs that are household-type. You will find a 120-volt outlet for refrigerators, lamps, and heaters, a 120-volt outlet made for RVs, and an outlet that secures a plug. The best option is one that has over one standard 120-volt outlet to allow many extension cords to be attached for serving various household needs. If you want a 120/240-volt outlet, you will spend more.