Buying Guide – How to Choose the Best Yamaha Generator
Whether it’s a situation you’ve been in before or you’ve moved into a storm-prone or secluded area, nobody likes to be without power.
When you’re looking to buy a Yamaha generator, there are some things you need to keep in mind, whether it’s your first or not.
Before purchasing your new generator, you need to make sure you have the proper skills for installation, or at the very least, make sure that you have the budget for a technician.
You also need to know what model of generator appeals most to you.
A little more than you bargained for already? No need to worry. This guide will walk you through it.
What to consider before purchasing your Yahama generator
There are many things to take into account prior to purchasing your new Yamaha generator.
Though generators may seem like an easy fix, people often underestimate the prep work that needs to be done to ensure that they function correctly.
Don’t get caught in this trap! Before you even decide on a model to purchase, read this handy guide we’ve prepared. We’ve got all the tips you need to make your generator-buying experience flow as seamlessly as possible.
Power
Before purchasing your Yamaha generator, you need to have a good idea of what you’re prioritizing when it comes to power.
Each appliance in your home uses a certain amount of power. For instance, your refrigerator and freezer use between 600 and 800 watts. A table lamp uses about 150, and a central air conditioner will use about 2000 to 4000 watts.
Your Yamaha generator will be sold by wattage. This is going to determine both how many other appliances you can run at the same time and how well they’ll do their jobs.
Therefore, the first thing you need to do is figure out how much power you typically use. It makes sense that you’d want to be able to take advantage of your home appliances through your generator.
The number you get when you figure in your power levels will give you the type of generator you need.
While calculating, you’ll want to make sure that you include the most important appliances first. Presumably, your Yamaha generator will really only be used in the event of power outage emergencies, so there are some things you can do without.
Hair dryers, for instance, take up a fair amount of wattage, and they aren’t mandatory, so you can save those 1000-or-so watts.
Types
Now that you’ve figured out how strong your generator needs to be, you can determine which type you want: a stationary or a portable model.
While portable generators cost less, stationary generators are a good investment. However, they should be installed by a professional who can properly map out your switches.
A professional electrition will also know your town’s noise restrictions, and they’ll be able to help you with the proper location for your Yamaha generator.
Portable generators need gas or propane to work correctly, and you’ll likely need to stockpile whichever it uses for fuel in the event of an emergency. This means you’ll need a stabilizer to run your generator safely.
A stationary generator will start up instantly once there’s a power outage. Stationary generators can also provide more power, and you can use your choice of fuel to run it.
While storing gasoline poses many risks, you won’t have to worry about that with a stationary generator.
However, if you don’t need that much power, portable generators are a great choice. They can provide anywhere from 3000 to 8500 watts.
Portable generators can also be used anywhere you can take them. There are limitations to their location (they have to be at least 15 feet away from your property in an unenclosed space, for instance, and in the rain, you have to cover it).
Stationary generators have self-diagnostics. This means you’ll never have to check if maintenance is needed. It will tell you itself!
Ultimately, the final decision comes down to cost. Stationary generators are a fantastic investment, starting at about $5000.00.
However, for those on a budget, portable generators can do a great job as well, and they start at $400. That’s under 1/10th of the price of a stationary one.
Know what features you want
Your Yamaha generator is sure to come with a checklist of state-of-the-art features, but if there’s a certain one you’re after, be sure to take note. Not all generators come with the same list!
If you want something that comes on automatically, without you having to navigate through your dark, cold house to turn on the generator, you’ll want to note that in your features list.
Not all generators are created equal. If you’re traveling or commuting and the power goes out, it may be a wise idea to invest in a generator which starts automatically.
You may think this is only a standard feature on stationary generators, and normally, that’s true.
However, portable generators often offer an electric start feature. This means all you have to do is press a button rather than yanking on a cord to start the engine.
This one goes double if you’re buying a portable generator: think about how you want to transport it.
Generators are heavy, and not all of them come with wheels. Shocking, but sometimes wheels are priced separately from the generator. For the sake of being safe, consider these an additional feature, and factor them in.
Additionally, check and see how many outlets your Yamaha generator offers by default. If you have enough, you can spread out your wattage load, which is a lifesaver in emergency situations.
Hardware setup
Prior to purchasing and installing your Yamaha generator, whether it’s stationary or portable, you want to make sure you have the proper hardware setup.
This means that you need a transfer switch.
What’s a transfer switch? This will link your generator to your circuit panel. If you skip this step, you may experience the horror of your appliances shorting out and frying. This can also put workers (or yourself) in danger, or even ruin your generator.
In other words, a transfer switch is a good idea. It should be professionally installed, just for safety and accuracy reasons. This isn’t a good DIY job.
However, this is an additional expense from your generator. When installing a transfer switch, you can expect to up your cost about $500 to $900 dollars, factoring in labor.
The great thing about a transfer switch is that it will cut on automatically, provided you have a stationary model. If you have a portable, all you have to do is connect it, flip a couple switches, and enjoy the electricity.
When the power comes back on, stationary models will turn off automatically. Portables, all you have to do is flip the same switches again.
However, if you’re dead set on keeping your costs as low as possible, you can install an interlock device instead. This will only run you about $50 to $150 extra.
An interlock device works by covering your main cutoff switch. However, it’s important to follow a specific sequence with these, as an energy spike could mean disaster for your appliances.
Find a contractor
Even if you’re positive you know the ropes and wires, it’s not a bad idea to have a professional install your generator.
This goes double if you’ve got a stationary model. However, this advice shouldn’t be neglected just because you’re lucky enough to have a portable model.
While you may be great at following directions and watching tutorials, an electrician will know what he needs to know like the back of his hand. While you will pay an additional cost for this service, it’s worth the peace of mind knowing that everything’s installed correctly.
Add to the fact that installing electronics is a hassle, and a time-consuming job if you aren’t well-versed in the field.
An electrician will be able to ensure that everything’s lined up and works correctly and can likely take you through some steps to keep your generator up to date and well-maintained, even if it doesn’t need any special service.
Beyond that, an electrician will be able to position your Yamaha generator correctly and make sure it’s wired for what it needs to be. If your generator isn’t strong enough to do what it needs to, you’ll learn it here first.
A contractor will be able to help you get what you need in order.
Conclusion
When you’re purchasing your new Yamaha generator, the most important thing is to ensure that it will meet your needs. Nothing would be worse than getting stuck with a generator that couldn’t handle your power levels, right?
You also want to make sure that you purchase from a trusted source. They may even offer services on your generator!
Additionally, take some time to honestly assess your electrician skills. If there’s remotely any doubt, make sure that you hire a professional for the process. It will make the whole thing go much more smoothly.
Questions about generators and installation? Contact us!
Very guideful post. Portable generators are easy to use and can be used anywhere. It is less expensive than stationary generators and it is easy to install. But, you can’t use diesel fuel in portable generator which is big drawback of it. Other fuel should be included in portable generators to make it powerful.