What generator should I buy?

Husqvarna provides a simple guide to choosing the generator that is right for you.

Winter is on its way and loadshedding is likely to follow hot on its heels. And, with our intermittent electricity woes come fewer productive working hours, more takeaways, and cold showers.

In that moment, most of us consider a generator, but few of us follow through. Johan Kruger, national sales manager of Husqvarna South Africa, believes that often people opt to stay in the dark because of the perceived costs, or just find the thought of choosing and installing a generator too overwhelming.

Kruger says a generator is more affordable than one would think and relatively simple to install if you partner with a good supplier. “The reality is that with the work-from-home and hybrid working models becoming the way of the future, our home has become our office and needs to be equipped accordingly. This will ensure that we can earn an income regardless of whether or not our national electricity supply is available.”

He offers a simple guide to help ensure that you are not left in the dark this winter:

TECHNICALITIES: WHICH GENERATOR IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

There are generators and there are generators. This is how you decide which one suits your needs:

1. Make a list of all the appliances and tools you’d like to be able to use when there’s no power.

2. Use a site like daftlogic.com/ information-appliance-power-consumption.htm to get a rough idea of how much power each item on your list draws.

3. Add it up to find your power requirement.

4. Decide how much you’re prepared to spend on a generator.

5. Use the table (Power and Money) to find your sweet spot.

6. Contact your nearest Husqvarna agent for the latest specials.

INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE

“Another common reservation is installing and maintaining a generator,” says Kruger, “where to put it, how to connect it and turn it on.”

There are two types of generators: ȊȲStandby generators: These require professional installation and are connected to your electricity system. They work by closely monitoring your home’s voltage supply. Whenever a problem is detected, the generator will automatically turn on to ensure no lost power but is a relatively expensive option. ȊȲPortable generators, like those in the Husqvarna range, which work by turning an onboard alternator (fuelled by a petrol motor) into electricity that is then used to power your appliances or tools.

It is fitted with outlets into which an extension cord can be plugged directly and will feed electricity to the items you need to be powered.

It requires a manual start when electricity is needed but there are no installation costs and the unit is mobile, affordable and versatile.

“A generator is actually a very simple purchase once you know what your needs are. If you’re not sure, any Husqvarna agent will be happy to guide you in choosing the right model to light up your winter,” says Kruger.

“Considering the unstable electricity supply and the pressure to maximise earning potential, a generator really is an essential tool in South Africa today.”

THE REALITY IS OUR HOMES HAVE BECOME OUR OFFICES AND HAVE TO BE EQUIPPED ACCORDINGLY

SUPPLIED Considering the ongoing unstable supply of electricity, a generator has become an essential tool for homes in South Africa today.