Generators are critical during a power outage. They ensure that individuals remain comfortable and cozy inside their homes during blackouts. Moreover, commercial generators help companies maintain continuous operations without any dip in productivity.
You need to buy the right generator that meets your power needs. Here we have listed common mistakes that you must avoid when buying a generator.
1. Not Buying from a Reputable Dealer
A common mistake when buying a generator is not finding out about the reputation of a seller. Shady sellers rely on the ignorance of customers. They might try to sell used generators to unsuspecting sellers. That is why it is important to always buy from a reputable company.
You should read online reviews about the seller. Make sure that most customers have posted positive reviews. Also, you should look at the number of years the company has been providing generator sales and repair services. You must buy from a company that has been providing services for five years or more.
2. Buying Without a Power Audit
A power audit is important BEFORE you buy a generator. This will help you buy the right size generator. The generator you buy should be able to handle the load. A power audit will let you know the desired ampere and wattage of the generator.
Individuals can use an excel sheet to list electrical appliances. Most appliances have a wattage listed on the front. You can also look at the wattage of common electrical appliances online.
Commercial concerns should consider hiring a professional technician for a power audit. The technicians will create an audit of all electrical appliances to determine the best size generator.
3. Not Testing the Generator
Not testing the generator before making a payment is a big mistake. Whether you are buying a generator for your home or office, it is critical that you test the generator. You need to test the generator under full load to know if it performs without any problems.
Consider running the generator through different load steps. If you are buying an industrial generator, you should load half of the rated load in one step to know if the generator can handle the high-impact loads required in manufacturing facilities. You can request the supplier to replace the generator in case a manufacturing fault is detected during operations.
4. Not Asking About Return Policies
Every vendor has different return policies. You must specifically ask about the return policy when buying a generator. This is important otherwise you might end up with a worthless piece of metal if the generator dies soon after purchase.
5. Basing the Decision on Price
Many people base their decision to buy a generator on price alone. But you could end up buying a low-quality, faulty generator if you go for price. Instead of price, you should focus on the quality of the generator.
You need to think of the cost of maintenance when buying the generator. Cheap brands often break down frequently. You can save costs in the long run by buying trusted brands known for reliability and durability.
6. Not Reading the Fine Print
Many people buy the generator assuming that the warranty will cover everything in case of a fault. But the fact is generator companies offer different types of warranties. You need to read the fine print and compare warranties of different brands of generators.
Lastly, make sure you get the warranty card stamped by the dealer. The manufacturer may decline to accept a warranty if the card is not signed and stamped.
Generac Superstore offers generator repair and sales in Huntsville and surrounding areas. Our professional technicians can diagnose all types of problems with residential and commercial generators. We offer the best rates for generator service and sales Contact us today for more information.