Any person who owns a home outside of a big metropolitan area knows the struggle of losing power. It can happen during a storm, if it gets too hot, if it gets too cold or just because wiring is old. When the frustration becomes too much, many people look for backup power solutions. Although there are only a handful of generator manufacturers, like Generac and Kohler, the actual generator selection is at times overwhelming.

During the research phase of the purchase decision, you will want to take advantage of every resource available to you. We have put together some suggestions on places to look for advice and expertise. Take a look at the thoughts below, and, feel free to leave your own advice in the comments.

Find out Which Solution is best for your property

If your area is frequently losing power, you are at risk of damaging sensitive electronics. Computers, wireless routers, refrigerators and other appliances might start to lose their effectiveness after several episodes of power loss. Before you make the decision on which backup power solution will work for you, research the options. There are many varieties of generators, liquid cooled, portable, and you might not know after one Google search which one works best for you.

Ask your friends and neighbors what they do. Find out if a home standby generator would serve you better than a small portable generator. If you are researching for a commercial property, find out if a liquid cooled model will be what’s best for you.

Talk to the Building Department

The most powerful shopper is an informed shopper. Your local building department will be able to tell you if permits are required for the installation of your generator. Most cities and villages will have a list of registered electricians and plumbers which means they are bonded and insured per the department’s code. You should never hire an electrician or plumber who is not licensed in your city and always ask to see their insurance and bond. You are the owner of the property they will be working on so you call the shots.

Shop Around

There are a limited number of online retailers who offer generators and their parts. Although you can find some selection of generators in a home improvement store, you won’t find the exact expertise of a company that only sells generators. Other benefits of ordering online are saving the sales tax, a no pressure sales environment and the ability to look around for the best offers.

Valuable offers don’t always mean saving the most money. There is a lot of value in technical support and warranties. You can compare shopping for a generator to shopping for a car. When you are buying a new car, it is very rare to buy the first car you test drive. It is a large monetary purchase and will be with you for life of your property. You want to find a dealer who can help with questions and concerns down the road, not just give you the best price now.

Most dealers will find a way to earn your business. Buy from the company who offers the most expertise and the most security.

Consider Reviews and Online Reputation

There is a saying, “nothing ever leaves the internet”. This holds true for every company, everywhere. As a consumer you have unlimited access to the down and dirty about almost every company with an online campaign. Use your resources. Check with the Better Business Bureau, ripoffreport.com, Google Shopping Reviews and the company’s reviews on their website. By using previous customer’s experiences and feedback you can feel a lot more comfortable with your decision.

Ask for Help

Feeling overwhelmed? Reach out to the professionals and seek their advice. Feel free to call fifteen distributors and get all of their opinions if need be. Ask your electrician, ask a general contractor, ask your neighbors how they got their generator. The old adage is that the only stupid question is the one not asked. You are going to spend a large amount of money on this home improvement project, so, ask the professionals. 

Here is some advice from a local television news program to keep in mind while you are shopping.