If you've ever felt the effects of a black out that lasted for hours, you probably want to get your own home generator by now.

A generator serves as secondary sources of electricity whenever the power goes out.

You know you need a home generator when you're in an area where natural disasters are a common occurrence. Here are some recommendations for you if you're thinking of making a home generator purchase.

One common mistake is getting a generator that's either too big or too small for your needs .

You should observe the power consumption of each member of your family. Whatever size your family is, there is a specific generator that can provide just enough electricity to meet your needs.

To be on the safe side, always get a generator that provides a bit more power than you regularly use. You don't want to cause an overload. You must also consider the fact that your generator will be using petrol products.

Normally, generators use gas, propane, gasoline, or diesel for fuel. But there are those that can use solar energy and wind energy. Solar and wind energy are ideal as fuel especially with good climatic conditions, but solar panels and wind mills need to be installed (and these are not cheap).

You also need to decide on the type of generator you're getting. Do you want a portable generator or a standby one? Portable generators are much more affordable and can be used anywhere over a short period of time. The standby model is ideal for home use only, but it's powerful enough to provide electricity for a few days. Whether portable or standby, go for a model that automatically turns on when there's a power outage.

Also, consider what you need the generator for. Portable generators may not be enough to power your business. A lot of the restaurants around you have standby generators. If your area is not disaster prone, you should get the portable models. Portable generators can fit inside the trunk of your car and used for camping purposes.

Do you have the space for a large generator? A large generator may easily take up all the space in one section of your home. Be careful not to expose your generator to the elements. Get a cover for your generator to preserve it longer.

Be brand-conscious when it comes to your generator. Some brands are known to produce only quality products. There are times when expensive types are less prone to breakdowns.