If your area is often affected by severe storms or hurricanes, one thing you have to deal with quite frequently is power outages. In that case, you might be contemplating purchasing a generator.
A generator is one of the surefire ways to keep everything running until the power is back on. With a reliable one, you don’t have to worry about the stuff you stored in the fridge going bad or not being able to finish that work project you’ve been struggling with.
However, if you live in an apartment, you might wonder whether it’s possible to use a generator. After all, you can’t just set it up anywhere. So, can you use a generator in an apartment? Well, this article provides an answer to that question and to many others. Follow closely to be in the know!
Can You Hook Up a Generator to an Apartment?
Whether you can hook up a generator to an apartment depends on the type of the generator. Only battery-operated generators are ideal for use in an apartment. So, if you have a gas-powered variety or are considering getting one, it’s unfortunate news that you can’t use it in your apartment.
To start with, let’s acknowledge that apartment living is, to some extent, awesome. No more worrying about maintaining a house, a yard, or even checking to see whether the basement is flooded every time it rains. You can just focus on enjoying your life and decorating your small living space to look great.
However, we still have to admit that one of the downsides of apartment life is not being able to do everything you want. For example, you can’t exactly set up a bonfire in your backyard or have a barbecue whenever you feel like it. Those things are just not possible in an apartment complex.
The same goes for using a gas-powered generator. Gasoline generators produce a lot of noise. So, if you were to use one in your apartment, your neighbors would definitely not be happy about it.
Not to mention, gasoline’s fumes can harm your health and the environment. As such, using a gas-powered generator in an apartment is not worth it.
Instead, opt for the battery-powered generators. Unlike the hydrocarbon-fueled variety, battery-powered generators are quieter and don’t produce fumes. As such, they are much more ideal for apartment use.
Of course, you still have to be considerate of your neighbors. Some battery-powered generators can still produce some noise. So, if you have one of that kind, only use it when absolutely necessary and try to keep the noise to a minimum.
And as usual, it’s good to confirm with your apartment complex management whether or not using a generator is allowed. Some complexes might have rules against it, and you don’t want to get into trouble.
Can You Use a Generator in a Condo?
Unfortunately, most condominiums have rules when it comes to using generators. So, before you use any generator, ensure that you consult the board or the management of your condo.
While there’s a difference between an apartment and a condo, the two have similar rules regarding using generators. So, much like an apartment, don’t use a generator – and especially if it’s noisy – in a condo without an express okay from the board or the management.
A board or management rules condos, and they usually have rules and regulations in place for the good of the community. And while using a generator may not be explicitly mentioned in the rules, many provisions could make it difficult or even impossible to use one.
For example, most condos have rules and regulations in place to minimize the disruption to the other residents. So, if you were to use a generator without permission, you would definitely be violating those rules.
So, to ensure that you don’t get into trouble, always consult the board or management of your condo before using a generator.
Can Portable Generators Be Used Indoors?
Yes and no, depending on the type of generator. For example, you should use gas-powered generators outdoors only. These generators produce carbon monoxide, and these fumes can be harmful to your health if used indoors. But if you have a battery-operated variety, you can use it indoors.
Perhaps you aren’t living in an apartment or a condo, but have your own house. Well, that gives you more freedom, including using a gas-powered generator. But even then, you should take some precautions.
For example, if you have a gas-powered generator, only use it in an open and well-ventilated area. You should also never use it indoors, not even in the garage.
The fumes from the generator can be harmful to your health. And according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), carbon monoxide (CO) doesn’t have a smell, so you might not even realize that the fumes are already floating in your space.
Hence, always use a gas-powered generator outdoors to be on the safe side. If you have a battery-operated one, you can use it indoors. But if it’s still possible, try to use it outdoors as well.
Is It Safe To Use a Generator Indoors?
Using a generator indoors can be dangerous, especially if it’s a gas-powered one. These generators produce carbon monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas, yet it’s very harmful to your health.
When inhaled, carbon monoxide can cause all sorts of health problems, including headaches, dizziness, nausea, and in extreme cases, death. So, if you’re going to use a generator, only use it outdoors in an open and well-ventilated space.
But if you must use a generator indoors, it isn’t entirely impossible. You still can. However, you will need to invest in the right type of generator. The ideal generator for indoor space doesn’t produce noise or fumes and is even rechargeable using solar power.
What Kind of Generators Can Be Used Indoors?
The best kind of generators for use indoors are battery-operated ones. Also known as portable power stations, battery-operated generators are much safer than gas-powered ones, as they don’t produce any harmful fumes.
Plus, battery-operated generators are also very quiet. So, if you need to use one indoors, it won’t be a problem. Just make sure that it’s fully charged before using it.
Another great thing about battery-operated generators is that they can be recharged using solar power. So, if you have a solar panel, you can use it to recharge the generator.
And since they are battery-operated, ensure that you pay attention to the battery life of the generator. Most battery-operated generators can only run for a few hours before they need to be recharged again.
So, consider the battery life, as well as the charging time, before you fork out the money to buy one. And while most of these generators have a compact design, it’s still worth paying attention to the size, as you need to ensure that it will fit in your designated space.
Should You Buy a Gas or Battery-Powered Generator for the Apartment?
You should buy a battery-powered generator for the apartment. Gas-powered generators produce carbon monoxide, which can be detrimental to your health and the people around you.
As already mentioned, battery-operated generators are much safer to use. They don’t produce any fumes. Therefore, they are unlikely to affect you or even the people around you.
In addition, the battery-operated varieties nowadays even come with a super-quiet design. As such, your neighbors may not even notice that you’re using one, so you won’t get into trouble for violating the no-noise rule in your apartment complex.
Can You Use a Solar Generator Indoors?
Yes, solar generators can be used indoors. Unlike gasoline-powered versions, solar generators run on batteries, so they don’t negatively affect indoor air quality.
Gasoline generators pack quite a punch and are ready to go as soon as you replenish the fuel. However, they aren’t the best indoor companions for many reasons already mentioned.
For your inside space, a solar generator would serve better. This variety of generators doesn’t use the hydrocarbon fuel that emits fumes. And it can be easily recharged with solar panels.
But again, that doesn’t mean you can place your solar-powered generator anywhere in your indoor space. Find a location that is safe for both the machine and the people around it.
Where Should You Keep the Generator in an Apartment?
The best place to keep your battery-powered generator is in a cool and dry place. Battery-operated generators can develop a few gremlins if they are not kept in an ideal location.
As much as battery-operated generators are quiet and generally safe to use indoors, you should still be careful where to place them. After all, they are like any other electrical appliance.
So, follow the same rules that you would for other electrical appliances in your home. Don’t place them in high-humid areas. Otherwise, you’ll compromise the durability of the generator’s innards, including the battery.
Hence, to avoid all that, keep your generator in a cool and dry place away from pets and children. The goal is to curb any potential accidents and to keep your generator working for as long as possible.
When using a generator indoors, you should also ensure that the cords are not running under carpets or near any heat source. Ideally, the cables should be placed in an area where they won’t be a tripping hazard.
With all that in mind, you should have no problem using a battery-powered generator in your apartment as long as you take the necessary precautions.
Final Verdict
While it’s possible to use generators indoors, that only applies to those running on batteries. Hydrocarbon-fueled generators should never be used indoors as they produce a lot of noise and carbon monoxide, which is detrimental to human health.
But then again, be careful where you place your generator, even if it’s battery-operated. Make sure it’s in a cool and dry place away from potential hazards.