When it comes to backup power generators, you generally have the choice between a portable unit and a whole-house standby generator. Both provide electricity to your home when you lose power, but they’re very different from each other in terms of cost and convenience. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of each option so that you can decide which is best for your house.
Portable Generators
As their name implies, portable generators are smaller devices that are usually stored in garages or sheds and taken out when needed. Smaller generators are used to power a few appliances with extension cords, while larger portable units can be connected directly to electrical panels to run important hardwired appliances such as water heaters or well pumps. They typically run on gasoline, although some models use propane, diesel, or natural gas. They don’t generate as much power as standby generators and may not be enough to power everything in your home, but they should be enough to keep essential appliances running until electricity is restored.
Pros and Cons of Portable Generators
The biggest advantage of portable generators is their price. Smaller generators can cost as little as $400, while larger models will still only cost around $1,500. This makes them ideal if you’re on a tight budget and experience infrequent power outages. They’re also handy to have for camping trips, tailgating, or any other occasion that might call for a power source for portable lights, space heaters, sound equipment, and other smaller devices.
Unfortunately, a portable generator isn’t always as convenient as you might think. While it usually provides enough energy to power some essential devices, it won’t provide as much power as a standby generator. A larger portable unit might be enough to keep the lights on in your home if you can connect it to your electrical panel with a transfer switch, but it’s meant as a temporary measure at best.
Portable generators also need a lot of fuel to keep running. Most portable generators run on gasoline, and you’ll need to keep an ample supply of the stuff on hand if you want your own generator to keep running. A portable generator uses between 12 and 20 gallons of gasoline every day, which could offset the savings from buying a cheaper generator if you have to use it too often. Models that run on propane are sometimes more convenient, especially if gas stations aren’t operating at full capacity after a severe storm. Some portable generators can run on diesel of natural gas, but they require conversion kits that can get expensive.
A portable generator also needs to be wheeled out, set up, and turned on manually whenever you need it. That might not be an issue for some people, but not everyone likes the idea of going out to their garage and setting up a generator when they lose power. Speaking of which, a portable generator needs to be kept safe and dry from the weather, which is a tall order when you’re expecting a nasty storm. It needs to be kept outdoors when it’s running, too. Putting it too close to your house can expose your family to carbon monoxide, so keep it at least 20 feet away from your home with the exhaust directed away from windows, doors, and AC units.
Finally, portable generators are often very noisy. That may not be an issue if you keep your generator far enough away from your home, but you’ll still have to contend with the sound of a small engine until the power comes back on in your house.
Standby Generators
Standby or whole-house generators are permanently installed outside of homes by electrical service professionals. They have insulated covers that protect them from inclement weather and will turn on automatically when the power goes out. They can run for days or even weeks on a full whole-house propane tank. Generators that use natural gas can even run indefinitely.
Pros and Cons of Standby Generators
Standby generators are much more convenient than portable models. Since they’re installed permanently and turn themselves on when the power goes out, you never have to worry about setting one up yourself during a power outage. You’ll need to replenish the fuel source if it runs on propane, but one large tank should be enough to keep a generator running for days. Standby generators are usually large enough to power an entire house as opposed to a handful of essential appliances, and they’re much quieter than portable generators. Their insulated covers will also protect them from rain and other inclement weather, which means there’s no reason to worry about covering your generator with a canopy during a storm.
The only real downside of a standby generator is the cost. Standby generators usually cost between $2,000 and $5,000. Having one installed could also cost you $10,000 or more since you need an electrician to hook it up to your electrical panel, plumbers to hook it to a gas line, and other contractors to build a steady permanent base for the generator. The generators themselves are also about the size of an outdoor central air conditioner unit, so you’ll need to have enough space near your home to have it installed.
Despite their cost, standby generators really are the gold standard in backup power sources. They’re ideal for houses that experience frequent power outages that can last for days. If this is the case for your neighborhood, a standby generator is worth the investment. That’s doubly true if you work from home or have life-saving medical devices that depend on power.
Call Mend Services to Learn More About Standby Generators
If you’re interested in having a whole-house standby generator installed in your home, Mend Services will be happy to assist you. We provide electrical services to homes in Buda, TX and the surrounding areas, and that includes generator installation and repair services.
We have reliable home generators from top brands like Kohler and Generac, and our team can certainly find the right generator for your household’s needs. Our team of electricians can also install it so that it seamlessly integrates into your electrical system and is ready to go when you need it. We also provide annual servicing and extended maintenance plans for our generators. Plus, we’re available for emergency repairs 24/7.
At Mend Services, we’re committed to the satisfaction and safety of all our customers, which is why we ensure that all of our generators are installed correctly. To learn more about the standby generators that we have available or to have one installed in your home, contact Mend Services in Buda today. We’ll be happy to answer any questions you might have.
