Your home is a place of sanctuary no matter what the weather outside is doing. But power outages can strike unexpectedly due to weather events, overloaded power grids, or other unforeseen incidents, disrupting more than just your favorite TV shows.
Refrigerators, freezers, critical medical devices, or basement sump pumps are all essential for your daily living and need electricity to work. Choosing between a standby generator and a portable generator is an important decision for homeowners who want to be prepared.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make an informed choice.
Understanding Generator Basics
Generators are essential tools for maintaining power and security during unexpected outages.
Whether you live in a region prone to severe weather or want peace of mind against electrical failures, understanding generators can help you make the right choice for your needs.
How Generators Work
It may seem that generators make electricity out of nothing, but that isn’t the case. Generators convert mechanical energy into electrical energy, similar to how a hydroelectric dam or a windmill creates electricity.
A generator consists of an engine, alternator, fuel system, voltage regulator, and cooling and exhaust systems. Together, these components work to provide a reliable backup power source when the grid goes down.
What is a Standby Generator?
A standby generator is a permanently installed unit that automatically turns on during a power outage.
These generators are designed to provide a seamless transition, ensuring your home remains powered even when the grid goes down.
They typically run on natural gas or propane and can supply power to the whole house.
Advantages of Standby Generators
- Immediate Power: A standby generator doesn’t require manual starting or setting up — it kicks in automatically.
- Convenience: Since they are connected to the home’s electrical system, standby generators require little maintenance and can run for an extended period.
- Continuous Power: Standby generators have the capacity to keep your home powered for days or even weeks, depending on fuel supply and usage. This is especially important for those living in areas prone to natural disasters or experiencing frequent power outages.
- Increased Home Value: A standby generator adds value to your home and can be a selling point if you ever decide to put it on the market.
- Protection for Sensitive Electronics: Standby generators provide a stable and consistent power supply, protecting sensitive electronics and appliances from potential damage caused by voltage fluctuations or surges during an outage.
- Safety: With a standby generator in place, you’re less reliant on potentially hazardous portable generators or candles during a blackout, reducing the risk of fires and carbon monoxide poisoning in your home.
Disadvantages to Standby Generators
- Cost: Standby generators are generally more expensive than portable generators, both in the initial purchase price and installation costs.
- Installation: Installing a standby generator requires professional assistance and may involve permits, which can add significant time and expense.
- Fuel Dependency: They rely on a steady supply of fuel such as natural gas, propane, or diesel, and any disruption in supply can affect performance.
- Maintenance: Regular maintenance is essential to ensure reliability, including checking connections, inspecting fuel lines, and performing routine testing.
- Space Requirement: Standby generators need a dedicated outdoor space for installation, which may not be workable for all properties or neighborhoods.
What is a Portable Generator?
A portable generator is a smaller, more versatile option that can be moved around and used as needed.
They typically run on gasoline or propane and provide power through outlets or extension cords.
Portable generators are ideal for outdoor activities, such as camping, but they can also serve as backup power during short-term outages
Advantages of Portable Generators
- Versatility: Being lightweight and compact makes portable generators easy to move and use in various locations.
- Affordability: Portable generators are generally less expensive than standby generators, making them a more budget-friendly option.
- Backup Power for Specific Needs: If you only need to power essential appliances or tools during an outage, a portable generator can provide enough electricity without the added cost of a standby generator.
- Ease of Setup: Portable generators are straightforward to set up, requiring minimal installation effort, allowing individuals to quickly start up power during an emergency or for recreational use.
- Easy to Use Other Places: Portable generators can be moved and used for other things such as RVs, tailgating, or camping.
Disadvantages of Portable Generators
- Limited Power Output: Portable generators typically produce less power than standby generators, which may not be sufficient for running multiple large appliances simultaneously.
- Fuel Storage and Consumption: They require a ready supply of fuel, such as gasoline, which needs to be stored safely and is consumed relatively quickly, requiring frequent refueling.
- Noise Levels: Many portable generators can be quite noisy, which might be disruptive to both the users and their neighbors.
- Manual Setup and Operation: Unlike standby generators, portable units require manual setup and operation, including starting the engine and connecting to devices.
- Weather Vulnerability: Portable generators need to be used outdoors, but they are vulnerable to weather conditions, which can limit their usability during severe weather.
- Safety Issues: Carbon monoxide poisoning, electric shock, and fire hazards are potential risks associated with the use of portable generators. It is essential to carefully follow safety guidelines and instructions provided by the manufacturer.
- Overall Cost: While portable generators may seem more affordable upfront compared to standby generators, their long-term cost can add up due to fuel consumption and maintenance expenses.
The Key Differences
| Feature | Standby Generator | Portable Generator |
| Power Output | High, designed for entire homes | Varies, often for single appliance or limited use |
| Fuel Type | Natural Gas, Propane | Gasoline, Propane, Diesel, Solar |
| Start-Up | Automatic | Manual |
| Installation | Permanent | Portable |
| Cost | High initial, low maintenance | Lower initial, higher maintenance and fuel cost |
| Noise Level | Low noise | Higher noise |
| Ease of Use | Automatic operation, no need to refuel | Requires manual operation and refueling |
Questions to Ask When Considering a Generator
When evaluating generators, consider installation costs, fuel types, power capacity, and your household’s specific energy needs to make the best choice for your family.
What are my power needs?
Determine which appliances and systems are critical during a power outage. This will help you decide on the wattage capacity you need in a generator to ensure seamless operation of essential household functions.
For example, 2000 watts will power a standard refrigerator (600-800 watts), a few LED lights (10-15 watts each), a TV (150-400 watts), and charge a smartphone.
What is my budget?
Consider the upfront cost, installation fees, and maintenance expenses associated with both standby and portable generators.
A clear budget helps you narrow down options that provide the best value for your investment.
How frequently and for how long do I anticipate needing backup power?
Assess the typical frequency and duration of power outages in your area. If outages are common and lengthy, a standby generator might be more suitable.
On the other hand, a portable generator could be the best choice for shorter, more infrequent outages.
Do I have a natural gas or propane line?
Standby generators are typically hardwired into your home’s electrical system and are powered by a permanent natural gas line or propane tank.
This continuous connection ensures that the generator can start automatically during a power outage without the need for manual setup or refueling, making it a reliable choice for those who experience frequent and prolonged outages.
Tips for Maintenance and Use
Every appliance needs a little TLC to stay ready for when you need them.
Standby Generators
- Schedule regular maintenance checks with a professional technician to ensure your system is in top condition.
- Test your generator periodically to ensure it kicks in automatically during outages.
- Keep the surrounding area clear of debris to ensure proper ventilation.
Portable Generators
- Regularly check fuel levels and store fuel safely.
- Inspect cords and connections before each use to prevent safety hazards.
- Run the generator periodically to keep it operational and prevent fuel degradation.
Standby Generator Installation in Portland
Choosing between a standby and a portable generator depends on your specific needs, budget, and intended use. Standby generators offer a worry-free solution for long-term home power needs that kick on without interrupting your life.
For expert installation and service, the Jacobs Heating & Air Conditioning team is ready to help you install reliable backup power for your home.
Get in touch today to explore the best options for your needs!
