Standby or Portable Generators: What’s Best for Your Needs?
Modern life is increasingly reliant on having electricity available, but unpredictable weather events and aging infrastructure complicate things. Having backup power solutions is crucial for homeowners, businesses, and anyone else who needs reliable energy when a grid goes down or access isn’t feasible. The two primary options are standby and portable generators. Each option has unique benefits and limitations. Deciding which one is best for your needs should be easier when you know the pros and cons of each before seeing which one suits your specific requirements.
Standby Generators: Reliable Power at the Ready
Standby generators are also known as backup or whole-house generators. They’re permanently installed systems that can automatically offer power when an outage happens. Usually connected to a propane or natural gas supply, they produce high volumes of electricity during extended outages.
Advantages of Standby Generators
Standby generators provide automatic power restoration the moment an outage happens. They can detect power loss in seconds and start operation without manual intervention. This seamless continuity is crucial for homes and businesses that need constant power for security systems, essential appliances, and sensitive electronic equipment.
A standby generator is designed to power more than one circuit, including a whole home in some cases. Power capacity might range from 7,000 to more than 50,000 watts to support anything from lighting to appliances and HVAC systems. The high capacity makes a standby generator an effective option when sustained power is necessary.
When connected to a propane or natural gas fuel source, a standby generator can run for extended periods, perhaps even indefinitely, depending on the specific fuel supply. Homes and businesses can stay comfortable and operational during a prolonged outage without refueling concerns.
Standby generators need minimal user interaction once they’re installed. Many have automated self-testing features to maintain functionality. Straightforward maintenance involves filter replacements, oil changes, and periodic checks. This kind of generator is almost a “set it and forget it” situation for those who dislike the hassles of manual generator options.
Installing a standby generator can boost property value as a long-term home improvement. In areas known for power outages, this can be an alluring selling point to prospective buyers.
Disadvantages of Standby Generators
Standby generators do have a substantial upfront cost. One of these generators might cost between $2,000 and $15,000 or more. Installation fees might add another $2,000 to $5,000 to include fuel supply connections and electrical work. The investment can be worth it in the long run, but the upfront expense is considerable.
Installation requirements are an involved process. You’ll need licensed professionals to hook up fuel and make electrical connections. Local inspections and permits might also prove necessary, adding to the cost and time of the setup process. The unit also needs outdoor space, which not every house might have available.
Portability is limited, if there’s any at all. The very name implies that standby generators are stationary units you can’t move once they’re installed. They’re typically suitable for only fixed structures and can’t offer you power in other locations.
Portable Generators: Flexible Power on the Go
Portable generators are more cost-effective and flexible for backup power in a wide range of capacities. They’re often used for temporary situations, and you can easily transport them to various locations. Powered by propane, diesel, or gasoline, these generators are popular with contractors, homeowners, and campers who need short-term power for equipment, tools, and small appliances.
Advantages of Portable Generators
Getting a portable generator is more affordable in the short-term compared to a standby model. Based on the power output, your price range could be $300 to $2,000. This can make them budget-friendly possibilities if you want a backup power source without much upfront investment.
As implied by the name, a portable generator should be easy to move. Many models have handles and wheels so you can transport them between locations easily, such as job sites, camping trips, or just getting temporary power when an outage strikes. This level of flexibility makes them handy for home use, professional applications, and recreational purposes.
They’re as easy to set up as they are to move. Minimal assembly is required. You can store one in a shed or garage and just bring it out as you need it. Without installation necessary, you can start using one nearly immediately, which is handy in emergencies.
Portable generators are often powered by diesel, propane, or gasoline, which you can easily buy and store. Some models are even dual-fuel, meaning you can switch between different kinds of fuel. That’s advantageous during prolonged outages when there might be fuel supply shortages. It also means you can pick which fuel is cheaper at the time.
A portable generator is also well-suited to power essential items, such as small appliances, lights, and refrigerators. That makes them a practical choice for short-term power needs. You can get a reasonable amount of power, though not nearly enough to power your whole home including your HVAC system, washer and dryer, and other energy-intensive appliances.
Disadvantages of Portable Generators
You won’t be able to get much power out of a portable generator. The typical range is 1,000 to 12,000 watts, and that might not be enough to power your entire house. That means your food may not spoil but your HVAC system won’t keep your home comfortable to be in. If you run multiple high-demand applications at the same time, you can overload your portable generator.
Unlike a standby generator, your portable generator will need manual startup for operations. If a power outage happens, you have to move your generator to a safe location outdoors, connect it, and then manually start it. This can be an inconvenient process, particularly during outages at night or when adverse weather is happening.
Portable generators operate on stored fuel, and you have to replenish that periodically, particularly during an extended outage. Long-term storage of some fuels risks deterioration and spoilage, and any storage of large volumes of flammable material carries hazardous risks. Refueling a generator can also be dangerous if it’s running at the time.
A portable generator is going to be much noisier than a standby model as well. Noise levels can reach 60 to 90 decibels. That’s a potentially disruptive noise level in quiet areas or residential neighborhoods. Some models are intentionally designed to run quieter, but they usually cost more and still make more noise than a standby unit.
Portable generators also need routine maintenance to remain effective. You need to check the filters, change the oil, and test the engine on a regular basis. Failing to periodically perform maintenance tasks will result in suboptimal operating conditions or even breakdowns when you need power most.
Both Options Have Benefits
Standby and portable generators can both give you backup power. A standby generator provides high power output, convenience, and long-term reliability, but it can cost more initially. Using a portable generator offers affordability if you have limited power needs on a tighter budget. However, standby generators have a ton of advantages: automatic operation, hands-off fuel supply, quiet operation, and enough power for your entire home without worrying about getting to the gas station or storing fuel. In the end, a stanby generator is a much more powerful and versatile option to get you through outages. If you can’t afford one yet, a portable generator is a solid stop-gap until you’re ready for the investment.
Brennan Electric offers generator and electrical services to residents of Seattle and the surrounding communities of Washington. In addition to installing standby generators, our team can assist with electrical repair, lighting installation, surge protection, and more. Contact Brennan Electric today for your standby and portable generator needs.
