If you own your own home , Yes and if 2020 has taught us anything, it’s that we should always try our best to be prepared for the unexpected. Although there have been numerous unforeseen events this year, one thing we can plan for, are yearly storms and possible power outages.
Knowing all this, it would be smart for homeowners to prepare themselves for the loss of power at some point in the year. One of the best ways to do so, is with a portable backup generator for their homes. Take advantage of the time you have now and look into whether a portable generator is the best option for you and your family.
Portable Generators vs Standby Generators
The two main kinds of generators you can purchase for your home are portable generators and standby generators. Although both kinds of generator perform the same basic tasks, each kind has its own advantages; cost and convenience set both generators drastically apart.
What are some of the main differences between portable generators and standby generators?
The main difference between the two generators is that portable generators are much more affordable when purchasing and installing. Although standby generators are more hands off, requiring less manpower, they aren’t the most affordable option to the average homeowner. A generator unit itself can cost anywhere from $1,900 to $12,000 depending on the kind of fuel used and its power capability. Then you have to have it professionally installed and a fuel source hooked to it which takes the total investment to $5000 to over $20,000.
On the other hand, portable generators are the most popular choice due to their affordability when it comes to purchase and installation. A portable generator unit will run the average person between $500 to $1500 and the installation with a manual transfer switch will run an additional $1000 to $2500.
When connected to a home’s circuit breaker panel via transfer switch, they can power almost as much as a standby generator.
Most portable generators run on gasoline. They burn through 12 to 20 gallons per day depending on the output of the generator and the load it’s powering. With that said, a small amount of portable generators run on natural gas, liquid propane, or diesel fuel. We do recommend dual fuel models if available. Several have the option to use Gas or Propane.
In the event of an outage, portable generators would need to be moved out of storage, and connected to the home’s circuit breaker panel and fired up. If this occurs during a rainstorm, the portable generator would need to operate under some kind of cover or canopy.
Whereas portable generators are wheeled out and stored when needed, standby or stationary generators are permanently installed by a professional electrician and are stored in a housing that keeps them safe from the elements and relatively silent.
The main advantage is that these generators will kick in automatically as soon as the lights go out and can power everything in a home at one time. They also run on natural gas or propane, meaning they can operate for days to weeks at a time on a full tank, and indefinitely if operating on natural gas.
