Portable vs. Standby Generators: Which is Better?

Posted on September 1st, 2016 by Devine Bros

With the heart of hurricane season quickly approaching and an aging electrical grid, homeowners in coastal Connecticut are beginning to think about protecting their power supply.

Power outages aren’t just an inconvenience, they can cost you thousands of dollars in damage, which is why backup generators are such a smart investment. If you are thinking about purchasing a generator for your home, you will have two options to choose from: portable or standby. In this article, we will cover the basics of each type and determine which is best for your home.

Portable Generators

Portable generators are, well, portable. These units are not permanently installed to your home, and can be wheeled out of your garage or shed in the event that your power goes out. Here is some other basic information on portable generators:

• Portable generators are the cheaper of the two options.

• No installation is required, as portable generators can easily be connected and disconnected from your home.

• Portable generators do not generate nearly as much power as standby models, and can only power a few devices at a time.

• You will need to go outside to refuel your portable generator every few hours.

Standby Generators

A standby generator, on the other hand, is permanently installed to your house and connects directly to your gas line. These units can automatically detect a blackout, and turn on within seconds to provide your home with power. Here are a few other things to know about standby generators:

• Standby generators are more expensive than the portable versions.

• Since standby generators connect to your home’s gas line and breaker box, professional installation is required.

• You never will need to refuel a standby generator, because it is connected to your home’s gas line.

• A standby generator is powerful enough to provide energy for your entire home, not just a select few devices.

• Since these units automatically turn on, they will provide your home with power even if you are away when the blackout occurs. This is essential to preventing problems such as frozen pipes and food spoiling in a warm refrigerator.

• Standby generators increase your home’s resale value.

Although they come with a higher price tag, standby generators are clearly the better option for homeowners looking to protect their power supply. If you are ready to invest in one for your Fairfield County home, call Devine Bros. at (203) 866-4421.