Power outages affect hundreds of thousands of homes across the United States every day for various reasons. These disruptions can range from minutes to weeks, creating more than an inconvenience. When refrigerators stop working, cooling systems shut down, the lights go off, and the plumbing stops working, the comfort and safety of the home are compromised.
While short, everyday outages are manageable for most, the storms experienced in New England make extended disruptions a real possibility. A reliable backup power source can keep homes running smoothly and comfortably. When researching home backup power, two options stand out: standby generators and portable generators. Both of these generators are designed to provide electricity when it’s not otherwise available, but they function very differently and are best suited for different needs, budgets, and lifestyles. In this article, we’ll cover how each type works, along with its benefits and drawbacks, helping homeowners make the best choice for emergency power in their homes.
What Is a Standby Generator?
Standby generators, also called home or whole-home generators, are the gold standard for backup power. These units are professionally installed and connected directly to the home’s gas line. Usually sitting on a concrete pad outside, standby generators look similar to air conditioning units. Home generators are directly connected to the electrical panel with an automatic transfer switch. Because these generators are integrated directly into a home’s electrical system, professional backup generator installation is required.
How Standby Generators Work
Standby generators are designed to monitor power from the utility system and, when the utility fails, automatically start the engine via the automatic transfer switch. Once the generator is on and up to operating speed, the transfer switch will disconnect the home from the utility grid and supply power to the home’s electrical system, usually within 10 to 30 seconds. As long as fuel is flowing into the generator, it will run indefinitely without human intervention. Depending on its size, a standby generator can power:
- Essential circuits
- Large appliances
- HVAC systems
- Well and Sump pumps
- Medical equipment
- The entire home
The Best Uses for Standby Generators
For whole-home protection, standby generators are by far the superior choice. During prolonged outages, they keep homes protected and seamlessly power the lights, HVAC system, refrigerators, ovens, plumbing system, and sensitive electronics. Simply put, they maintain normal daily living. Standby generators are ideal for keeping any home powered, especially in areas with frequent or prolonged power outages.
The Benefits of Standby Generators
- Automatic supply of power with no need to do anything yourself or go out in the middle of the storm.
- High output of power that can run an entire home, including large appliances and HVAC systems.
- Long-term reliability by running on the home’s fuel supply, providing power for extended periods without the need to refuel.
- Standby generators are quieter than most portables and are usually enclosed in weather-resistant enclosures, which help reduce noise.
- This upgrade to your home not only provides comfort and convenience during power outages but also increases your home’s value.
The Drawbacks of Standby Generators
- Standby generators have a higher initial cost than portable generators due to specialized equipment and professional installation.
- Because of their permanent placement, standby generators are stationary and cannot be easily moved.
- Regular maintenance is required to keep the system operating properly, including oil changes, battery replacements, filter changes, and yearly inspections.
What Is a Portable Generator?
As the name suggests, portable generators are movable units that provide temporary power when no other power source is available. These smaller generators are usually fueled with gasoline, propane, or diesel, while some require dual-fuel configurations. Portable generators come in a variety of sizes, ranging from units that power only a few appliances to larger ones capable of supplying essential home circuits. Unlike standby generators, portable generators do not power on automatically, but require manual refueling and connection.
How Portable Generators Work
Portable generators must be manually placed outdoors (at least 10 to 20 feet away from windows and doors), filled with fuel, and started by hand, often with a pull cord (like a lawn mower) or an electric starter. Appliances are then plugged in manually, or you can use a manual transfer switch installed in the home’s electrical panel to route power to certain circuits. Depending on the size of the generator and its wattage capacity, portable generators are capable of powering:
- Refrigerators and freezers
- Lights
- Small appliances
- Internet equipment
- Sump pumps
- Limited HVAC systems
The Best Uses for Portable Generators
Portable generators are very useful in certain situations. Best suited for shorter periods, portable generators are commonly used for outdoor activities like camping or tailgating, but can also supply electricity during short residential outages. Working to power essential appliances like refrigerators and medical devices, some larger units can support more circuits; however, they can rarely power the whole home.
The Benefits of Portable Generators
- Lower initial upfront cost, starting at a few hundred dollars for the basic, smaller models.
- No professional installation is needed.
- Easy to move and use in multiple locations when needed.
The Drawbacks of Portable Generators
- During an outage, portable generators do not automatically start and require setup, which can be challenging and even dangerous in bad weather.
- Lower energy output limits the number of appliances or wattage available to use.
- Frequent refueling, especially during extended power loss. The need for fuel also requires a stored supply in the event of longer power interruptions. And with fuel prices these days, the cost to keep a portable generator running can become an issue.
- Portable generators are noisier than standby generators and can present a risk for carbon monoxide poisoning if not placed properly.
- Portable generators also require regular maintenance, including oil changes and fuel stabilization for storage.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Backup Power Source
The choice between a standby generator and a portable one involves considering several factors. These key considerations include:
- What are your power needs? By calculating the wattage of all appliances (or at least the essentials), homeowners can determine how much electrical load they need (or want) during a power outage and assess the size of the generator required.
- How often do you experience power outages, and for how long? In areas like Northborough that experience wild winter and summer storms, standby generators provide greater reliability and convenience. For homes that rarely experience severe storms and frequent power outages, portable units may be suitable.
- What is your budget? Cost is a common issue for many homeowners. While the upfront cost of a standby generator is more than that of a portable generator, the potential savings from avoiding spoiled food or even alternative living situations are greater.
- What type of fuel is readily available? Homes with natural gas or propane lines make standby generators a common-sense upgrade since the home already has a continuous supply of fuel. For portable generators, fuel must be stored, and the generator refueled manually.
- How much do you want to worry about setup? The convenience of standby generators that detect power failures and automatically kick in goes unmatched. But for those who don’t mind a little setup and are ok without a fully functional electrical system, portable generators are an option.
- Do you have any local noise ordinances? Homeowners must check their local noise ordinances to see whether portable generators are allowed and, if so, during what hours of the day. Standby generators are typically quieter than portables.
- How big is your home? Larger homes with more electrical demand often benefit from standby units, while smaller homes can get by with a portable unit.
9 Questions to Ask When Considering a Backup Generator
Before investing in a backup generator installation in Northborough, homeowners should ask the following questions to potential contractors:
- What essential appliances will I need during a power outage?
- What size generator would you recommend for my home’s electrical load?
- How long will the generator run on the fuel it has available?
- What is the best fuel type for my home? Natural gas, propane, or something different?
- What is the total cost, including the backup generator installation, permits, and other ongoing maintenance?
- Where will you place the generator?
- What do you do to mitigate the noise?
- What is the maintenance schedule?
- Do you offer maintenance services?
Ultimately, homeowners have complete control over the type of generator they choose. However, working with a licensed electrical contractor ensures compliance, safety, and the best possible power performance in the event of electrical disruption, tailored to your home’s needs.
Be Ready Before the Power Goes Out
Both portable generators and standby generators offer valuable protection when you need it most; the key is being ready before you need it. The right choice really depends on a homeowner’s budget first, and then priorities and electrical needs. Portable units offer affordable flexibility for lighter loads. In contrast, standby units deliver seamless, uninterrupted whole-home reliability for homeowners who want the least hassle and the ability to support the entire home’s electrical load. With a greater understanding of the benefits and drawbacks of each, homeowners can choose a backup power solution that fits their home and lifestyle. For standby backup generator installation, consult a professional who can answer all your questions and guide you on the best path forward for reliable home backup power.