With power outages increasing across the country, a large number of homeowners are investing in backup power generation systems – with generators being a popular choice. However, shopping for a generator isn’t as simple as it seems – particularly if you’re buying one for the first time.
You see, when it comes to home generators, you have two primary options to choose from: standby and portable. Aside from the fact that both use a combination of a fossil fuel-powered internal combustion engine and an alternator to produce power, these two generator types share very few other characteristics, remarkably.
However, to help you make the right decision, we’ve put together a handy guide that compares the pros and cons of portable and standby generators.
Portable Generators
With prices ranging between $500 and $2,000, portable generators are easily the more affordable of the two options. Moreover, their compact size means you can easily move them from place to place. You can even take them on camping trips if you want. While portable generators are fairly easy to operate and maintain, they do require close monitoring and manual operation.
And what exactly do we mean by that? Well, for one thing, starting a portable generator requires you to be presence. So, if you’re away on vacations and a power outage occurs in your absence, there are chances that you’ll come home to a variety of headaches and hazards, ranging from a fridge full of spoiled items, to a failed sump pump and a flooded basement.
The other drawback of portable generators is their small fuel capacity. Generally, the fuel tank of a portable generator holds around 3-6 gallons of fuel, which means that you’ll have to refill it periodically.
Standby Generators
While a portable generator can only produce enough juice to power a few appliances, a standby generator has the brawn to power almost all types of home appliances. Standby generators are safer and the more reliable of the two options as well. If properly-maintained, a good quality standby generator can last for more than a decade. However, the most significant benefit of standby generators is their ability to turn on and off automatically. This means that when there’s a power outage, you don’t have to lift a finger.
However, all this power and convenience comes at a cost. On average, a good-quality standby generator system costs around $10,000 once you factor in installation charges.
So, which is the Best Option?
Well, there’s no straightforward answer. The type of generator that’s right for your home depends on various factors, such as your budget, the size of your home, and the prevalence and duration of the power outages in your area.
Generac Super Store is the ultimate one-stop to all your generator needs. In addition to offering generators for sale, we also provide generator installation, generator repair, and maintenance services to home and business owners in Birmingham and Huntsville, AL, and Nashville, TN. Call us at (855) 880-1880 today to learn more about the products and services we offer.