As a homeowner, it’s essential to have a reliable power source to keep your home running smoothly during power outages. Choosing between a portable generator and a whole home generator can be challenging, especially if you’re not familiar with the pros and cons of each type of generator. In this article, we’ll compare portable generators and whole home generators and help you determine which type is best for your home and needs.
Portable Generators: What Are They and What Are Their Benefits?
A portable generator is a compact, mobile generator that you can easily move around your property. They typically run on gasoline or propane and are designed to provide temporary power to your home during a power outage. Portable generators come in a variety of sizes and wattages, making them ideal for outdoor events, camping trips, or as backup power sources during power outages.
Benefits of Portable Generators:
- Mobility: Portable generators are easy to move, so you can take them with you wherever you go. This makes them ideal for outdoor events, camping trips, or for use as backup power sources in remote locations.
- Affordability: Portable generators are typically less expensive than whole home generators, making them a more budget-friendly option for those who don’t need a permanent power source.
- Versatility: Portable generators come in a variety of sizes and wattages, so you can choose the one that best fits your needs.
Whole Home Generators: What Are They and What Are Their Benefits?
A whole home generator is a permanent power source that’s installed outside your home and connected to your electrical system. Whole home generators run on natural gas or propane and are designed to provide reliable, long-term power to your home during a power outage.
Benefits of Whole Home Generators:
- Reliability: Whole home generators are designed to provide long-term, reliable power to your home during power outages.
- Convenience: Whole home generators are automated and will automatically turn on when the power goes out, so you don’t have to worry about setting them up or starting them yourself.
- Peace of Mind: With a whole home generator, you don’t have to worry about losing power in the middle of a storm or power outage. Your home will stay powered, no matter what.
Common Use Cases for Portable Generators and Whole Home Generators
Portable Generators:
- Outdoor events: Portable generators are great for powering outdoor events, such as weddings, parties, or sporting events.
- Camping trips: If you enjoy camping or traveling to remote locations, a portable generator can provide you with the power you need to run your electronics and appliances.
- Backup power source: Portable generators can be used as backup power sources during power outages, helping you keep your essential appliances and electronics running during a power outage.
Whole Home Generators:
- Power outages: Whole home generators are designed to provide long-term, reliable power to your home during power outages.
- Medical equipment: If you or someone in your home relies on medical equipment that requires electricity, a whole home generator can ensure that this equipment stays powered during a power outage.
Pricing Differences Between Portable Generators and Whole Home Generators
Portable generators are typically less expensive than whole home generators, and pricing can vary based on how much power KW you expect the generator to handle. Where a portable generator may make sense if you only expect it to maintain a refrigerator or freezer a whole home generator can be customized for the specific breakers or appliances that you want to control. Ranging from just a few necessary components like fridge/freezer and maybe your HVAC all the way to power your entire home, depending on the size and type of generator you choose. The cost of installation is also a factor to consider, as this can add several thousand dollars to the overall cost of a whole home generator.
Both portable generators and whole home generators have their own unique benefits, but for homeowners that care about preventing power outages, a whole home generator is the clear winner. With its reliability, convenience, and peace of mind, a whole home generator is the best choice for those who want a permanent, long-term power source for their homes. While the initial cost may be higher, the benefits of having a whole home generator far outweigh the cost, and will provide you with the security and comfort you need during power outages.
Investing in a whole home generator may seem like a big expense, but it’s important to consider the peace of mind it provides and the benefits it offers in the long run. With a whole home generator, you won’t have to worry about losing power in the middle of a storm, and you’ll be able to keep your essential appliances and electronics running during power outages. Not sure what’s the right size for your needs or simply want to figure out how much you can run by appliance size?
When it comes to making the decision, it’s time to call the professionals at Paschal Air, Plumbing & Electric for a free estimate and consultation. Getting in contact is easy!
479.900.0784
