Power outages can disrupt every part of your daily life, from heating and cooling to refrigeration, medical devices, and even working from home. While a generator might seem like a luxury, it can quickly become essential when the power goes out for hours or even days. This article will explore the difference between portable and standby generators, how they work, and how a backup generator can protect your home.
Backup vs. Portable Generators
There are several types of generators available to provide power for your home, but they serve very different purposes. Portable generators are the most familiar type for many homeowners. Some smaller models are light enough to carry by hand, but most are larger units mounted on wheels that are designed to be rolled into position. These are typically used to power a few essential items during an outage or to run tools or lighting in outdoor settings. They’re not intended for whole-home use, as they can only supply a limited amount of power, often enough for a refrigerator, a few lights, or an appliance or two.
In contrast, backup generators are permanently installed and connect directly to your home’s electrical panel. They automatically power selected circuits or your entire home during an outage. Their higher power output allows you to run major systems like your HVAC, security system, kitchen appliances, and even medical equipment, depending on the model. Depending on your priorities and budget, they can be sized to meet basic needs or support your whole household.
Professional Installation
One of the main differences between portable and standby generators is the setup process. Portable generators don’t require professional installation. They’re designed to be manually connected to the appliances you need during an outage. While relatively simple to operate, they can be inconvenient. You’ll need to run extension cords from the generator to key appliances like your refrigerator or lights, which can be a tripping hazard and limit what you can power. You’ll also need to keep several full gas cans on hand to ensure the generator is ready when an outage occurs.
Standby generators, on the other hand, must be installed by a licensed electrician. These systems are permanently mounted on a concrete pad outside your home and wired directly into your electrical system. Proper installation and routine maintenance are essential for safe, reliable performance because these generators connect to your home’s electrical panel.
How Do They Work?
Backup generators work in tandem with an automatic transfer switch, which constantly monitors the power coming into your home from the utility grid. If it detects a disruption or drop in voltage, the system automatically starts the generator and switches your home’s electrical load to it, often within seconds. This ensures a continuous supply of power, even if you’re away from home or asleep.
These generators typically run on one of several fuel sources: natural gas, propane, gasoline, or diesel. If your home already has a natural gas line, this is often the most convenient and cost-effective option since it doesn’t require refueling. For propane, diesel, or gasoline systems, you’ll need an on-site fuel supply, usually a dedicated tank, to ensure the generator can run continuously during extended outages. The right choice depends on local availability, available space for a tank, and how long you want the generator to run without interruption.
Run Medical Equipment
If someone in your household depends on powered medical equipment, a backup generator can be a critical lifeline during an outage. Devices like oxygen concentrators, home dialysis machines, electric hospital beds, and CPAP machines all require a reliable power source to function safely. A backup generator ensures that this equipment continues to run without interruption, even if the grid goes down. It can also keep your refrigerator running to preserve temperature-sensitive medications like insulin.
Keep Your Home-Based Business or Work Going
If you work remotely or run a home-based business, a power outage can disrupt everything from client meetings to critical deadlines. A standby generator helps you avoid costly downtime by keeping essential systems like your internet connection, computers, phones, and office equipment running. Whether you’re hosting virtual meetings, managing online sales, or simply staying in touch with coworkers, uninterrupted power helps protect your income and maintain productivity when the grid goes down.
Optimal Home Safety
A backup generator can help protect your home and family during a power outage by keeping essential safety systems online. Your home security system stays powered, allowing alarms and cameras to continue operating without interruption. Indoor and outdoor lighting also remains functional, helping your family safely navigate your home and deterring potential intruders. Power outages often coincide with increased security risks, and maintaining a well-lit, secured home can reduce the chance of break-ins or accidents when the neighborhood goes dark.
Prevent Food Spoilage
Power outages can quickly lead to spoiled food, especially if your refrigerator and freezer are without electricity for several hours or more. Perishable items like meat, dairy, and frozen goods may have to be thrown out, leading to costly waste and a major inconvenience. A whole-home generator keeps your refrigerator and freezer running throughout the outage, preserving your food and preventing the need for emergency grocery trips or replacement costs. It’s a practical way to avoid unnecessary expense and disruption.
Run Sump Pump
Power outages often occur during storms with heavy rainfall, which is exactly when you need your sump pump the most. Without electricity, your sump pump can’t remove water from your basement, increasing the risk of flooding. Even a few inches of standing water can cause serious damage to your foundation, ruin flooring and drywall, and destroy personal belongings. A standby generator keeps your sump pump operating during severe weather, helping to prevent water damage to your home and belongings.
Boost Property Value
Installing a standby generator can make your home more appealing to potential buyers, particularly in areas where power outages are common. While it doesn’t guarantee a large return on investment, a professionally installed generator may add value by offering greater reliability and peace of mind. Some buyers are willing to pay more for a home that includes a backup power source, especially if it’s well-maintained and integrated into the home’s electrical system.
Prevent Wintertime Freezing
Losing power during a winter storm can do more than make your home uncomfortable. It can lead to serious damage. Without electricity, your heating system won’t run, and indoor temperatures can drop quickly. When the temperature inside your home falls below freezing, the water in your pipes can freeze and expand, causing them to burst. This often results in costly repairs and significant water damage.
A standby generator keeps your heating system running during a power outage, helping maintain a safe indoor temperature and preventing frozen pipes. It also eliminates the need to seek temporary shelter during prolonged winter outages, allowing your family to remain safely at home.
Reliable Generator Installation Service
Fuller Electric offers reliable generator installation services for the Federal Way, WA area. We can also help with all your generator replacement, repair, and maintenance needs. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced electricians.
