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Standby vs. Portable Generators: Which is Right for Your Home?

 

More than 500,000 Americans experience power outages every day, and this number continues to grow thanks to an aging electrical grid. The best way to protect your power supply is with a generator, but which kind?

Homeowners shopping for a new generator have two options to choose from: portable and standby units. Each type offers their own advantages and disadvantages. In this article, the experts at Cannondale Generators will cover both models and help you determine which is best for your home.


Portable Generators

As their name suggests, portable generators are not permanently attached to your home. They are generally stored in a garage or shed, and wheeled out in the event of a blackout to provide emergency power. Here’s what you need to know about portable generators:

  • They are cheaper than standby models.
  • No professional installation is required.
  • They can power a few of your home’s devices.
  • They are generally noisy and need to be refilled with gasoline every few hours.
  • Since they are not attached to anything, they can be prone to theft.

Standby Generators

Unlike portable models, standby generators are permanently installed to your home. They are much more of a complete solution, connecting directly to your gas line and main electric panel. Here are some important things to note about standby generators:

  • They are more expensive than portable models, and require professional installation.
  • When properly sized, they can power your entire home, including appliances, lights, and electronics.
  • Since they connect directly to your gas line, they never need to be refilled and can operate for several days through a power outage.
  • They can automatically detect power outages and turn on instantly, meaning you don’t have to venture out into inclement weather.

So, Which Generator is Better?

It depends what you are looking for. If you just want to power a couple of your home’s appliances, and don’t mind standing in heavy rain or snow to set up and refill your generator, a portable model should suffice.

However, homeowners seeking a more comprehensive solution should invest in a standby generator. While they are more expensive, the benefits of automatic blackout detection, their ability to power your entire home, and the fact that they never need to be refueled make them well worth their price tag.

Cannondale Generators offers professional standby generator installations, repairs, and maintenance to western Connecticut. Visit our website to learn more, or call us at (203) 762-2608 to get started with a free evaluation.

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