The South Shore is no stranger to power outages. When powerful winter Nor’easters roar through, strong winds, heavy snow, and falling trees often take down power lines, leaving residents in the dark for hours or days at a time. A backup power source can help keep the lights and heat on while power crews work on restoration, but there’s some debate over which option is better.
Many customers come to Crowe Electric for help deciding between a portable vs. whole-house generator. Both can power your home temporarily while you wait for the electricity to come back on, but which is better depends on several factors. As the top electricians in Duxbury, MA, we can help you make the right choice.
Backup Power Options for Duxbury Homeowners
To begin the comparison of portable vs whole house generators, let’s look at how each one works.
As the name implies, portable generators are small units that you can move around. Most homeowners store them in a garage or basement and pull them out when necessary. They connect to your home’s electrical panel via a manual transfer switch or an extension cord and run on gas or propane.
How much power the generator produces depends on its size, which can range from 4,400 to 12,500 watts. A small generator might power a few small appliances, while a larger unit can connect to the furnace, water heater, well pump, and hardwired appliances so you can stay warm and have water during the power outage.
Some homeowners opt for a more permanent backup power source in the form of a whole-house generator. These units, also called standby generators, connect to the electric panel and have an automatic transfer switch. This means that the moment the power goes out, the generator will kick on and deliver power.
If you invest in a large whole-house generator, it can potentially power your entire home indefinitely. Most use propane or natural gas as a fuel source, but solar-powered generators are becoming increasingly popular in Duxbury, as well.
Which Generator Is Best for Duxbury Homes?
Both types of generators can make a power outage more bearable and safer for your family, so the issue of portable vs wholehouse generators comes down to your preferences and budget. The installation cost for a whole-house generator is considerably higher than purchasing a portable generator, and the fuel and maintenance requirements increase the overall cost of ownership. However, in terms of power capacity and long-term reliability, whole-house generators have a significant advantage over portable models.
The fact that the whole-house generator turns on automatically also appeals to Duxbury homeowners. When the weather is raging, heading outside to hook up the generator isn’t anyone’s first choice. Still, the portability and ease of moving the unit around when you need it is appealing, especially when you consider the overall cost savings.
Other factors to consider include the following.
Noise
There’s no question that portable generators are noisy, but that doesn’t mean whole-house models are silent. They still generate some noise, though some are slightly quieter.
Storage
Investing in a portable generator means making space to store it. You’ll also need to store fuel for it. Most units use between 12 and 20 gallons of gas per day depending on the size and power capacity, which requires having a substantial amount of fuel on hand.
Safety
A whole-house generator requires professional installation, including help from a plumber to connect the fuel lines and ongoing maintenance to ensure it works properly. Homeowners must hook up portable generators themselves — which must be done outdoors — and this can be dangerous if not done correctly.
Protecting the Unit
Whole house generators have protective housing that keeps them safe from the elements and helps reduce the noise. If you’re using a portable generator during one of Duxbury’s winter storms, you’ll need to invest in a protective canopy or other cover to keep it safe.
Need Help Deciding? We Can Assist You
If you’re trying to decide between a portable vs whole house generator for your Duxbury, MA, home, the experts at Crowe Electric are here to help. Get in touch with us today with questions, and trust our licensed and certified electricians for professional advice.
Are you already sure you want to invest in a whole-house generator? Trust us for professional generator installation that will prepare your home for the next major storm. We’ll make sure you have plenty of safe and reliable power to stay comfortable even during extended outages.