What Are The Advantages Of The Standby Generator Compared To Portable Generators?

In this modern world where everything is automated and reliant on electricity, facing a power outage can be quite frustrating. Power outages occur due to natural calamities such as hurricanes, tornadoes or even due to man-made errors. It can lead to great losses in business and make your life miserable. To be prepared for such emergencies, generators prove to be of immense help. Generators can provide backup power in times of emergencies.

There are mainly two types of generators available in the market that is portable generators and standby generators. Both have their advantages and disadvantages. In this article, we will talk about the advantages of a standby generator compared to portable generators.

What is a Standby Generator?

Standy generators are a more reliable and consistent option compared to portable generators. Standby generators are permanently installed outside your home or business and are connected to your home’s electrical panel through an automatic transfer switch. The automatic transfer switch will automatically switch your home’s power supply from the grid to the generator in case of a power outage.

Advantages of Standby Generators

1. Automatic Operation

One of the biggest benefits of having a standby generator is its automatic operation. As mentioned earlier, standby generators are permanently installed, and connected to your home’s electrical panel through an automatic transfer switch. In case of a power outage, the generator starts automatically, transferring power to your home within seconds, without any intervention from your end.

2. More Reliable

When it comes to reliability, standby generators are the best option one can have. This is because they are permanently installed outside the house and are automatically connected to your home’s electrical panel. They are powerful and much more reliable compared to portable generators, which need to be moved each time an emergency occurs.

3. Fuel Source

Standby generators are generally powered by natural gas or propane, which is a clean fuel. They can run for an extended period compared to portable generators that run on gasoline or diesel, which is limited and not easily available in times of emergencies.

4. Quieter Operation

Standby generators are designed to be quieter than portable generators. The engine compartment and exhaust system are designed to make them operate with minimal noise.

5. Weather Resistant

Standby generators are generally designed to be weather-resistant. As they are permanently installed outside your house, they are built to withstand harsh weather conditions such as strong winds, heavy rain, and snow.

Conclusion

In conclusion, standby generators provide a hassle-free, reliable solution to power outages. They will keep you and your family comfortable and secure during times of emergencies. They offer many advantages over portable generators, such as automatic operation, reliability, fuel source, quieter operation, and weather-resistance. Standby generators are more expensive compared to portable generators, but they are a much better investment in the long run. It is important to purchase and install a standby generator sooner rather than later as power outages can occur at any time.

FAQs: What Are The Advantages Of The Standby Generator Compared To Portable Generators?

1. What makes a standby generator better than a portable generator?

Standby generators are permanently installed and connected to your home’s electrical system. They are designed to automatically start and restore power to your home during a power outage. Portable generators, on the other hand, are typically manual start, and require manual connection to your home’s electrical system. Standby generators provide a seamless and reliable backup power source, without the need for manual intervention, unlike portable generators.

2. Are standby generators more expensive than portable ones?

Yes, standby generators are typically more expensive than portable generators. The cost of a standby generator depends on factors such as its power output capacity and the installation costs. However, the cost may be worth it considering their high reliability, the convenience they offer during power outages, and the potential cost savings in situations like food spoilage and frozen pipes.

3. What fuel types are typically used for standby generators?

Standby generators are typically powered by natural gas, propane or diesel. The choice of fuel depends on factors such as availability, cost and preference. Natural gas and propane are popular choices because they are clean-burning, have a stable supply, and require minimal storage. Diesel, on the other hand, is a reliable option that can generate high output power, making it suitable for large residential or commercial backup power solutions.