Is your locality prone to sudden power outage due to storms? Do you live near a hurricane zone? Or, do you go on camping trips often with friends and family? In each of these cases, you would require an alternate source of power. Backup power can be a standby generator or a small portable one. Depending on your immediate needs, a big standby generator can be the perfect option for you or a small one.
Why is a standby generator the best for homes?
In most cases, the choice is a race of convenience and cost. If you are looking for a stationary power backup that can supply electricity to your entire home, then you might want to consider a standby generator even though it is a lot costlier than the portable ones. It is quite fuss-free. Once you install it, all you need to do is fire it up. The latest model has Wi-Fi connectivity. This standby generator can send notifications on connected mobile devices, desktops, and tablets when there is a need for repair or maintenance. The homeowners don’t need to be present in the house to switch the backup supply on. They can do so from far away via their mobile phones and tablets.
Why should you consider a portable generator?
Although a standby generator seems like the best option, you need to consider a portable generator in case you are thinking about powering lights and fans at a campsite or powering electric appliances in your RV during a stop. Many small homes choose portable generators because they can provide enough power to keep the small home appliances running without any interruption. Portable generators can provide 3000-watts or above. So, depending on your energy requirement, they can be the better choice within your budget. Portable generators are easy to transport, maintain, refuel and setup. Some neighborhoods share one portable generator between multiple homes.
Portable vs. standby: the war of cost and convenience
Portable generators can cost you between $500 and $4000, and inverter generators can cost between $1600 and $4500. However, the best stationary generators with Wi-Fi and remote sensing features can set you back by an average $11,600. The price difference between the two types is significant, but at the same time, you cannot let the cost dictate your choice. It depends on your convenience as well. Are you ready to drag your generator out in the open in the cold or pouring rain to turn it on? Are you prepared to refuel every couple of hours? The average 7000-watts generator uses 12 to 20 gallons of fuel per day. However, they have the capacity for only about a couple of gallons of gas. So, the owners of portable generators have to make fuel runs a couple of times per day, while the owners of standby generators can relax and unwind at home.
Most standby generators come with fuel indicators and mobile updates, so if it is convenience you are seeking, you should side with these babies. A powerful standby generator can keep you warm during the freezing winters and cold during the sweltering heat. At the same time, a portable one is a better choice for outdoor use.
