Which is Best: Standby Generator,
Portable Generator or Backup Generator?
Does your neighborhood experience frequent and prolonged power outages? The next time your electricity goes out, whether from a storm or other cause, you might decide that's the last time you want to be without power, especially if you have essential medical equipment or work from home and must stay connected.
A generator can protect against frustrating disruptions. There are basically two types: a standby generator and a portable backup generator. Sometimes "standby" and "portable" are used interchangeably, but there really are differences.
Unlike a portable backup generator, which you store in the garage or basement and roll out during an emergency, a standby generator is permanently installed on a gravel bed or concrete pad next to your house. If the power goes out, an electronic switch automatically signals the unit to turn on, keeping household systems and appliances running even if you’re miles away.
Consider the pros and cons of both before deciding which generator will best meet your family's needs and provide adequate power in an emergency situation.
A generator can protect against frustrating disruptions. There are basically two types: a standby generator and a portable backup generator. Sometimes "standby" and "portable" are used interchangeably, but there really are differences.
Unlike a portable backup generator, which you store in the garage or basement and roll out during an emergency, a standby generator is permanently installed on a gravel bed or concrete pad next to your house. If the power goes out, an electronic switch automatically signals the unit to turn on, keeping household systems and appliances running even if you’re miles away.
Consider the pros and cons of both before deciding which generator will best meet your family's needs and provide adequate power in an emergency situation.
What Do You Need to Power and For How Long?
To help decide whether a standby generator or portable backup generator is best for your situation, first consider what you want your generator to power. Just appliances and lights? Computers and home electronics, too? Do you have in-home medical equipment that is a priority? If you need a generator for recreational or job site usage, think about the tools or appliances you will want to use at the same time. Will you need to power work lights along with your tools? What about a radio? On camping or fishing trips, how many outdoor cooking, heating or entertainment appliances or accessories will you and your family or friends be using at once?
Next, determine what it takes to start each appliance. Ensure you'll be able to start (not simply run) your appliances. The "starting wattage" is the amount of wattage needed to start an appliance with a motor; and it may be two to three times the wattage required to run the appliance. If you have owner's manuals, check for your appliances' listed start-up wattages (vs. the running wattage or the rated wattage). If you don't have owner's manuals, use an online wattage calculator to estimate your power needs. * See bottom of page for more information.
Keep in mind that generators are sized according to wattage produced; the more watts, the bigger the unit—and the higher the price tag. With the knowledge you now have about your power needs, you can comparison shop for best standyby generators or best backup generators within your wattage requirement.
Generac Generator
Generac Generators
Founded in 1959, Generac has earned a reputation as the company that home and business owners turn to when the power goes out. Generac was the first to engineer affordable home standby generators, and revolutionized the commercial market with the first cost effective product line meeting the needs of small and mid-sized businesses. Unlike other generator manufacturers, power generation is Generac Generators sole focus, with the widest range of power products in the marketplace including portable backup generator, RV, residential, commercial and industrial generators. Protect the things that power your life with a quality, affordable power solution! Shop for Generac generators here.
Briggs & Stratton Generator
Briggs & Stratton Generators
In 1908, an informal partnership was formed between inventor Stephen F. Briggs and investor Harold M. Stratton. This partnership eventually developed into Briggs & Stratton as it is known today. Briggs & Stratton is the world’s largest producer of air-cooled gasoline engines for outdoor power equipment. In addition to its engine business, the company is also a leading designer, manufacturer, and marketer of backup generators – home and standby generators. Shop for a Briggs & Stratton generator here.
Honeywell Generator
Honeywell Generators
More than 100 million homeowners already count on Honeywell home comfort products. And now this trusted brand name offers Honeywell Standby Generators and Honeywell Portable Backup Generators for your home. With a Honeywell Home Generator on your side, a power outage won’t get in the way. You’ll take comfort in knowing that your food won’t spoil … that your basement will remain dry … that you can keep the lights on … that you can watch for weather or emergency updates on TV … that your house will stay comfortable. Get reliable protection for your residence today! Shop for a Honeywell generator here.
Yamaha Generator
Yamaha Generators
Whether you need a portable backup generator for home use, your RV, camping or work, Yamaha has a quiet, fuel efficient model to meet your needs. In fact, most RVers, campers, and anyone wishing to "Go Green" prefer Yamaha generators because of their low decibels, low emissions, and 3 year warranty. If you want to be "one with nature" instead of disrupting it, Yamaha generator inverters are what you're looking for! Click here for Yamaha generators.
Backup Generator
More Generators
In addition to the brands listed above, Honda, PowerMate, Champion, ETQ, Duro, AllPower, Steele, and Makita also manufacture quality generators to keep you up and running during emergency power outtages. Click here to shop for more generators.
Best Standby Generators Offer Always-On Protect No Matter Where You Are
According to Remodeling magazine’s 2009-10 Cost vs. Value Report, standby generators recoup about 59% of their cost at resale. Always-on protection is a huge advantage if you travel and are often away from home. If the power goes out, an electronic switch automatically signals the unit to turn on, keeping household systems and appliances running even if you are miles away. So you don't have to worry if an emergency occurs and you're not at home.
At minimum, you can run an “emergency panel” of necessities on a standby generator—a central air conditioning unit, the refrigerator, and a handful of lights and outlets. A 17-kilowatt unit is the standard size for an emergency panel. If you don't need to run an AC unit and have gas heat, your emergency panel could be as small as 7kW, enough to power some lights, the fridge, and gas furnace. At the opposite end of the spectrum is a generator with enough wattage to power a 3,000-square-foot house with two central air conditioners, an electric range, and a whirlpool tub. You'll need as much as 25kW to 30kW for that job!
Portable Backup Generators Provide Temporary Protection During an Emergency
Portable generators are a lower-priced alternative to a large, permanently installed standby generator, and are intended to temporarily provide for your basic needs during an emergency situation—not run every appliance or electrical device. You can probably run a water pump, a heater, some lights, and your refrigerator with a 5kW to 8kW unit. A portable backup generator is also easier to get up and running. In an emergency, wheel it out, gas it up, plug in extension cords to your essential appliances and you’ve got your own mini electric plant. Installation and operating costs are minimal—mostly the cost of fuel. The main appeal of a portable generator over a standby generator is savings.
Portable backup generators are not without their downsides, such as you must be home to operate them. A portable generator gives off exhaust fumes, heat, and noise. If not properly ventilated, a portable could cause a fire or carbon monoxide poisoning, so you must closely monitor it. A generator’s gas tank will hold from 3-6 gallons, so you’ll need to run outside to refill it no matter the weather. It can take 34 gallons of gas to run an average-size portable for two days. Because gasoline can “gum up” if left standing too long, you'll need to start your generator a couple of times during the year to make sure it will run when you need it.
Portable generators are a lower-priced alternative to a large, permanently installed standby generator, and are intended to temporarily provide for your basic needs during an emergency situation—not run every appliance or electrical device. You can probably run a water pump, a heater, some lights, and your refrigerator with a 5kW to 8kW unit. A portable backup generator is also easier to get up and running. In an emergency, wheel it out, gas it up, plug in extension cords to your essential appliances and you’ve got your own mini electric plant. Installation and operating costs are minimal—mostly the cost of fuel. The main appeal of a portable generator over a standby generator is savings.
Portable backup generators are not without their downsides, such as you must be home to operate them. A portable generator gives off exhaust fumes, heat, and noise. If not properly ventilated, a portable could cause a fire or carbon monoxide poisoning, so you must closely monitor it. A generator’s gas tank will hold from 3-6 gallons, so you’ll need to run outside to refill it no matter the weather. It can take 34 gallons of gas to run an average-size portable for two days. Because gasoline can “gum up” if left standing too long, you'll need to start your generator a couple of times during the year to make sure it will run when you need it.
WARNING: Never connect a generator directly to your home's electrical system without a proper isolation device - a switch that disconnects your house from our power lines while your generator is operating, and vice versa. This applies to both portable generators and stationary units. To have an isolation device installed, contact a qualified electrician. Unless your lines are positively isolated from your home, operating a generator connected into your home's wiring system could start a fire and/or electrocute a service crew member working to restore your power. If you intend to connect a generator to your home's electrical system, hire a qualified electrician to install a transfer switch.
*Online Wattage Calculator Will Determine the Power You Need During an Emergency
A crucial step in choosing a standby generator or backup generator is ensuring that you get a model that will supply enough power and meet your needs. For accuracy, use an online wattage calculator that provides an average wattage rating for most common electrical household appliances and devices. The figure generated by the Consumer Reports wattage calculator includes 20 percent more watts than the actual total. This addition compensates for differing wattage ratings among appliances and devices; it also accounts for the fact that the circuit breakers on a generator tend to shut off power before maximum load is reached, a move designed to protect the wiring. You might need to run the calculation two or three times before you arrive at a figure that accurately matches your essential requirements.
http://consumerreports.org/cro/resources/images/video/wattage_calculator/wattage_calclulator.html
Are you looking for best standby generators? There are basically two types to choose from: standby generator and portable backup generator. A portable backup generator gets rolled out during an emergency. A standby generator is permanently installed next to your house, and when the power goes out, it automatically turn ons to keeping household systems and appliances running even if you’re miles away. A standby generator is more costly, but offers the best protection and benefits for your family in case of an emergency. Use this website to comparison shop for a Generac generator and a Briggs & Stratton generator and a Honeywell generator or Yamaha generators or if you're interested in another brand of back up generator.
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