Benefits of a Power Generator

Have you ever had the power go out at the worst possible time? Most of us have probably experienced an inconvenient power outage in the middle of cooking, gaming, watching an intense sports match, or hosting guests. Adding a generator to your home can make this inconvenience a thing of the past.

Of course, it’s hard to pull the trigger on adding a generator if you don’t know the benefits of a backup generator in the first place. In this article, we’ll explain the benefits of both permanent and portable generators, and tell you about some of the different types of generators.

General Benefits of a Generator

Having a backup power generator is a smart idea in case of a severe outage. Generators keep you prepared by providing backup power when a blackout occurs.

Types of Generators

Consumer-tier generators can typically be put into one of two categories: portable generators or standby generators (permanent). Both types have distinct advantages and use cases that make them ideal for certain situations.

Portable generators are best used for rare outages and for powering devices when away from home. Permanent generators are ideal for locations where power outages are common, or there is a need to consistently supply your own power.

Benefits of a Permanent Generator

Permanent generators, also known as standby generators, are stationary power generators fueled by either natural gas or propane. They can plug directly into local gas utility lines, so you don’t need to refuel them like you would a portable generator.

These generators automatically sense when an outage occurs and provide power to your home within seconds of an outage. Standby generators also provide more power than the average portable generator. Some models can generate enough energy to power an entire home.

Benefits of a Portable Generator

Portable generators are often used to power specific devices and need to be manually fueled with gasoline. They need to be used outside, as they expel carbon monoxide, which can be deadly in an enclosed space. Most are started manually via ripcord, like a lawnmower.

If you are using a portable generator to power a home during an outage, it can only power a four-outlet plug or a few circuits. It’s best for running only the essentials.

Power Generator FAQs

How long can a backup generator power a house?

How long a generator can power a building will depend on the generator's capacity and the home's size. Portable generators can only power a house for a few hours at a time, while a standby generator, or permanent generator, can power a home for dozens of days.

What size generator do I need to backup my house?

To calculate the required generator size for your home, you need to identify the running watts for all the items you wish to power and then find a generator that can power all of those devices. The square footage of your home, the size of your appliances, and various other factors will all influence the size of the generator needed to back up your home.

Do I really need a generator for my home?

If you live in a storm-prone area, specifically an area with regular hurricanes or supercell storms, a power generator can help prevent multi-day outages. This will keep your food from spoiling and keep your climate control running. When deciding if you need a generator, consider the impacts of a long-term outage and if you would be able to tolerate it.

Call Neighborly for Help Choosing and Installing the Right Power Generator

If you’ve decided that you need a generator, Neighborly® can help. The team of experts at Mr. Electric®, part of the Neighborly family of brands, can install your generator and help you choose the right size.

Call today or schedule a service online to ensure your home never goes without power again.