If you need a source of emergency power, both portable generators and standby generators are viable options, each with their own pros and cons. For instance, portable generators are more affordable to purchase and don’t require professional installation. However, if you’re looking for a reliable source of backup power during and after a storm, standby generators have significant advantages over their portable counterparts.
Below are some of the top reasons why homeowners prefer standby generators to portable generators in stormy conditions.
1. You don’t need to start up a standby generator manually.
When rain is pouring down, thunder is crashing, and wind is blowing debris everywhere, the last thing you’ll want to do when the power goes out is wrestle your portable generator out of the shed or garage, walk it a safe distance away from your home, and start it up manually. Not only is this inconvenient, but it also puts your safety at risk.
Standby generators can detect when there’s a power outage. When this happens, they turn on automatically. There’s no need to brave stormy weather or try to start up your generator in the dark.
2. Standby generators provide backup power in less than 30 seconds.
As mentioned above, as soon as a standby generator detects a power outage, it starts running, typically using propane or natural gas as fuel. This means that your home will have backup power within about 10 to 20 seconds—perhaps faster. This quick backup power is especially important for those who rely on electricity for medical equipment.
3. Standby generators don’t pose the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning that portable generators do.
As they produce power, generators create carbon monoxide as a byproduct. When trained and licensed professionals install standby generators, they take care to position the exhaust away from your home so that it can be dispersed safely.
When using a portable generator, it’s up to you to place the equipment in a safe location away from your home. That includes away from windows and doors and outside of entryways, patios, and garages. Another important point to note is that portable generators tend to use fuel that will produce more carbon monoxide, such as gasoline or diesel.
4. Standby generators provide enough power to keep major appliances and systems running.
When relying on a portable generator, you typically need to choose which appliances are the highest priority in your home because the equipment cannot power all of them. Standby generators are designed to provide backup power for all of your home’s major systems and appliances. This ensures that you can keep your fridge and freezer cold, stay connected to Wi-Fi, and remain comfortable with central heating or AC.
For reliable standby generator installations in Winston-Salem, trust the electrical experts at Logan Home Energy Services. Give us a call at (336) 203-7630 or contact us online today!