There are several options on the market for home backup power, and it can be extremely confusing for property owners to look at figures like wattage, amperage, and fuel type without any clue as to what those mean for the practical output of their generator. In this guide, we are going to break down what the different types of generators can provide, not just in wattage, but in the number of appliances or rooms they can generally provide power for.
We’ll do this while tackling one of the most common questions we get: whether they need a whole-house generator or if they could get by with a cheaper, portable option.
When comparing portable vs whole house generators, you must consider what each generator type can do, what you need out of a generator, and some unique pros and cons that we will break down as experts in whole home electrical and generator installation in New York.
What are Portable and Whole House Generators?
Portable generators usually refer to generators about the size of a dishwasher that run on some portable fuel source like gasoline or propane (sometimes both). They can supply enough power to run 2-3 rooms in the case of an emergency, and have wheels to make it easier to move them around or load them onto a truck for more mobile uses like camping.
“Whole house generators” usually refers to what are normally called standby generators, which are larger, stationary, higher power output, and usually hooked up to a home’s natural gas line so they don’t need to be refilled. These are designed more purposefully for emergency backup power, with other helpful features like automatic activation when the power goes out to avoid downtime.
| Generator Types | ||
Portable | Standby | |
| Wattage | 1,000 – 16,000 | 10,000 – 60,000+ |
| Power Use Case | Up to 2-3 whole rooms | Most/whole home |
| Fuel Options | Gasoline/Propane | Natural Gas/Propane/Diesel Fuel |
| Portability | Portable | Stationary |
| Price Range | $400 – 7,500 | $3,000 – 30,00+ |
The reason that standby generators are sometimes referred to as “whole house” or “whole home” generators is because they are the only generators capable of running an entire home, though this can still be tricky depending on the size of the home.
Portable vs Whole House Generators: Pros and Cons
Now that you know what each generator type is and their general purpose, it’s time to break down some pros and cons. These include some obvious ones, but also some more unique ones you may not have thought of that could make or break your decision to buy one or the other.
Portable Generators
Generally, portable generators are designed to provide affordable backup power while also being usable for mobile workloads like camping or construction. They do a good job of this, and they are super versatile while still being able to keep a couple high-traffic rooms in your home powered if you end up needing it.
| Portable Generator Pros and Cons | |
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ Affordable entry price ✔ Portability allows for more versatility ✔ Multiple units can be connected for higher power output | ✘ Can’t run an entire home ✘ Require manual start-up ✘ Require periodic refilling, especially when used for home backup power |
If you’re looking for a dedicated home backup power source, portable generators likely aren’t the right option for you. It may be the perfect option if you need a generator that can also run your camper or mobile workshop. Just be aware of what rooms you want to have power in during an emergency, and work with a professional to make sure you understand how to keep those rooms powered without burning your fuel powering non-essentials.
Whole House/Standby Generators
Standby generators are a more dedicated home backup power option, with most units capable of powering most of your home, if not all of it. The most powerful units are even capable of powering central AC if the need arises, which is uniquely powerful for areas that struggle with power loss during stormy seasons and hot ones.
| Whole House/Standby Generator Pros and Cons | |
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ High power output (enough to power most/all of your home) ✔ No need to refill/turn on manually ✔ Can increase the value of your home | ✘ High entry price ✘ Stationary ✘ Can be pretty large |
These standby units are the gold standard of home backup power, but aren’t as versatile if you need a generator for other things. They can provide exceptional amounts of power, and they can start automatically to make sure that blackouts look more like flickers in your home.
Usually, the main issue that homeowners have with standby generators is the upfront cost, but savvy homeowners and generator installers both understand that this can be offset by the value they add to your home, since their permanent installation makes them a functional part of the home, just like a nice stove, furnace, or central HVAC unit.
Call Strong Island Electric For Generator Installation in New York
Superior service involves more than merely getting the job done. At Strong Island, we deliver the products and benefits of a big company with the personal touch of a small local business. We give you the best of both worlds by combining premium materials, local workers, around-the-clock availability, and high-quality work.
Local Teams for Local Needs
To cater to customers in different areas, Strong Island has local expert teams that specialize in the equipment our customers need. The team assigned to your service needs may vary based on your location, utilities, and current demand. You can expect the same great service from all of our electricians on our Strong Island Electric team, who are experienced in generator installations of all kinds.
Contact us today for more information on portable vs whole house generators in New York.
