Berkeys / Berkeys Blog

December 09, 2016

Standby Generators And Portable Generators For Dallas Homeowners

Major storms in recent years have spurred many homeowners to consider whether it might be wise to purchase a generator. If your area witnesses only brief, infrequent electrical outages, then you can probably continue to live quite happily without a generator.

In this video we discuss how to purchase a generator for your power needs, how to connect the generator safely and the hazards associated with operating a generator.

Standby vs. Portable Generators – Pros and Cons

Portable generators:

Further inconveniences of operating a portable generator stem from the fact that most such machines are powered by gas. Because a typical tank holds a finite quantity of gas—say, three or six gallons—you must periodically fill it, even during the worst winter weather. More seriously, due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning from engine exhaust, a portable must be placed at least ten feet away from the house, in an enclosure that protects the generator from the elements but also encourages the free movement of air. As tempting as it may be to run the generator in the garage with the garage door open, this is strongly discouraged. An open garage door does not provide adequate ventilation. Make sure you factor into your generator project budget the cost of a store-bought or DIY enclosure.

Standby generators:

Whereas a portable generator can handle the electrical demands of just a handful of appliances, a standby generator is brawny enough to power all the appliances your family has grown accustomed to using. So while the rest of the block is in darkness, your house would continue humming along as if nothing had happened. Standby generators are quieter and safer than portables, and they operate automatically—you don’t have to lift a finger. 

Portable Generators

Portable generators are not permanently installed to your home. They are typically stored in a garage or shed, and can be pulled out in a pinch to provide emergency power.

Pros

• Cheaper than standby units – can usually be purchased for as little as a few hundred dollars.
  
• No installation required.
  

Cons

• Not a complete solution – can only power a few of your devices.
  
• Produce high levels of carbon monoxide as they run. Can be fatal if not operated properly.
  
• Noisy.
  
• Needs to be refilled with gasoline every few hours. This can be difficult to do during a heavy storm.
  
• Prone to theft.
  

Standby Generators

Standby generators are permanently installed at your house. They connect to your existing gas line and automatically turn on when there is a power outage.

Pros

• Can power your entire home – including refrigerator, lights, TV, etc.
  
• Can operate for as long as the power is out.
  
• Hooks up to home gas line, meaning you never need to refill it.
  
• Automatically detects power outages and turns on within seconds.
  
• Increases home’s value.
  

Cons

• More expensive than portable generators.
  
• Professional installation is required.
  

Is Your Backup Generator Prepared For Blackout Outages?

In an emergency situation, is your backup generator prepared? What would happen if a major storm hit your area with a large-scale power failure that resulted in complete loss of power? If your backup generator is anything like many others across the nation, it is likely ill-prepared to handle a sustained power failure. Call us for your home service and repair needs.