Automatic Standby Generators Vs.
Portable Generators For Your
Bethlehem, PA, Home
How To Choose The Right Option For Your Needs
With the unpredictable weather in Bethlehem, PA, severe storms are no surprise, and the major downside is that they have the force to knock out the power in your home. If you’re like most homeowners, you probably don’t think about generators until this happens. Taking the steps to prepare ahead of time will keep things running smoothly and your family safe.
Deciding between automatic standby generators and portable generators might be confusing if you don’t know the difference between them and what they offer. Each option provides a different degree of electrical power for your home while the power is out, but they don’t operate the same way or use the same fuel sources.
In addition, a residential automatic standby generator will offer different benefits than a portable generator. While either will be a great help in an emergency, you’ll need to decide which is the better investment. Read on to learn the differences between these two options and their benefits so you can make the most informed choice for your needs.
Size And Power Ratings
When deciding on your generator, you’ll need to consider what the critical appliances and devices are that you will need during a power outage. Once you have a list of what’s essential, you’ll need to establish how much power it will take to operate them.
You’ll need to consider that there are often two important values – the wattage required for starting the device and that needed to run it. It’s important to estimate on the higher end when calculating this number because generators cannot generally operate at full steam indefinitely.
If you’re considering a portable generator, the most powerful ones have a maximum output of 15,000 watts. However, the average power rating is between 1,000 and 7,500 watts. Because of this, you’ll have to be extremely careful about the lights you leave on and which appliances you hook up and operate.
While you might be able to power one or two appliances for a few days, these generators are not built to run your HVAC.
On the other hand, you’ll get much higher output from an automatic home generator. It can range between 10 and 50 kilowatts. You can keep your entire house powered during the outage by investing in the right generator. This type of generator is designed to be the backup to your primary power source, ensuring you stay as comfortable as possible.
Fuel Type And Safety
Portable generators generally operate on gasoline, so you’ll need to refuel at some point. However, chances are if you have no power, the gas station has no power. If by chance you find one with power, you won’t be the only one heading there, causing you to wait in line for your necessary purchase.
Automatic generators typically operate on natural gas or liquid propane. You’ll never run out of fuel with a hookup to a natural gas line. Liquid propane will require the gas company to come to your home for a refill, but your odds are better than dealing with the local gas station in the Northampton and Lehigh Counties area.
In addition, because automatic generators are permanently installed outside, they are not a risk for carbon monoxide poisoning or fire. Their fuel sources also burn cleaner than gasoline. Portable generators must be set up in a well-ventilated area, or you risk the buildup of carbon monoxide.
Convenience Factor
Having a generator of any kind is convenient when the power goes out. However, an automatic home standby generator offers exceptional convenience because it will start up as soon as the power cuts off. It has the technology to sense when your home loses power and the ability to transfer your home to emergency power in the transfer switch.
When the power is restored, it will turn itself on utility power to cool down before returning to standby mode. All this is done with no intervention from you. In addition, the generator is already hooked up, requiring no additional setup from you.
A portable generator must be set up in an appropriate location with good ventilation and properly hooked up to the desired electrical appliances and devices. Then, you’ll need to start it. The machine has no autonomous function.
The Cost Factor
A portable generator is significantly smaller and offers less output than a whole-home generator. Because of this, it is the more cost-effective option. However, in terms of value for the price you pay, a residential automatic standby generator will give you more return on your investment.
Investing in a standby generator would be a wise decision if you want total comfort and absolute convenience for your Bethlehem, PA, home. If you only want to run your refrigerator to save your groceries, a portable generator will satisfy your needs.
If You’re Tired Of Power Outages Getting You Down At Your
Bethlehem, PA, Home, Consider Our Residential
Automatic Standby Generators
When you’re sick of power outages at your Bethlehem, PA, home, it’s a great time to consider getting one of Shafnisky Electric’s residential automatic standby generators. As a locally owned business, we know and understand the needs of our customers.
With 35 years of experience in the industry, we know how to provide the quality service you deserve. Every job is completed precisely and safely, ensuring you get the best results possible.
Call Shafnisky Electric today at (610) 435-2237 to schedule a consultation.
