Backup Generator vs. Portable Generator: Which Is Right for Your Chicago Home?
If the power grid goes down, are you prepared? Loss of power doesn’t just cause the lights to go out. Refrigeration, security systems, medical devices, HVAC systems, and more are all at risk if the power’s out. That’s why it’s so important to consider a generator for your Chicago home, just in case there’s a blackout. But should you get a backup generator or a portable one? In this blog, our experts at Cahill Heating, Cooling, Electric, Plumbing & Sewer compare these types of generators and discuss how you can determine which is right for your home.
What Is a Backup Generator?
Backup generators, also known as standby generators, are permanently installed outside your home, much like an outdoor air conditioning unit. They activate automatically when external power goes out. Backup genertors come in a range of sizes, so you can choose to power essential systems and devices or your entire home.
What Is a Portable Generator?
Portable generator units commonly use fuels such as gasoline, diesel, or propane. In most cases they generate 1-10 kW of power, which makes them great for short outages or when requirements are otherwise low. They include outlets on their casing for plugging in tools, devices, extension cords, and more. These versatile features make them ideal for outdoor events, camping, and tailgating.
Key Differences Between Backup & Portable Generators
Backup generators are more permanent, while portables are designed for temporary use. Backup units are more costly than portable ones but are treated like a major home system, much like a heat pump might be. Though they use comparable fuel sources, a permanently installed backup generator is usually connected to a self-feeding fuel supply, like your home’s gas line.
Portable units can’t handle the power demands of a whole-home, and they would need to be refueled whenever the unit burns the fuel it has on board. Using a portable unit may be sufficient for short periods, but operating them beyond their capacity may create a risk of breakdowns or fires.
Which Generator Is Right for Your Chicago Home?
Standby generators tend to be the better choice for single-family homes with enough space. For more permanent use, this type of backup generator is a better investment that pays for itself in the long run.
Portable generators are more appropriate when you need a low-cost, flexible solution to handle only occasional outages or when only temporary power is needed. They are also useful for activities such as camping or tailgating, where temporary power sources are required.
Schedule a Standby Generator Installation With Cahill
Cahill Heating, Cooling, Electric, Plumbing & Sewer has been serving the greater Chicago area since 1973. As a family-owned and -operated home services provider with over 50 years of experience, we’re proud of the reputation we’ve built for providing top-quality service. Our expert generator installation professionals consistently provide excellent workmanship, superior customer service, and lasting, dependable results. We’ll thoroughly assess your home’s power needs, find the right unit to fit your budget, and install it for optimal performance from the very start.
To learn more about our standby generator services in and around the greater Chicago area, contact the experts at Cahill today.
