Your Guide to Portable and Standby Generators
Slowly but surely, temperatures are beginning to rise as we approach summer more and more each day. These rising temperatures are a staple of the quintessential Houston experience; however, beyond the humid conditions that create less than ideal walks from our cars into the local HEB, our closest major body of water is beginning to warm up. Warm water under the correct pressure conditions brings something almost everyone in the Gulf Coast has been or will be accustomed to in their time spent here: storms.
Believe it or not, we are already less than 2 months away from hurricane season. Smaller storms that typically develop in the spring or summer have already begun and soon the possibility of invests, depressions, storms, and hurricanes will threaten our area for several months. These storms are an unstoppable force of nature that can destroy anything in its path. Possibly the easiest and most vulnerable of these disruptions come in the form of a storm’s assault upon our utilities and infostructure.
Electricity fulfills an important role in each of our lives and that only increases as the years go by. Beyond our immediate comfort, electricity contributes to our safety, communication, information, food consumption/preservation, businesses and coursework, and overall health.
Is your home equipped to withstand an elongated period of time without electricity?
Modern advances have provided homeowners with many efficient options to ensure their homes are provided a sufficient amount of power through generators to last until their area’s utilities can be restored.
Have a question about one of our services? Contact Cruz Air & Electric Today!
Typically, generators can be broken down into two distinct types: portable generators or standby generators, but what are the differences, pros, cons, and features of each?
Our quick guide will provide a closer look at which type of generator is right for your home. Not only for the impending storm season but to also prepare your home for power outages throughout the year.
Portable Vs. Standby Generators
The loss of electricity affects our lives in a multitude of ways as we further integrate technology into even the simplest facets of our lives. To protect your home from unwanted power outages, and especially to protect against extended outages that may carry serious consequences, let’s take a look at both portable generators and standby generators.
Pricing
Portable generators have the edge when it comes to price comparison, but as we go through our list of comparisons, it is also important to remember the various features provided by each at said price points. There’s no debate who wins here as standby generators can cost 2 to 10 times more than that of a portable generator; however, this is only one factor to consider when looking at generators to power one’s home or business.
Safety
The safety of one’s home or business and those that reside inside are one of, if not, the biggest reason for purchasing a generator of any sort. So a look at the safety of operating each seems to be a relevant factor when deciding which is right for you. While both types of generators are better left outside of one’s actual home or business for health and safety concerns, portable generators are a lot more hands-on. If a storm were to take out your electricity, portable generators have to be put into operational use under some of nature’s worst conditions. Portable generators require a space of operation that possesses good ventilation to protect against carbon monoxide poisoning.
Standby generators, on the other hand, are ready to go and activate almost instantly when usage is needed. Owners can stay inside, protected from the elements and debris, and rely on their standby generator to provide quick, efficient power in a matter of seconds. Occasional trips may be required to add fuel or general supervision; however, standby generators are far less hands-on than portable.
Usage
Standby generators have a clear edge on their counterpart in overall usage. These generators are equipped to power an entire building and create an environment that is as if your power never skipped a beat.
Portable generators, by contrast, are used to power smaller demands for electricity. An example of this would be using a portable generator to power your television, toaster, and charging phones. It may not, however, be up to the task of doing all three and then adding a microwave.
Fuel Required to Power
More power? Expect more fuel usage.
Portable generators simply require less but provide less as a result. A standby generator is going to require far more gasoline to operate, but again it is important to remember the output is far superior than that of a portable generator.
It is important to note that due to their smaller fuel capacity, this is another consideration when recalling our previous point about how portable generators require more attention from the operator.
Mobility
Well based on name alone it’s no surprise that the portable generator is vastly superior in this criteria. Standby generators are stuck and dedicated to one sole purpose and area, but portable generators can be used in a variety of ways in a variety of locations.
Generating Interest
As we can see, there are many different areas to consider before deciding the type of generator in which to purchase. Even within choosing the type of generator that works for your lifestyle and goals, there are questions regarding exactly how much you wish to power and the exact location in which a generator would be used to consider.
Considering purchasing a generator to protect your family or business this hurricane season?
Have additional questions about standby or portable generators?
Contact the experts in Cruz Air & Electric’s CGC Generators Division and learn how our technicians can help equip your home with the tools needed to power your home or business no matter the conditions surrounding you. Cruz Air & Electric does more than sell air conditioners, and with over 35 years of experience, our team is prepared to find the correct unit to fit your needs with an easy installation process and competent routine maintenance to provide you with power for years to come.
