The Different Between Portable and Standby Generators

Get Complete Peace of Mind with Standby Generator Services from Parker Gas

When the power goes out in Wilmington, NC, and the surrounding area in Southeastern North Carolina, having a backup plan is essential. Hurricane season, severe thunderstorms, and even winter ice can leave your home without electricity for hours or even days.

While many homeowners consider a portable generator, a whole-house standby generator offers a far more reliable and comprehensive solution.

Understanding the differences between these two options is the first step toward securing your family’s comfort and safety during an outage. This guide will walk you through the key distinctions to help you make an informed decision for your Southeastern North Carolina home.

What’s the Difference Between Portable and Standby Generators?

The primary difference lies in their design, power, and convenience.

A portable generator is a smaller, movable unit that runs on gasoline or diesel. It can power a few essential appliances, like a refrigerator and some lights, by connecting them with extension cords. While they are less expensive upfront, they require manual setup during an outage, frequent refueling, and can be noisy and produce hazardous fumes.

A standby generator, also known as a whole-house generator, is a permanent installation. It’s wired directly into your home’s electrical system and sits outside, much like an HVAC unit. When it detects a power outage, it automatically turns on within seconds, restoring power to your entire home or pre-selected circuits.

How Do Standby Generators Work?

Standby generators offer seamless, automatic protection. Here’s a quick overview of the process:

1. Installation: A professional installs the generator outside your home on a concrete pad and connects it to your home’s electrical panel and fuel source.
2. Monitoring: The generator is equipped with an automatic transfer switch (ATS) that constantly monitors the flow of electricity from the utility grid.
3. Activation: When the ATS detects a power outage, it disconnects your home from the grid and signals the generator to start.
4. Power restoration: Within seconds, the generator begins supplying power to your home’s circuits. You don’t have to do a thing! In fact, you don’t even have to be home, which is another advantage of standby generators over portable generators.
5. Return to standby: Once utility power is restored, the ATS automatically switches back, and the generator shuts down, ready for the next outage.

Why Propane is the Superior Fuel Choice

While portable generators typically run on gasoline or diesel, most standby generators use propane or natural gas. Propane offers significant advantages, making it the ideal fuel for reliable backup power.

• Long shelf life: Unlike gasoline and diesel, which can degrade in as little as six months, propane never expires. It won’t gum up or damage your generator’s engine, ensuring it starts reliably every time.
• Cleaner burning: Propane is a clean-burning fuel, which means fewer engine deposits and less maintenance over the life of your generator.
• Dependable supply: During a widespread power outage, gas stations may be closed or have long lines. With a large propane tank on your property, you have a secure, independent fuel supply that can last for days or even weeks.

Parker Gas: Your Local Generator Experts

Choosing the right generator is a big decision, but you don’t have to make it alone. At Parker Gas, we are proud to be an authorized Briggs & Stratton dealer, offering top-quality whole-house standby generators that homeowners across Southeastern North Carolina trust.

Our team provides more than just the generator. We offer a complete, hassle-free solution, including:

• Expert installation: Our certified technicians ensure your generator is installed safely and correctly.
• Propane tank services: We handle expert tank installation and leasing, sized perfectly for your generator’s needs.
• Reliable propane delivery: With our Automatic Delivery service and TankWatch wireless monitoring, you’ll never have to worry about running out of fuel. We manage your supply so you can have complete peace of mind.

Secure Your Home’s Power Today

Don’t wait for the next storm to leave you in the dark. A Briggs & Stratton propane standby generator from Parker Gas provides the safety, security, and convenience your family deserves. Protect your home and enjoy uninterrupted power, no matter what the weather brings.

Contact Parker Gas today to get a free estimate on a whole-house standby generator for your home in Wilmington, Fayetteville, Clinton, or the surrounding areas.