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Whole house or portable generators - what's the difference?

Briggs and Straton AC unitInvesting in a backup power generator for your home helps you to prepare for any future storm or power outage eventuality. But which option is best for you?


Where do you even begin to look for the right generator? As the company that you can trust for your home services, we've got the answers, help and services that you need.

There are two types of generators:

  • Whole house generators
    Also known as stationary models, these are permanently installed outside your home and start as soon as the power goes out. They usually run on propane and some do need to tap into a natural gas line. Costs for a whole house generator can run up to thousands of dollars, depending on what you need to power up and how large your home is.
  • Portable generators
    A portable generator can cost considerably less than a whole house generator. They are not permanent and usually are easily stored in a garage or shed. Most people use a portable generator to power a TV, a few lights and a refrigerator to avoid losing thousands of dollars in spoiled food.

So, which one do you need?

Family on the sofa

Are you a family with two small children and a large house?

The whole house generator may be the way to go. Are you an older family with kids who have left the nest and it’s just the two of you? In that case a portable generator may be your best option. But, as clichéd as it sounds, only you can decide which is truly best for you, based on your family, budget and most importantly, what devices or equipment you want, or need, to keep powered up.

Decide first what you would need and confirm the wattage you require.

We've partnered with Briggs and Stratton, a leading name in power generators, to fulfill the generator needs of our customers and they have tons of information to help you figure out what system is best for you.

Once you know the size generator they recommend that works for you, it will help you to decide whether a whole house or portable generator is better for your needs.


So, like any other big purchase, make sure you do your research and check out all different types and brands of generators.

And, whatever you do, stay safe in those storms or power outages and lose the stress about remembering to have a stock pile of candles!


Learn more about our generator services 

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