Generators, such as those from Generac, are a great way to provide power to your home in an emergency. They’re available in a wide range of types and sizes, from portable models that require manual starting and hook up to whole house standby generators which turn on automatically when the power goes out.

Generac whole house standby generator.
Whole house standby generator.

Portable generators are less expensive than whole house generators, but they’re also more inconvenient and can pose safety concerns when compared to professional installed standby generators. Portable generators also require regular refueling, while whole house generators rely on natural gas.

Watch this video to find out more.

Further Information

VIDEO TRANSCRIPT
Danny Lipford: Franklin would like to know, “How do I decide whether to get a portable generator or a whole house standby generator?”

You know, it really boils down to cost and convenience. If you’re looking for a very convenient situation where the power from a standby generator provides all of the power you need inside your house automatically after a storm, then this is the way to go. As soon as it detects any power outage you’re good for power throughout the entire house.

Now, a portable generator is a lot less convenient, because you have to wheel it out, you have to gas it up, and then you have to crank it—either buy a key start or pulling the cord—in order to run all of the cords inside to power the essential items that you need after a storm.

Cost wise, of course, a portable generator will be less expensive; but you really have to weigh the convenience against the cost.

You, also, whether you have a portable generator or a standby generator, you have to make sure that it’s sized properly for your home. That’s when you really need the help of a professional.

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Danny Lipford

Founder

Danny Lipford is a home improvement expert and television personality who started his remodeling business, Lipford Construction, at the age of 21 in Mobile, Alabama. He gained national recognition as the host of the nationally syndicated television show, Today's Homeowner with Danny Lipford, which started as a small cable show in Mobile. Danny's expertise in home improvement has also led him to be a contributor to popular magazines and websites and the go-to source for advice on everything related to the home. He has made over 200 national television appearances and served as the home improvement expert for CBS's The Early Show and The Weather Channel for over a decade. Danny is also the founder of 3 Echoes Content Studio, TodaysHomeowner.com, and Checking In With Chelsea, a décor and lifestyle blog.

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