Everything You Need to Know About Generators
The Differences Between Whole-Home Generators and Portable Generators:
What’s the Better Solution for Your Needs?
Backup generators provide a reliable source of power when the grid goes down, ensuring that essential systems and appliances in your home continue to run smoothly during outages. Whether it’s a severe storm, unexpected blackout, or routine maintenance on the power grid, having a backup generator can give you peace of mind. Generators come in two main types - portable and whole home - each with their own advantages.
Understanding the differences between them is crucial when choosing the right solution for your home’s needs. At Berkeys Plumbing, AC & Electrical, we understand how crucial reliable power is, especially with Texas’s unpredictable weather patterns and aging electrical grid. When you're ready to pull the trigger on a new Generac generator for your home or are just starting to compare options, we’re here to help you choose between a portable and a whole-house generator.
Standby Generators (Whole-Home Generators)
A Generac standby generator automatically powers your home when an outage occurs. At Berkeys, we specialize in installing and maintaining whole house generators in Dallas & Fort Worth.
Benefits:
- Automatic power: Powers up without manual intervention.
- Powers your entire home, including HVAC and large appliances.
- Increases home value.
Potential Drawbacks:
- Higher upfront cost ($10,000 - $30,000 with installation).
- Requires professional installation.
Portable Generators
Portable generators are an affordable option, ideal for powering a few essential appliances during an outage. However, they have a few severe limitations.
Benefits:
- Lower cost: Typically, $500–$2,000.
- Portable and easy to move around.
- Suitable for essentials like refrigerators and lights.
Potential Drawbacks:
- Must be manually setup each time you need to use it
- Limited power capacity.
- Must be refueled frequently.
- Storing Fuel, e.g., gasoline, propane or add plumbing for natural gas.
- Noisy and higher maintenance requirements.
- Install an interlock device on your main panel to function as a transfer switch.
When to Choose Portable vs. Whole-Home Generators
If you experience frequent power outages or want comprehensive coverage, a Generac whole house generator is the best option for your DFW home. For temporary or infrequent use, a portable generator may be a suitable and more affordable solution.
Additional Considerations
- Noise: Standby generators operate more quietly.
- Fuel: Standby generators are permanently connected to natural gas or propane, while portable units rely on storing large amounts of gasoline or propane.
- Remote Monitoring: All Air-cooled and Liquid Cooled Generac generators offer remote monitoring for added convenience via WI-FI or Cell connection.
- Installation: Berkeys sells and installs Generac 8500KW and 15500KW portable and install customer provided portable generators.
- Berkeys does not service Portable Generators
Berkeys is a Generac certified Dealer for Sales, Service/Warranty, and Installation and offers off-site monitoring.
Expert Generac Generator Solutions for Your DFW Home
At Berkeys, we're here to help you find the best generator in the DFW area. As an authorized Generac dealer, we offer expert Generac generator installation, service, and maintenance, ensuring your system operates smoothly year-round. If you need a backup generator for your home, we have you covered.
Contact Berkeys today for personalized advice and Generac generator quotes. Our team provides reliable Generac generator service and repair to keep your home protected during every storm.