Portable Generator vs. Whole House Generator: Which One Should You Choose?
Lights Out? No Problem! But Which Generator is Right for You?
We’ve all been there—storm rolling in, power flickers, and BOOM! Darkness. Your fridge is holding hostage that gallon of milk, your Wi-Fi is down (gasp!), and suddenly, life feels like a camping trip you didn’t sign up for. Enter the mighty generator! But wait—should you go with a portable generator or a whole house generator?
As your friendly neighborhood electrician, I’m here to break it down—no tech jargon, just straight talk (and maybe a little humor).
| Feature | Portable Generator | Whole House Generator |
|---|---|---|
| Generator Cost | $500 - $5,000 | $5,000 - $15,000+ |
| Power Output | 2,000 - 16,000 watts | 16,000 - 50,000+ watts |
| Fuel Source | Gasoline, Propane, Natural Gas | Natural Gas, Propane, Diesel |
| Installation | $650 - $3,000 | $5,000 - $10,000 |
| Automatic Power Transfer? | No | Yes |
| Ideal For | Whole-home backup, Occasional power outages, camping, job sites | Whole-home backup, frequent outages, Large Heating Loads |
Portable Generators: The Budget-Friendly, DIY Option
Portable generators are like the Swiss Army knife of backup power—affordable, flexible, and handy in a pinch. But they do come with some trade-offs.
✅ Pros:
Lower upfront cost (your wallet will thank you)
Can be moved around (take it camping, use it for DIY projects, take it with you when you move)
Runs on multiple fuels (it is always good to have a backup to your backup)
Portable Generators can easily be replaced or loaned/shared with friends/family.
Upgrading your Generator doesn’t require upgrading the generator connection.
❌ Cons:
Limited power – You may need to pick and choose which appliances can run simultaneously. Large heating loads like central heat or water heaters consume a lot of power. If those are a priority, have an experienced installer recommend the correct wattage for your specific situation.
Manual startup – You have to turn it on and connect appliances physically. That is where we come in. Let us install an easy plug-in-and-go system, for you today!
Needs refueling – If the outage lasts days, you’ll be making frequent trips to the gas station, unless you choose to run on natural gas, which is what we recommend.
Safety risks – Carbon monoxide is no joke! Never run a portable generator indoors or in an enclosed space
Related Lee Services blogs:
Is Getting a Generator Worth It? Pros and Cons for Homeowners
Setting Up and Starting Your Portable Generator
Whole House Generators: The ‘Set It and Forget It’ Powerhouse
Whole house generators are like having a superhero on standby. The moment the power cuts out, these bad boys automatically kick in—no fumbling with extension cords in the dark.
✅ Pros:
Seamless power backup – Your lights, fridge, AC, and even your coffee maker stay on without a hiccup
No refueling hassle – Runs on natural gas or propane, so it’s always ready
Higher power capacity – Can handle large electric heating loads
Boosts home value – A great selling point for future buyers
❌ Cons:
Expensive upfront – The peace of mind isn’t cheap, but it’s worth it for frequent outages
Professional installation required – You’ll need an electrician (hey, that’s where I come in!)
Maintenance needed – Like any machine, it requires regular check-ups
So, Which One is Right for You?
Ask yourself these questions:
How often do you lose power? If it’s rare, a portable generator might do the trick. Frequent outages? Go whole-house.
What’s your budget? If you’re looking for an affordable, occasional-use option, go portable. If you can invest in a long-term solution, whole house is the way to go.
Do you want convenience? If you’d rather not deal with plugging in cords and flipping breakers, a whole house generator wins.
Need Help Choosing or Installing a Generator?
If you’re still unsure which generator is best for your home, I can help! As a licensed electrician, I can assess your power needs and install the perfect solution for your home.
📞 Call or reach out for a free quote today!