Whole-House Generator vs. Portable Generator: Which One Is Right for Your Home?

When the power goes out, most homeowners realize just how much we depend on electricity. From keeping the lights on to protecting food in the refrigerator and powering medical devices, having a backup plan matters. Two of the most common options are whole-house standby generators and portable generators—but which one is right for you?

Let’s break down the differences so you can make an informed choice.

Whole-House Standby Generators

A whole-house generator (like Generac, which Summers & Zims is a certified dealer for) is a permanently installed system that automatically powers your home when the utility power goes out.

Advantages

• Automatic Power → No need to set up cords or start it manually—your home switches over in seconds.
• Runs on Natural Gas or Propane → No need to store gasoline.
• Powers the Entire Home → HVAC, appliances, sump pumps, well pumps, lights, and more.
• Peace of Mind → Always ready, whether you’re home or away.
• Increases Home Value → A strong selling point for buyers.

Things to Consider

• Higher upfront cost (equipment + professional installation).
• Requires space outside your home (like an AC unit).
• Needs annual maintenance to ensure reliability.

Portable Generators

A portable generator is a smaller, movable unit you fuel with gasoline (sometimes propane) and start manually during an outage.

Advantages

• Lower Initial Cost → Much cheaper than a standby system.
• Good for Limited Needs → Can keep essentials like the fridge, lights, or sump pump running.
• Portable → Can be used for camping, tailgating, or job sites.

Things to Consider

• Manual Setup → You’ll need to roll it out, fuel it, and plug in cords.
• Limited Power → Usually can’t handle HVAC or the whole house.
• Fuel Storage → Gasoline can be messy, smelly, and dangerous to store.
• Safety Risks → Must be used outdoors only to prevent deadly carbon monoxide poisoning.

Which Is Right for You?

• If you want full-home protection, convenience, and peace of mind, a whole-house generator is the better choice.
• If you just need a budget-friendly backup for a few essentials, a portable generator may work.

Summers & Zims: Your Local Generator Experts

At Summers & Zims, we’re proud to be a certified Generac dealer and installer. That means we not only install standby generators but also handle maintenance, repairs, and warranty service—so you’re covered from day one.

Thinking about adding a generator? Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and find out which option makes the most sense for your home.