Portable or Standby Generator?
Portable vs. Standby – Which Generator is Right for You?
Generator sales “spike around major storms—just before and a few weeks after—which means that too many buyers shop when the power’s out.”*
Don’t wait until the power is out to buy a generator. Cummins standby home generators are No. 1 for a reason – they deliver ultimate reliability, ensuring peace of mind before the power goes out.
*Source: http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/generators/buying-guide.htm
| Portable Generators | Standby Generators | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Typically priced between $400-$1,000 | Typically priced between $3,000-$10,000 |
| Fuel | Runs off tanks of gasoline, propane or diesel. Requires manual refueling during an extended power interruption | No refueling required, as it runs off your home’s natural gas or liquid propane line |
| Maintenance | Regular manual maintenance intervals required for readiness and long-life | Automatic maintenance and remote system monitoring |
| Start Up | Must be switched on manually when the power goes out | Automatically switches on when the power goes out |
“What Size Generator Do I Need?”
The size of your generator depends on how much power you need. You can choose to provide backup power to your whole house or just part of your home. It really comes down to your budget and how comfortable you want to be during an outage.
Use the below for a quick guide, or explore further with our generator size calculator.
13kwless than 2000 sq ft
20kw2000 – 3000 sq ft
25kw3000 – 5000 sq ft
30kw5000+ sq ft
Content provided by Cummins Power Systems.