Understanding the Key Differences Between Stand Alone and Whole Home Generators

In today's world, the reliance on electricity is undeniable. Whether for homes or commercial establishments, ensuring a constant power supply is crucial. Electric outages can disrupt daily activities and even lead to significant losses for businesses. One solution to this challenge is investing in a generator. This blog discusses the differences between stand alone generators and whole home generators, helping you to make an informed purchasing decision.

What is a Stand Alone Generator?

A stand alone generator, often referred to as a portable generator, is a self-contained unit designed to provide temporary power for individual appliances or tools. This type of generator can be particularly useful for homeowners needing power in emergencies or while performing outdoor activities such as camping or construction.

Advantages of Stand Alone Generators

• Portability: Most stand alone generators are lightweight and can be easily moved to where they're needed.

• Affordability: Generally, these generators cost less than whole home models, making them a budget-friendly option for backup power.

• Quick Setup: Stand alone generators can be set up quickly in case of an emergency, providing immediate power.

What is a Whole Home Generator?

Whole home generators, also known as standby generators, are permanently installed systems that automatically provide power to your entire property during an outage. These systems connect directly to your home’s electrical system and often run on natural gas or propane.

Benefits of Whole Home Generators

• Automatic Operation: These generators start automatically when an outage is detected, providing seamless power without any manual intervention.

• Complete Home Coverage: They can power essential home systems, including HVAC, refrigeration, and whole-house lighting.

• Higher Capacity: They usually have a greater wattage output compared to stand alone units, allowing for simultaneous operation of many devices.

Choosing the Right Generator for Your Needs

Selecting between a stand alone generator and a whole home generator depends on various factors specific to your needs:

• Assess Your Power Needs: Calculate the wattage necessary to power the appliances and systems you want to maintain during a blackout.

• Consider Your Budget: Determine how much you can invest. Remember that while stand alone generators are cheaper, whole home generators may offer greater long-term value.

• Think About Usage: If you need power only occasionally, a stand alone generator might suffice; however, for consistent energy reliability, a whole home generator is ideal.

Understanding the differences between stand alone generators and whole home generators is essential for homeowners and business owners seeking reliable power solutions.

At Werkheiser Electric, we are dedicated to helping our clients choose the right generator for their needs and ensuring proper installation. If you have questions or need assistance selecting the appropriate generator for your home or business, don’t hesitate to contact us. Our experienced team is here to provide affordable and effective electrical solutions for all your needs.