When the power goes out, everything stops. Lights. Heat. Air conditioning. Your fridge. Wi-Fi. And if it’s storm season here in Mooresville, you know it’s not if the power will go out, but when.
That’s where generators come in.
They keep your home running when the grid goes dark. But not all generators are created equal. Today, we’re breaking down the two most common types, whole-house generators and portable generators, plus how to use them safely during an outage.
Let’s get into it.
Whole-House Generators: Big Power, Full Comfort
Whole-house generators (also called standby generators) are permanently installed outside your home. Think of them like an outdoor HVAC unit, but instead of keeping you cool, they power your entire house when the electricity cuts off.
They’re connected directly to your home’s electrical panel and powered by natural gas or propane. When the power goes out, the generator kicks on automatically, usually within seconds.
Pros:
- Automatic backup. No cords, no dragging equipment around. It just works.
- Powers everything. Fridge, lights, HVAC, oven; even your Wi-Fi and well pump.
- Safe and quiet. Installed by professionals. No need to refuel or worry about fumes.
Cons:
- Upfront cost. These are an investment. But for many homeowners, the peace of mind is worth every penny.
- Professional install required. This isn’t a DIY job (which is where we come in).
If you live in an area with frequent outages or just want to keep your home fully functional no matter what, a whole-house generator is a smart move.
Portable Generators: Flexible but Limited
Portable generators are smaller, movable units that run on gasoline. They’re great for short outages or powering just a few key items like your fridge, a lamp, or a space heater.
You roll them out, start them up, and plug appliances directly into the outlets on the generator. Some can be connected to parts of your home’s electrical system with a manual transfer switch (more on that later).
Pros:
- Affordable. Much cheaper than whole-house models.
- Good for short-term use. Great if you just need to keep the essentials going.
- Portable. Use it at home, take it camping, or power tools on a job site.
Cons:
- Manual setup. You’ll need to fuel it, roll it outside, and plug things in yourself.
- Limited power. You can’t run your whole house, just a few things at a time.
- Safety concerns. Needs to stay outside, far from windows, to avoid deadly carbon monoxide.
Portable generators can be lifesavers in a pinch. But they come with responsibilities and limitations.
Safety First: Smart Use During Outages
Whether you have a whole-house or portable generator, safety matters. Here are the most important tips to keep your home and family safe:
- Never use a portable generator indoors. Not in a garage. Not on a covered porch. Not even with the door cracked open. Carbon monoxide builds up fast and can be deadly. Always run it outside, at least 20 feet from doors and windows.
- Install a transfer switch. If you’re using a portable generator to power parts of your home, you need a transfer switch. It prevents dangerous backfeeding, which can hurt utility workers and damage your appliances. We can install one for you.
- Keep it dry. Rain and generators don’t mix. Set up a canopy or tent if you need to run one during a storm.
- Store fuel safely. Gasoline is flammable. Use approved containers and keep them in a shed or garage, not in your house.
- Test regularly. Run your generator monthly so you’re not caught off guard during a real emergency. Just like a car, it needs regular checkups.
- Call in the pros. Installing a whole-house generator or even a transfer switch for a portable one is not something to mess around with. Our licensed electricians at Century Electrical Services have you covered.
Which One’s Right for You?
It depends on your needs, budget, and comfort level.
- Go with a whole-house generator if you want a seamless, hands-free solution. Ideal for families, remote workers, or anyone who doesn’t want to deal with setup or worry about food spoiling, pipes freezing, or losing heat during a storm.
- Go with a portable generator if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option and don’t mind doing a little manual work during outages.
Still not sure? We’re happy to talk through your options, visit your home, and recommend what works best for your setup.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Wait for the Next Storm
Power outages are not only annoying; they can also be dangerous, especially during the freezing winters or blazing hot summers in North Carolina. Don’t wait until the power goes out to start thinking about backup power.
Let’s make sure you’re ready before the next storm hits.
At Century Electrical Services, we’ve been helping Mooresville homeowners power up and stay safe for years. Whether you want a full standby system or a simple transfer switch for a portable unit, we’ve got your back.
Give us a call. We’ll walk you through it, step by step.
Stay safe. Stay powered. Stay ready.
