Electrical Products & Services
When the power goes out, should you choose a whole house generator or a portable one? Here’s the quick answer:
- Whole House Generators: These are permanent, automatic systems that power your entire home. They run on natural gas or propane, cost $10,000–$20,000 (including installation), and are ideal for long outages or full-home backup.
- Portable Generators: These are budget-friendly, manual units that cost $400–$1,500. They provide limited power (3,000–8,500 watts), run on gasoline, and are best for short outages or essential appliances.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Whole House Generator | Portable Generator |
|---|---|---|
| Power Output | 15,000–50,000 watts | 3,000–8,500 watts |
| Fuel Type | Natural gas/propane | Gasoline |
| Startup | Automatic | Manual |
| Cost | $10,000–$20,000 | $400–$1,500 |
| Maintenance | Annual professional | User upkeep |
| Best For | Full-home backup | Essential appliances |
Key Takeaway: If you want convenience and full-home coverage, invest in a whole house generator. For short-term or occasional use, a portable generator is a cost-effective option.
Main Differences: Whole House vs. Portable Generators
Whole House Generator Basics
Whole house generators are permanent backup power solutions. They connect directly to your electrical panel through a transfer switch, ensuring power kicks in automatically during an outage. These systems provide between 8,000 and 20,000 watts, enough to run essential home systems. They operate on natural gas or propane, consuming 13 to 48 gallons daily depending on usage.
Portable Generator Basics
Portable generators are known for their compact, wheeled design, making them easy to move. They deliver between 3,000 and 8,500 watts, running on gasoline and using 12 to 20 gallons per day. However, they require manual setup and refueling. Their portability makes them ideal for powering tools, small appliances, or outdoor activities.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Whole House Generator | Portable Generator |
|---|---|---|
| Power Output | 8,000 – 20,000 watts | 3,000 – 8,500 watts |
| Fuel Type | Natural gas or propane | Gasoline |
| Daily Fuel Usage | 13-48 gallons | 12-20 gallons |
| Installation | Professional required ($2,000-$10,000+) | None needed |
| Unit Cost | $2,000-$5,000 | $400-$1,500 |
| Operation | Automatic startup | Manual startup |
| Best For | Long-term outages, full home backup | Short outages, essential appliances |
| Maintenance | Annual professional service | Regular user upkeep |
Power Output Guide
Whole House Generator Power Levels
Whole house generators provide between 15,000 and 50,000 watts of power. For example, a 15,000-watt generator can handle critical appliances in a 2,000-square-foot home. Larger homes, around 3,000 square feet or more, typically need 22,000 to 30,000 watts to support air conditioning, heating, and well pumps at the same time. These models are designed for homes that need a higher power capacity.
Champion offers several options through Draper Electric:
- 14 kW models: Designed for medium-sized homes, priced at $5,899.
- 22 kW systems: Suitable for larger residences, priced at $7,899.
- Select circuit options: Starting at $3,999, ideal for targeted backup needs.
Portable Generator Power Levels
Portable generators are a more compact option, focusing on essential appliances. These units typically range from 3,000 to 8,500 watts, making them a practical choice during power outages.
| Power Level | Typical Applications |
|---|---|
| 3,000–4,000 W | Powers a refrigerator, lights, TV, and laptop chargers |
| 5,000–6,500 W | Adds a window AC unit or electric range to the above |
| 7,000–8,500 W | Handles multiple appliances, power tools, and small HVAC systems |
Power Requirements Calculator
To find the right generator size for your needs, follow these steps:
- List Critical Loads
Write down all essential appliances, noting both their running and starting wattage. Use this formula:
Total = Running Watts + (3 × Starting Watts) - Factor in a Safety Margin
Choose a generator that operates at no more than 90% of its capacity. This ensures it can handle peak demands reliably.
Here’s a quick reference for common appliance wattage:
| Appliance | Running Watts | Starting Watts |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | 700 | 2,200 |
| Central AC (3-ton) | 3,500 | 11,000 |
| Electric Water Heater | 4,000 | 4,000 |
| Well Pump (1/2 HP) | 1,000 | 2,100 |
| Microwave | 1,000 | 1,000 |
For accurate calculations, check the labels on your appliances or consult with a qualified electrician.
Setup and Maintenance Requirements
Whole House Generator Installation Steps
Getting a whole house generator installed is not a DIY task – it requires a professional. At Draper Electric, the process involves several key steps:
- Site Assessment and Planning
A licensed electrical contractor will evaluate your property to determine the best location for the generator, assess electrical needs, and plan gas line routing. This ensures everything meets local codes and safety standards. - Professional Installation Team
The installation process involves multiple specialists:- Concrete experts to prepare the pad
- Licensed electricians to handle the transfer switch
- Certified gas fitters for connecting the fuel line
- Local inspectors for final approval
Costs for installation with Draper Electric typically range from $3,000 to $5,000.
Portable Generator Setup Guide
Setting up a portable generator is much simpler and can be done without professional help. Follow these steps:
- Place the generator on a level, dry surface at least 20 feet from your home.
- Use a transfer switch or heavy-duty extension cords to connect power.
- Plug in essential appliances, keeping the generator’s rated capacity in mind.
- Check oil levels and add fuel as needed.
"Install a certified automatic or manual transfer switch with a licensed electrical contractor!" – Make It Right®
Maintenance Checklist
| Maintenance Task | Whole House Generator | Portable Generator |
|---|---|---|
| Oil Changes | Annual or every 50 hours | First at 30 hours, then every 100 hours |
| Professional Service | Annual ($200-$300) | Replace every 200 hours |
| Spark Plug Changes | During annual service | Replace every 200 hours |
| Air Filter Changes | During annual service | Replace every 200 hours |
| Self-Testing | Automatic weekly | Manual monthly |
| Fuel System Check | Automatic monitoring | Before each use |
Whole house generators require yearly professional maintenance to stay in top shape. Draper Electric offers service packages for Champion models to ensure your generator is ready when you need it most.
For portable generators, stick to these maintenance tips:
- Run the generator for 30 minutes each month.
- Check oil levels before every use.
- Store it in a dry, covered area to protect it from the elements.
"Like any other engine-powered machine, standby generators require regular maintenance. For example, just like your car needs an oil change every 3 months or 3,000 miles, most standby generators need one every year." – Paschal Air, Plumbing & Electric
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Fuel Types and Runtime
Whole House Generator Fuel Options
The type of fuel your generator uses plays a big role in its performance and costs. Choosing the right fuel option ensures your backup generator meets your energy needs without breaking the bank. Whole house generators typically run on natural gas or propane, each with its own pros and cons.
Natural gas generators connect directly to your home’s existing gas lines, offering a steady power supply as long as gas service is active. For example, a Champion 22kW home standby generator using natural gas consumes about 210 cubic feet per hour at half load, costing roughly $20–$30 per day.
Propane-powered models, like Champion’s 14kW unit, deliver reliable power with clean emissions. A 22kW propane generator uses approximately 2.1 gallons per hour at half load, with daily costs around $110 (based on propane priced at $2.50 per gallon). While propane is pricier to operate than natural gas, its long shelf life makes it a dependable backup fuel.
Portable Generator Fuel Options
Portable generators are most commonly powered by gasoline, though some models offer dual-fuel capability, allowing them to run on propane as well. Gasoline provides high energy output but comes with downsides: it has a shorter storage life, costs more per hour to operate, requires frequent refueling, and has strict storage guidelines.
A typical portable generator consumes between 12 and 20 gallons of gasoline daily, depending on its power output and load. These factors directly influence runtime and operating costs, as shown below.
Runtime and Fuel Use
| Generator Type | Fuel Source | Daily Consumption | Runtime | Daily Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Whole House (22kW) | Natural Gas | ~210–340 ft³/hr | Indefinite* | $20–$50 |
| Whole House (22kW) | Propane | 2.1–3.6 gal/hr | Days to Weeks** | $110–$220 |
| Portable | Gasoline | 12–20 gal/day | 6–18 hours | Varies*** |
*Requires active gas service
**Depends on tank size
***Based on current local fuel prices
"Home standby generators are expensive, but they’re the gold standard in backup power, and they outperform all other types of generators in our ratings", says Dave Trezza, head of Consumer Reports’ generator testing program.
Natural gas generators tend to be more economical for extended outages, while portable generators, with their shorter runtime and higher fuel needs, are better suited for brief or emergency situations. Your choice will depend on your home’s setup and the availability of fuel.
Cost Breakdown
Purchase and Setup Costs
The upfront costs for whole house and portable generators vary greatly. Quality portable generators from brands like Champion range from $500 to $2,000, while whole house generators, such as a 22kW model, typically cost about $7,900, with smaller essential circuit models starting at $3,999.
For whole house generators, installation costs include several components:
| Component | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Generator Unit | $5,000 – $18,000 |
| Professional Installation | $1,500 – $5,000 |
| Concrete Pad | $150 – $400 |
| Gas Line Installation | $12 – $25 per linear ft |
| Permits | $80 – $450 |
| Transfer Switch | $400 – $2,500 |
These initial expenses set the foundation for ongoing fuel and maintenance costs.
Running and Upkeep Costs
Fuel type and generator size play a big role in operating costs:
| Generator Type | Daily Fuel Cost | Annual Maintenance |
|---|---|---|
| Whole House (Natural Gas) | $30 – $40 (20kW) | $80 – $300 |
| Whole House (Propane) | $150 – $170 (20kW) | $80 – $300 |
| Portable (Gasoline) | $55 – $70 (7kW) | $50 – $200 |
Whole house generators typically require annual professional servicing, which averages $220. In contrast, portable generators need more frequent upkeep, but many tasks can be handled by the owner, keeping costs lower.
Long-term Value Analysis
The long-term value of a generator depends on its lifespan and efficiency. Standby generators can last 15–30 years (or 10,000–30,000 hours), while portable generators generally last about 10 years (or 2,000–5,000 hours).
"It’s unlikely that the system will ever pay for itself based on electricity produced versus the cost of electricity from the grid", says Don Whaley, founder and former president of Direct Energy. However, the true value lies in the reliability and peace of mind they provide.
Whole house generators, while requiring a higher initial investment, offer longer lifespans and automatic operation, making them ideal for homeowners who want a seamless backup power solution. On the other hand, portable generators are more affordable upfront but need more manual effort and have higher per-hour running costs. Choosing the right generator depends on your budget and how you plan to use it.
Whole house generator or portable generator. What is best for your situation.
Making Your Choice
When deciding on a generator, consider three main factors: your power needs, budget, and how you plan to use it.
If you’re looking for full-home coverage, a whole house generator like Champion’s 22kW model (priced at $7,899) is ideal for situations where you:
- Experience long power outages
- Rely on essential medical equipment
- Work from home and need constant electricity
- Live in areas prone to severe weather
On the other hand, a portable generator might be a better fit if you:
- Only need up to 7,000 watts of power
- Deal with occasional, short outages
- Want a generator you can move and use in different locations
- Have a budget under $2,000
To help you decide, here’s a quick comparison of what each type of generator can handle:
| Appliance Type | Whole House (22kW) | Portable (7kW) |
|---|---|---|
| HVAC System | Yes – Full capacity | No – Too power-heavy |
| Kitchen Appliances | All at once | 2-3 items at a time |
| Essential Circuits | Full home coverage | Limited coverage |
| Outdoor Power Tools | Yes | Yes – One at a time |
For proper sizing and installation, it’s smart to consult a certified electrician, like Draper Electric, which offers free in-home assessments. Don’t forget to factor installation costs into your budget!
