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Standby whole house vs. portable generators — which one do you need for your home?

It makes sense to invest in a backup power generator for your home, to prepare for any future storm or power outage eventuality.

Of course this leads to the obvious questions: "Where do you even begin to look?" and "What's the best generator option for your home and needs?" Since we're the local company to trust for home services, we're here to help answer these questions for you. Have Petro help you decide if you need a backup generator

Compare the two types of generators.

First, there are two types of generators:

  1. Whole house generators
  2. Portable generators

Apart from a name clearly stating that one is more mobile than the other, there is more to it than that but we have the information to help you make the most informed decision about choosing which one is right for you.

  • Whole house generators
    Also known as stationary models, these are permanently installed outside your home and start as soon as the power goes out. They usually run on propane and some do need to tap into a natural gas line. Costs for a whole house generator can run up to thousands of dollars, depending on what you need to power up and how large your home is.
  • Portable generators
    A portable generator can cost considerably less than a whole house generator. They are not permanent and usually are easily stored in a garage or shed. Most people use a portable generator to power a TV, a few lights and a refrigerator to avoid losing thousands of dollars in spoiled food.

So, which generator do you need?

Are you a family with two small children and a large house? The whole house generator may be the way to go. Are you an older family with kids who have left the nest and it’s just the two of you? In that case a portable generator may be your best option. But, as clichéd as it sounds, only you can decide which is truly best for you, based on your family, budget and most importantly, what devices or equipment you want, or need, to keep powered up.

Decide first what you would need and confirm the wattage you require. So, like any other big purchase, make sure you do your research and check out all different types and brands of generators. And, whatever you do, stay safe in those storms or power outages and lose the stress about remembering to have a stock pile of candles! Believe me, you’ll thank us later.

Learn more about our generator services

Stay prepared with backup generators from Petro.

Whether you’re in a location where storms are prevalent or you want to feel secure in the event of power outages, a standby generator may be for you. Generator maintenance and tune ups are also an important part of generator ownership. At Petro Home Services, our team of experts is dedicated to providing you with high quality generator services and offering efficient and effective backup generators for your home. Discover all that Petro has to offer from generator service plans to special offers.


Petro Home Services is proud to not only serve communities in DC, CT, MA, MD, NJ, NY, PA, and RI but we also proudly acknowledge the skills and experience of our expert team behind all resources. With insights on topics ranging from heating oil facts to common air conditioning questions, you can rely on Petro Home Services for facts and information to help you understand more about your heating, cooling and home comfort needs. This article and all articles on the Petro Home Services website have been approved by our team of home service experts.