Winters in southeastern New Brunswick have changed over the past few years, with more frequent freezing rain and other weather events that result in power outages. During these times, having a backup power source becomes essential for both homeowners and businesses alike.
In this guide, we will explore the benefits of standby generators, compare them with portable generators, and discuss the pros and cons of different fuel types such as diesel, propane, and natural gas.
Standby vs. Portable Generators – what’s the difference?
You’ve most likely seen a portable generator before, either in a store or at a neighbour’s house. They are the most common type, roughly the size of a large storage tote, and have wheels and a handle to easily move them around.
Standby generators are less common; they are generally larger in size and are permanently installed, usually mounted to a small concrete pad. They are also more expensive than portable generators, but provide significantly higher power output, along with other advantages.
Benefits of Standby Generators for Homeowners
- Automatic: A standby generator is connected to your home’s electrical system and automatically starts operating during a power outage, ensuring a reliable source of electricity. Anybody who has had to drag a portable generator outside in the dark during a freezing rain storm can attest to how convenient that is.
- Increased power output: A standby generator outputs more wattage than a typical portable generator. This means you can continue living as normal during an outage rather than having to turn off most electrical devices in your house.
- Increased property value: Installing a standby generator can significantly enhance the resale value of your home, making it an attractive feature for potential buyers.
- Peace of mind: Knowing that you have a reliable backup power source can provide immense peace of mind and allow you to focus on more important things during an emergency situation.
Benefits of Standby Generators for Businesses
- Continuity of operations: A standby generator ensures that your business remains operational even during power outages, minimizing downtime and maintaining productivity.
- Deterrent against theft: A standby generator can help deter potential thieves by maintaining a secure environment around your business premises, for example by powering outdoor and indoor lighting, or an alarm system.
- Insurance discounts: Some insurance companies offer discounts for businesses that have installed backup power sources like standby generators, reducing your overall insurance costs.
Benefits of Portable Generators
Portable generators are rarely used by businesses, but are a common choice for homeowners. There are many reasons why people choose a portable generator instead of a standby generator:
- Cost: As with any purchase, cost is a consideration. Portable backup generators tend to have lower upfront costs compared to standby generators – about one-quarter of the cost when accounting for installation.
- Portability: A portable generator is, as the name suggests, portable. It is relatively lightweight and easy to move around, making it suitable for use at various locations such as campsites, construction sites or emergency situations where power outages occur frequently.
- No professional installation required: Portable backup generators do not necessarily require any specialized skills or tools for setup, making them an attractive option for those who want to have a backup power source without the need for professional assistance. However, if you want to power hardwired equipment such as appliances or mini-split heat pumps, modifications to your electrical panel will be necessary. Those modifications should be made by a licensed electrician.
Comparison at a Glance
Standby Generators (Pros)
- Turns on immediately and automatically
- No need to bring it outside and inside during and after outages
- Much less refuelling required (or potentially none depending on fuel type)
- Increases property value
- Provides peace of mind
Standby Generators (Cons)
- Higher initial cost
- Requires professional installation
Portable Generators (Pros)
- Lower upfront costs compared to standby generators
- Relatively easy to move around as needed
- Variety of sizes available to suit different power requirements
- Can be used for outdoor activities and events
- Some models are suitable for RVs or camping trips
Portable Generators (Cons)
- Requires regular refuelling
- Must be moved outside during outages and usually stored when not in use
- Noisy operation may not be suitable for residential areas
- Potential safety hazards from carbon monoxide emissions and improper usage
- Potential theft of the generator if not secured while in use
- Limited power backup during outages
- May still require professional installation
Standby Generator Fuel Types Compared
The vast majority of portable generators are gasoline-powered – a fuel source that is easily available but quite expensive, especially in the past few years. Standby generators, on the other hand, come in three fuel types: diesel, propane, and natural gas. We typically recommend diesel for large commercial applications. For less power-intensive businesses or for residential applications, we usually suggest natural gas or propane.
Diesel Standby Generators (Pros)
- Long runtime – provides extended power outage protection
- High energy density – generates more electricity with less fuel consumption than gasoline
- Robust construction – suitable for harsh weather conditions and industrial applications
- Easier to find diesel in remote areas
Diesel Standby Generators (Cons)
- Higher initial cost compared to propane or natural gas generators
- Requires regular maintenance, such as oil changes, to ensure optimal performance and longevity
Propane Standby Generators (Pros)
- Lower upfront costs than diesel standby generators
- Easy to install
- Produces fewer emissions compared to diesel generators
- Available in a variety of sizes to suit different power requirements
Propane Standby Generators (Cons)
- Potential shorter runtime than diesel standby generators depending on fuel tank size, reducing outage protection duration
- Limited availability of propane in some remote areas compared to diesel
Natural Gas Standby Generators (Pros)
- Longest runtime among fuel types – provides essentially unlimited power outage protection
- Minimal emissions, making it an environmentally friendly option
- Convenient access to natural gas infrastructure in many areas, reducing installation costs and complexity
- Efficient operation due to higher pressure levels compared to propane generators
- Lower operating costs compared to diesel or propane standby generators, as natural gas is generally less expensive than diesel fuel or propane
Natural Gas Standby Generators (Cons)
- Requires access to natural gas infrastructure for installation and refuelling purposes
What can I Power with a Generator?
In short, that depends on the generator’s power output. Here are some common items found in homes and offices that can benefit from backup power:
- Lighting: Standby generators can provide electricity to lighting fixtures such as ceiling lights, table lamps, and outdoor security lights, ensuring safety and visibility during an outage.
- Heating and cooling systems: HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning) units rely on electrical power for operation. With a standby generator, these critical systems can continue to function properly, maintaining indoor comfort levels.
- Appliances: Standby generators can provide electricity to essential appliances such as refrigerators, freezers, and sump pumps, helping to preserve food and prevent property damage due to water accumulation.
- Electronics: Computers, printers, routers, and other electronic devices in both homes and offices rely on a stable power supply. A standby generator can ensure that these devices continue to function properly during an outage.
- Security systems: Home security systems and office surveillance cameras, unless battery-powered, require electricity for operation. With a standby generator, these systems can remain active, providing enhanced safety and protection.
- Medical equipment: People with medical conditions or disabilities may rely on powered devices such as wheelchairs, oxygen concentrators, or insulin pumps. A standby generator can ensure that these devices continue to function properly during a power outage.
One of the best ways to figure out what sort of generator you need is to picture your home or business without power. What are the electrical appliances you will need if you have to go without power for a few days? Alternatively, our technicians can analyze the power usage in your home or business and provide you with an accurate account of the type of generator that is best for you.
Why Cummins Generators?
Cummins is a very respected company, especially well-known as an engine manufacturer. It was founded in Indiana in 1919 and is still based there today, more than 100 years later. They produce engines for everything from container ships to pickup trucks and everything in between. Cummins is also a leading manufacturer of standby and portable generators.
For example, one of the model series we often recommend for homeowners is the QuietConnect range. They are permanently-installed home standby generators that offer quiet performance, remote monitoring through a mobile app, and eco-friendly engines. They are extremely robust, with an aluminum and galvanized steel enclosure rated for wind speeds up to 289 km/h. They also operate in very cold temperatures, which is an important consideration in our region.
You can find up-to-date information about the Cummins model lineup on their website.
If you’re unsure how much wattage you need, you can try the Home Size Calculator.
What Next?
As mentioned in the introduction to this guide, power outages are becoming increasingly frequent. It was only a few years ago that the Moncton area (along with most of New Brunswick) was hit with an outage that lasted up to three days in urban areas, and even longer in rural ones. Such a lengthy outage is far beyond a mild inconvenience.
If you are considering getting a backup generator – whether it’s a standby or a portable model – contact us to have one of our technicians assess your requirements. We will provide you with a detailed free estimate to help inform your decision.
