Standby vs. Portable Generators for Hampton Roads Homes

Key takeaways

• A standby generator starts on its own within seconds and can power the whole home.
• A portable generator costs less but needs to be set up, fueled and refueled by hand.
• Keep portables at least 20 feet from windows, doors and vents, and never run one in a garage.
• Never connect a generator to home wiring without a transfer switch installed by an electrician.
• A load assessment sizes the generator to what you need to run, including your HVAC.

If you want the whole house back on without lifting a finger, a standby generator is the better choice. A portable generator costs less and can run a few essentials, but you have to set it up, fuel it and refuel it outside, often in the middle of the storm that knocked the power out.

Here's how the two compare for Hampton Roads homes, from what happens the moment the lights go out to safety, sizing and which one fits your house.

Why backup power matters in Hampton Roads

Coastal Virginia gets hit from more than one direction. Hurricanes and tropical storms bring wind and flooding in late summer and fall, and nor'easters can knock out power in the colder months, sometimes for days.

When the power goes out here, it often takes your HVAC with it, along with the sump pump, the refrigerator and the Wi-Fi you need to work from home. That's why the choice between a standby and a portable generator usually comes down to one question: how much of your home do you need running, and how hands-on do you want to be during the storm?

Salt air matters too. Any generator kept outside near the coast needs regular maintenance to stay ready when you need it.

What is the difference between a standby and a portable generator?

A standby generator is installed permanently and turns on by itself. A portable generator is a wheeled unit you store in the garage and roll out when you need it.

A standby generator sits on a pad outside your home and connects to your electrical panel through an automatic transfer switch. It runs on natural gas or propane, so there's no gas can to fill. When the utility power drops, the switch senses it and starts the generator for you.

A portable generator usually runs on gasoline. You power appliances by running extension cords to them, or by connecting it to a transfer switch that an electrician has installed. It's flexible and costs less up front, but it only runs when you're there to run it.

What happens when the power goes out?

With a standby generator, nothing is asked of you. With a portable, the outage is the start of your to-do list.

A standby system's automatic transfer switch restores power within 5 to 10 seconds, according to Mechollage's generator installation team. You might notice the lights blink, and then the house keeps running.

With a portable, you head outside, place the generator well away from the house, fuel it, start it and connect what you need. Then you keep an eye on the fuel for as long as the outage lasts. In a nor'easter or the tail end of a hurricane, that's a lot of time spent outside in bad weather.

Standby vs. portable generator at a glance

Here's how the two compare on the things Hampton Roads homeowners ask about most.

The short version: a standby generator trades a higher up-front cost for no effort and whole-home power. A portable generator trades effort and limited power for a lower price.

How much generator power does your home need?

Size depends on what you want to run, not just the size of your house. Your HVAC system, well pump, refrigerator and any medical equipment matter more than square footage.

As a general starting point, Mechollage's sizing guide puts many homes in these ranges:

• 1,500 to 2,500 sq. ft.: about 14 to 18 kW
• 2,500 to 4,000 sq. ft.: about 20 to 22 kW
• 4,000 to 6,000+ sq. ft.: about 24 to 26 kW

A load assessment confirms the right size for your home. A unit that's too small can't start your AC or heat pump. One that's too big costs more than it needs to.

Is a portable generator safe to use?

Yes, if you follow the rules every time. The two biggest risks are carbon monoxide and wiring it into the house the wrong way.

• Keep it outside and away from the house. The CDC warns against running a generator less than 20 feet from any window, door or vent, and never inside a garage or basement, even with the doors open.
• Use a CO detector. The same CDC guidance recommends a battery-powered or battery backup carbon monoxide detector in your home.
• Never plug it into a wall outlet. OSHA says to never attach a generator directly to a home's electrical system unless a qualified electrician has installed a transfer switch. Without one, it can energize the utility lines and put line workers at risk.
• Refuel it cold. Shut it down and let it cool before adding fuel, since spilled gas can ignite on hot engine parts.

Standby generators avoid most of these risks because they're installed outside, wired through a transfer switch and never refueled by hand.

Which generator is right for your home?

Most homes can be matched with a few questions about how much you need to keep running and how much effort you're willing to put in during an outage.

• Choose a standby generator if you want the whole house on, someone at home relies on medical equipment, you work from home, or you're often away when storms hit.
• Choose a portable generator if you only need the fridge, a few lights and phone chargers, outages in your area are short, and you're comfortable setting it up yourself.
• Either way, plan for a transfer switch, so the generator connects to your home safely.

When to call a pro

Call a licensed electrician before you buy, especially for a standby system. A proper install includes:

• A load assessment to size the generator to your home
• Permits and inspections
• An automatic transfer switch and integration with your electrical panel
• A natural gas or propane connection

If your panel is older or near capacity, it may need attention first. See our electrical panel services, or explore standby generator installation to see what the project involves. Many homeowners pair a generator with whole-home surge protection to guard electronics when power returns.

Frequently asked questions

Can a standby generator run my AC or heat pump?

Yes, if it's sized for it. HVAC systems draw a lot of power when they start, so they're one of the main things a load assessment accounts for.

How fast does a standby generator turn on?

With an automatic transfer switch, power is typically restored within 5 to 10 seconds of an outage. You don't need to be home for it to work.

Can I plug a portable generator into a wall outlet?

No. Connecting a generator to your home's wiring without a transfer switch can send power back into the utility lines and is dangerous for you and for line workers. Use extension cords rated for the load, or have an electrician install a transfer switch.

Do I need a permit for a standby generator?

In most cases, yes, along with an inspection. A licensed installer typically handles the permits as part of the project, which can add a week or two before installation day.

The bottom line

A portable generator can get you through a short outage if you're willing to do the work. A standby generator keeps your whole home running automatically, every time. When the next storm rolls through Hampton Roads, the lights stay on and you stay inside. Contact Mechollage for a load assessment, and ask about financing options for a new standby generator.