What Is a Portable Generator? (And When To Use It)
If you’ve been researching the best ways to keep your property and loved ones safe during unpredictable Texas weather, no matter the time of year, you’ve likely come across portable generators for homes. Generally, these units are a cost-effective way to provide some peace of mind when bad weather strikes or aging power grids fail.
At
Premier Generators of Texas, our factory-trained and certified team loves sharing their knowledge about different types of generators to help homeowners in the Dallas-Fort Worth area find the best solution for their homes and needs, and to learn how to use them safely.
What Is a Portable Generator?
A
portable home generator is a manual, temporary solution for powering a residence when the grid is down. These units come in different shapes, sizes, and fuel options, and the one your property needs depends on your power requirements.
When Should You Use a Portable Generator for Your Home?
Here are a few examples of when you should use a portable generator:
- You’re living in a smaller home, condo, or townhouse.
- You’re renting your property and can’t make permanent installation choices.
- You’re experiencing a short-term power outage on a rare occasion.
- You’re going camping or tailgating and need power.
When Do You Choose a Permanent Generator Instead of a Portable Generator?
Typically, a portable generator requires manual startup, while a backup home generator that’s wired to your home automatically switches the power load over when the grid goes down and back again when it’s working. It’s hands-free and requires less frequent refueling thanks to its regular fuel supply from natural gas or liquid propane (LP).
If you live in an area of Texas that experiences frequent
power outages for extended periods, or if you or someone you live with relies on medical equipment, a permanent backup home generator is a wise investment.
On the other hand, if you live somewhere that doesn’t experience many power outages, you’re renting a property, or you need a more immediate solution before investing in a unit, a portable generator does a fine job.
How Do I Use a Portable Generator Safely?
Knowing how to use your portable generator safely is incredibly important to the well-being of yourself, loved ones, and your home.
So, first things first, you never want to use a portable generator of any kind inside your home, condo, garage, or carport. Only ever use it outside, at least 20 feet away from any doors, windows, or other openings of your residence, like vents.
Using a portable generator indoors can be extremely dangerous, even fatal, because toxic exhaust, such as carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless gas, can build up. A portable generator inside can also increase the risk of fire or electric shock. Always keep it outside.
Other safety tips for using a portable generator properly include:
- Care for the cord: Inspect your portable generator’s cord regularly for any issues, such as cuts or tears.
- Know when to refuel: Never add more fuel to your portable generator when it’s hot. You need to turn it off and let it cool down before refilling.
- Store fuel safely: Do not store fuel inside your home, and only store it in containers designed for fuel.
- Reach out to certified techs: If you’re unsure how to use your portable generator or think something is wrong with your unit, contact our certified generator technicians for maintenance and repairs.
What Type of Fuel Does a Portable Generator Use?
There are a few different fuel options for portable generators, including:
- Gas unit: A gas-powered portable generator burns gasoline to keep the unit supplying power to your home.
- Diesel unit: Diesel-fueled portable generators may offer better fuel efficiency, durability, and lifespan.
- Solar unit: A solar portable generator uses direct sunlight. Typically, the unit includes a solar panel to capture solar energy and a battery pack as extra insurance.
Why Choose Generac® Portable Generators
Generac® has a trusted reputation for making reliable products that help folks when they need them most. And their portable generator collection is no different.
Generac® portable generators feature many different options, including units perfect for events from camping vacations and tailgate parties to jobsite needs, and models that can detect when carbon monoxide is building up, as well as for short-term backup power during severe weather.
Shop the Best Portable Generators Near Dallas-Fort Worth, TX
Let our expert technicians help you find the best portable generators near Dallas-Fort Worth, TX, with fast and hassle-free installation and lifetime maintenance you can rely on.
Contact us online or give us a call at (214) 945-2525 to request a quote today for a Generac® portable generator.
Premier Generators of Texas proudly served our local communities for years, including Dallas, Fort Worth, Collin County, McKinney, Plano, Tarrant County, and Denton County, TX.