Pros and Cons of Portable Generators
A portable generator produces electricity by using a diesel, gas, or propane-powered engine to turn on an onboard alternator, which converts mechanical energy to electrical energy. The generator has power outlets that allow you to plug in extension cords or appliances. They provide 3kW to 10kW of power.
Pros
Cost-effective
A portable generator is less expensive than a standby or permanently installed generator. A portable generator ranges between $500 and $3,000, depending on the wattage. You can find a portable generator online, at a local hardware store, or in any big box store.
Emergency Backup
Portable generators are mostly used for emergency backups during power outages. A portable generator generates 3kW to 10kW of power and can be used to run some household essentials, including some lights, a refrigerator, and a heater. A portable generator can also be used on a job site for operating power tools or during camping trips for running a few appliances.
Flexible
A portable generator can be moved around easily without any difficulty. You can easily take along your generator whether you are going to a beach house or camping and meet your power needs.
User-Friendly
Portable generators are user-friendly and do not require any complex installation. They can easily be installed in case of a power outage. They don’t comprise very complex parts. Their maintenance is also not a very cumbersome job.
Cons
Carbon Monoxide
Portable generators run outside to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. The generator remains with an extension cord’s length of your home and emits foul-smelling exhaust fumes, which are dangerous.
Noise and Heat
A portable generator makes a lot of noise and produces a lot of heat. So, whenever it starts, everyone will have to talk loudly to be audible over the high-pitched noise of the generator.
Limited Use
Due to its small wattage, a portable generator has limited usage. It cannot power an entire household or any luxury items, such as central air conditioning or a plasma TV. A portable generator is not ideal for commercial use.
Manual Startup
Unlike a permanently installed generator, a portable generator does not turn on immediately in the case of a power outage. It requires a manual start. Additionally, its tank can hold only three to six gallons of diesel or gas on average. This means it will need to be refilled as often as every six hours, which is inconvenient in the winter months.
In conclusion, those are some of the pros and cons of a portable generator. A portable generator is ideal for residential use or commercial tasks that involve movement to different sites. Thus, if you want a residential generator, we recommend a portable Kohler diesel generator, especially if you have a small home.
Power Systems West offers backup power solutions across the western states. They are an authorized Kohler generator distributor. Power Systems West will offer you all the generator services from installation to maintenance. Contact them today and get your Kohler portable generator.
