After a long outage, whether from a spring thunderstorm, straight-line winds or a winter ice storm, a lot of Owasso homeowners start shopping for a generator. The first and biggest decision is whether to get a standby generator or a portable generator. Both can keep your home running when the grid goes down, but they work very differently and suit different needs and budgets.
Here’s a practical comparison to help you decide.
How a Standby Generator Works
A standby (or “whole-home”) generator is permanently installed outside your home on a level pad, much like an AC condenser. It connects to your electrical system through an automatic transfer switch and runs on natural gas or propane.
When the power goes out, the transfer switch senses the outage, starts the generator, and switches your home’s circuits over to generator power, usually within 10 to 30 seconds. When utility power returns, it switches back and shuts the generator down. It all happens automatically, even if you’re asleep or out of town.
How a Portable Generator Works
A portable generator is a gas-, propane- or dual-fuel unit on wheels that you store in a garage or shed. During an outage, you roll it outside, fuel it and start it. Then you power things either with heavy-duty extension cords or, much better, through a generator inlet box and interlock kit (or a manual transfer switch) connected to your panel.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Convenience
Standby: fully automatic. There’s nothing to do during a storm, and it works when you’re away.
Portable: manual setup every time, often in bad weather. You also need to refuel it, which can mean trips out for gasoline during extended outages.
Capacity
Standby: available in sizes that can run an entire home, including central air, electric ranges and well pumps.
Portable: most run essentials only, like the refrigerator, freezer, some lights, the furnace blower, a sump pump, and phone and internet.
Fuel
Standby: natural gas from your existing service or a propane tank. No refueling for natural gas.
Portable: gasoline, propane, or both. Stored gasoline goes stale and needs stabilizer.
Cost
Standby: a higher upfront investment covering the generator, transfer switch, pad, gas connection, permits and installation.
Portable: a lower cost for the unit, plus the inlet and interlock installation for safe connection.
Noise and Placement
Standby: quieter enclosures, installed at code-required distances from windows, doors and vents.
Portable: typically louder, and must be placed well away from the house every time it’s used.
Maintenance
Standby: most units run a short automatic self-test weekly and need annual service (oil, filters, battery).
Portable: needs periodic running, fresh fuel and oil changes to be ready when needed.
Generator Safety: The Non-Negotiables
Every year, people are hurt or killed by improperly used generators. Whichever type you choose:
- Never run a generator indoors, in a garage (even with the door open), or near windows, doors or vents. Carbon monoxide is invisible and odorless. Install CO detectors in your home.
- Never backfeed through a wall outlet with a double-male “suicide cord.” It can energize utility lines and electrocute line workers, and it can damage your home’s wiring.
- Use a transfer switch or interlock. These make it physically impossible for generator power and utility power to be connected at the same time.
- Use properly rated cords if you’re powering individual appliances directly.
Sizing: How Big a Generator Do You Need?
Generator size is measured in kilowatts (kW). To size one, list what you want to run and add up the running watts, then allow extra for starting surges from motors like AC compressors, well pumps and refrigerators.
- Essentials only (fridge, freezer, lights, furnace fan, sump pump, internet): a smaller portable or standby unit may be enough.
- Essentials plus a window AC or well pump: a larger portable or mid-size standby unit.
- Whole home with central air: a properly sized standby generator, often with load management to handle large appliances.
A licensed electrician can do a load calculation so you don’t overspend on a generator that’s too big, or buy one that can’t start your AC.
Which One Is Right for Your Owasso Home?
A Standby Generator Makes Sense If:
- Someone in the home relies on medical equipment
- You work from home and can’t afford downtime
- You have a sump pump, well pump or large freezer to protect
- You travel and want protection while away
- You live in a larger home or an area where restoration can take longer, like parts of Stone Canyon or Preston Lakes
A Portable Generator Makes Sense If:
- You mainly want to keep food cold and a few lights on
- Outages at your address are usually short
- You’re working with a tighter budget
- You’re comfortable setting it up during an outage
Permits and Professional Installation
Standby generators and generator inlet or interlock setups connect to your electrical system and require permits in most jurisdictions. Standby units also involve gas line work and placement rules. Our guide to electrical permit requirements explains how that process works locally.
Common Generator Mistakes to Avoid
- Buying before sizing. A generator that’s too small won’t start your AC or well pump. One that’s too big wastes money and fuel.
- Skipping the transfer switch or interlock. Extension cords through windows are a hassle and a hazard, and backfeeding is dangerous and illegal.
- Letting fuel go stale. Gasoline degrades in a few months. Use stabilizer or run the unit dry before storage.
- Ignoring maintenance. Dead batteries and old oil are the most common reasons generators fail when they’re needed.
- Poor placement. Running a generator too close to the house, or in a garage, puts your family at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Forgetting the permit. Unpermitted installs can cause problems with insurance and resale.
Prepare Before the Next Storm
The best time to plan for backup power is before you need it. Along with a generator, a whole-home surge protector and a quick check of outdoor electrical equipment go a long way. See our storm season electrical safety checklist for the full list.
When you’re ready, we handle standby generator installation in Owasso as well as safe inlet and interlock kits for portable units, from sizing and permits to startup and testing. Questions? Our licensed Owasso electricians are happy to help you choose.
