Choosing the Right Generator: A Guide for Homeowners and Businesses
Portland Metro Electric
A generator is a valuable investment for maintaining power during outages. Selecting the right generator depends on your power needs, property size, and specific applications. This guide covers the main types of generators for homes and businesses and provides tips to help you choose the best one.
Types of Generators for Homes and Businesses
1. Portable Generators
Overview: Portable generators are versatile and easy to move. They provide temporary power for specific devices or appliances.
Best For: Short-term power needs, outdoor events, and small properties.
Pros: Cost-effective, easy to store, and suitable for limited use.
Cons: Requires manual setup and regular refueling. Not ideal for powering an entire property.
2. Standby Generators
Overview: Standby generators are permanently installed and automatically activate during power outages.
Best For: Whole-home power or large businesses with critical systems.
Pros: Reliable, automatic operation, and capable of powering entire properties.
Cons: Higher upfront cost and requires professional installation.
3. Inverter Generators
Overview: Inverter generators produce cleaner power, making them ideal for sensitive electronics.
Best For: Homes with advanced appliances or businesses relying on delicate equipment.
Pros: Quiet, fuel-efficient, and lightweight.
Cons: Limited power output, suitable for smaller-scale applications.
How to Choose the Best Generator for Your Needs
Evaluate Your Power Requirements
Determine the total wattage of devices and systems you need to power during an outage.
For homes: Include essential appliances like refrigerators, HVAC systems, and lighting.
For businesses: Consider computers, servers, security systems, and machinery.
Consider Fuel Options
Generators typically run on gasoline, diesel, natural gas, or propane.
Choose a fuel type based on availability, cost, and storage options in your area.
Assess Your Property Size
Larger properties require generators with higher capacity.
A professional can conduct a load analysis to recommend the right size.
Think About Noise Levels
In residential areas, quieter options like inverter generators are better.
For businesses, ensure the noise level complies with local ordinances.
Plan for Installation and Maintenance
Standby generators require professional installation and regular maintenance.
Factor in these costs when choosing your generator.
Review Brand Reputation and Warranty
Opt for trusted brands with proven reliability.
Check warranty terms to ensure long-term support.
Choosing the right generator involves understanding your power needs, property size, and preferred features. Portable, standby, and inverter generators each serve unique purposes, and selecting the best one depends on your specific requirements. Consult a licensed electrician to help assess your needs and install the ideal generator for your home or business.
Our Client Testimonials
Real homeowners. Real results.
We’re proud to be one of Portland’s most trusted remodeling companies—because our reputation is built on happy clients and quality work that lasts.
Expertise
Our licensed electricians are highly skilled and continuously trained in the latest electrical standards and technologies.
Custom Solutions
We evaluate your specific electrical needs and provide customized solutions that best suit your home and lifestyle.
Local Knowledge
We prioritize your safety by adhering to stringent safety codes and using only the highest-quality materials.
Quality and Safety
From initial consultation to final inspection, our process is designed to be smooth and hassle-free, minimizing disruption to your daily life.
Customer Satisfaction
As local experts familiar with Portland's building regulations, we ensure that all upgrades meet or exceed local codes.
Contact Us for Your Free Estimate Today!
Call us now, or fill out our contact form and one of our electrical experts will get in tough with you shorty. We will listen to your project needs or concerns and help guide you in the right direction. If the project is can be remotely estimated we can send you a personalized estimate within the next 24 hours.
Our Step-by-step service Process
From the first call to the final reveal, our process is built for clarity, comfort, and craftsmanship.
Give Us A Call
A Portland Metro Electric expert will answer any of your questions, discuss the project in detail, provide professional expertise, and consultation. For most of our projects we can provide a minimum and maximum of what you can expect to pay for your electrical project.
Free Estimate
For certain projects we will provide a customized estimate without needing to schedule an in person visit. For complex projects we will schedule one our our electricians to visit your residence, provide an in person inspection, consultation, and a customized estimate.
Schedule Project
We will send you a customized estimate, and let you select the best date & time to schedule your project. The estimate will include a summary of the projects material costs and fees. Once the estimate is approved and project date is scheduled, we will take care of everything from permits (if necessary), to ordering all the materials.
Complete Project
On the day of the project our electricians will give you a courtesy call before arrival. We will begin and complete the electrical project. We will provide a detailed walkthrough on how to operate the newly installed service (EV charger, electrical breaker box, hot tub, etc.). And finally insure you are satisfied with the project and service.
We service most locations in the greater portland area!
Portland
Milwaukee
Gladstone
Clackamas
Happy Valley
West Linn
Oregon City
Lake Oswego
Wilsonville
Tigard
Tualatin
Gresham
Damascus
Sandy
And More!
OFFICE
Head Office
Portland Metro Electric LLC
8415 SE Hinkley Ave, Happy Valley, OR 97086
Ready to Restore Power or Upgrade Your Electrical?
Call us now, or fill out our contact form and one of our electrical experts will get in tough with you shorty. We will listen to your project needs or concerns and help guide you in the right direction. If the project is can be remotely estimated we can send you a personalized estimate within the next 24 hours.