Maryland homeowners rely on backup generators to keep their homes powered during severe thunderstorms, hurricanes, winter storms, and unexpected utility outages. If you’re comparing a portable generator versus a whole-home standby generator in Maryland, this guide explains the advantages of each option.
A portable power generator provides power during an outage. They are small enough to be rolled out of storage and moved into position when needed. Small portable generators can be connected with extension cords to power a few small appliances. Larger power generators can be connected to your electric panel via a transfer switch to power hardwired appliances like water heaters and well pumps.
Some of them run on gasoline and some can use propane or other fuels. They tend to be noisier and produce less power than whole-house generators. They also produce fumes so must be at least 20 feet from interior dwelling spaces due to carbon monoxide dangers. They can be heavy to move around and require refueling often. There are now a few solar charged and battery powered generator available that can power some appliances. You can connect some portable generators to your electric panel but this requires professional generator installation by an electrician for safety.
Portable generators can be a practical option for homeowners throughout Annapolis, Crofton, Bowie, Columbia, Severna Park, Edgewater, and Anne Arundel County who experience occasional power outages.
A whole-home standby power generator is a permanently installed backup power source in case of outage. It uses a connected natural gas or propane fuel line to provide power to your crucial home systems. It is configured to start automatically when an outage occurs. It does not require refueling and since it is permanently installed there is no setup. Annual generator maintenance service is recommended to keep it functioning at its best.
At Bausum & Duckett Electric, we install and recommend Kohler and Generac generators. Our licensed Maryland electricians also repair and maintain many types of generators.
A permanently installed standby generator is becoming increasingly popular among homeowners throughout Central Maryland, especially in areas where storms and downed trees frequently interrupt electrical service.
Annual generator maintenance helps ensure your backup power system is ready before hurricane season or winter storms arrive in Maryland.
| Portable Generator | Whole Home Standby Generator | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost: | $-$$$ | $$$-$$$$ |
| Installation: | Set up when needed. Connect to power with cords. Add fuel and run. Disconnect and store at end of outage. | Permanently installed and starts automatically when power goes out, even if you're away on vacation. |
| Power Output: | 3,300 watts - 10,000 watts | 10,000-24,000 watts or more |
| Fuel Sources: | Gasoline, Natural Gas, Propane, Battery or Solar, Some can run on up to three fuel types | Natural Gas, Propane or Diesel |
| Automatic or Manual Operation | Manual setup and activation | Automatic activation |
| Runtime | 6-18 hours depending on fuel type | Up to 500 hours or 3 weeks before service needed for natural gas, propane and diesel runtime depends on tank size. Engines need an oil and filter change after 100 hours of runtime. |
| Maintenance Requirements | Does not require weekly tests. Manually start and run portable generators every 1 to 3 months for 15 to 30 minutes, ideally with a small electrical load attached. | Routine oil and filter changes, spark plug replacements, battery testing, and regular visual checks. A full professional or DIY service annually or every 100 to 200 hours of runtime to guarantee starting during a power failure. Should run an automatic weekly or bi-weekly short test run. See a generator maintenance guide. |
| Safety | Safe, when operated properly outside and far enough away from dwelling spaces. | Safe and installed by licensed electricians. |
| Noise | Moderate to very loud 50db - 100db. See details about generator noise rankings here. | Moderate to loud 60-70 decibels, similar to a dishwasher. Watch a video the noise level produced by whole house generators. |
| Lifespan | 15 to 50 years (or about 1,500 to 3,000 running hours) when properly maintained. See more about generator life span.. | 10-20 years (or about 1,000 to 2,000 total runtime hours) |
| Portable Generator | Whole Home Standby Generator | |
|---|---|---|
| Small Homes | ✅ with infrequent power outages a small home of up to 1,500 sq ft can use a portable generator of 3,000-10,000 watts to power some appliances (fridge, lights, fan, tv, internet, microwave) but not central air. | ✅ with frequent power outages |
| Families with Medical Equipment | ✅ Automatic on means no downtime | |
| Well Water Systems | ✅ Only if powerful enough, contact us for a generator sizing consultation. | ✅ |
| Home Offices | ✅ | ✅ |
| Frequent Power Outages | ✅ | |
| Infrequent Outages | ✅ |
Standby power in a generator means the generator is connected to your home's electrical panel and can automatically start when a power outage happens.
A portable generator with 5 kW of power can power some essential electric appliances in your home but not your whole home. Instead, choose a whole home generator with 20 KW of power or more to meet all of your home's power needs.
A portable standby generator needs to be setup and connected to outlets to function during an outage. In addition to the generator, you need the cords to connect it to your outlets and then to the appliances that need it to function. Setting it up in a storm can be a hassle. You also need to make sure it has fuel to operate. It may not be powerful enough to run all of your electrical equipment such as your air conditioning on a hot day. Another disadvantage is that since it is portable, it is easier for someone to steal it.
A whole home standby generator is a worthwhile investment for many people. The cost is significantly higher but the benefit of having power automatically restored during a power outage is hard to beat.
If your home relies on a sump pump, well pump, home office equipment, medical devices, or refrigerated medications, a permanently installed standby generator can provide automatic protection during power outages. Our electricians can calculate your home's electrical load and recommend the right generator size for your needs.
Whether you’re considering a portable generator for occasional outages or investing in a permanently installed whole-home standby generator, choosing the right system starts with expert guidance. Bausum & Duckett Electric has helped homeowners across Maryland, including Annapolis, Crofton, Bowie, Columbia, Severna Park, and surrounding communities, select, install, and maintain dependable backup power systems for decades.
Our licensed electricians can evaluate your home’s electrical needs, recommend the right generator size, provide professional installation, and keep your system operating with routine maintenance and repairs. If you’re ready for greater peace of mind before the next storm, we’re here to help.
Contact Bausum & Duckett Electric today for a free generator quote or to schedule generator maintenance. We’ll help you choose the right backup power solution to keep your home safe and comfortable when the power goes out.
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