First, a terminology note. When customers say “hard-wired generator,” they usually mean a portable generator that's wired into the house through a permanent inlet and transfer device — not a generator that's permanently mounted. That's the comparison below.
What is a hard-wired (manual) generator setup?
A permanently installed power inlet box and either a manual transfer switch or a panel interlock kit. You supply the portable generator. During an outage you roll it out, start it, plug it in, and throw the switch by hand.
What is an automatic whole-home standby generator?
A permanently mounted unit on a pad outside the house, fueled by natural gas or propane, paired with an automatic transfer switch. It detects the outage, starts itself, and transfers the house over — no one has to be home.
How fast does each restore power?
Manual: as fast as you can get outside and get it running — realistically 10–20 minutes, longer at 2 a.m. in the rain. Automatic: typically restores power within 10–30 seconds.
What does each cost installed?
Pricing depends on the equipment and your home. A manual setup (inlet box, interlock or transfer switch, permit, inspection) is the lower-cost path, plus the generator itself. Automatic standby, installed, varies with size, gas line length, panel condition, and transfer switch type. We quote both firm after a load calc and site visit.
Can I just run extension cords instead?
You can, but you're limited to what reaches. Cords won't run your well pump, furnace, water heater, or anything hardwired. And under no circumstances should a generator be back-fed through a dryer outlet — that's an illegal, unlisted connection that can kill a lineman and void your homeowner's insurance.
How long can each run?
Manual/portable: 8–12 hours per tank, then you refuel — which means keeping gas on hand and rotating it. Automatic on natural gas: indefinitely, as long as the gas main is up. On propane, a 500-gallon tank typically runs 3–5 days depending on load.
Does “whole home” really mean everything?
Not always. A properly sized unit with load management can run essentially the whole house, including central air, by shedding large loads momentarily instead of overloading. Smaller units are set up for essential circuits only. We do a load calculation before quoting so you know exactly what you're getting.
What size do I need?
Depends on square footage, number of HVAC systems, electric vs. gas water heating, well pump, and range. Most homes in this area land in the 18–26 kW range. Larger homes or multiple 5-ton units may need liquid-cooled equipment. We size it from an actual load calc, not a rule of thumb.
Does the automatic unit need gas work?
Usually yes. Many homes need a gas meter upsized to supply a standby unit at full load, and a properly sized gas line run to the pad. We coordinate that with the utility and our licensed gas partner.
Where does it go?
On a level pad outside, with manufacturer-required clearances from the house, windows, doors, and combustibles. We'll walk the site and confirm placement before install.
Is a permit required?
Yes — electrical permit and inspection, plus a gas permit where applicable. We pull permits and handle inspections on every job.
How loud is it?
An automatic standby runs around 60–70 dB at 20 feet — roughly a window A/C unit. Most portables are noticeably louder and have to sit closer to the house to reach the inlet.
What maintenance does it need?
Automatic units run a brief weekly self-test and need an annual service: oil, filter, plugs, and a battery check. Batteries typically last about three years. Portables need fuel stabilized or drained between uses and the same annual service.
What about carbon monoxide?
Portables must run outdoors, well away from windows, doors, and vents — never in a garage, even with the door open. Standby units are permanently sited with code-required clearances, which removes the guesswork.
Which one is right for me?
Choose the manual setup if outages are short and infrequent, you're usually home, and budget is the driver. Choose automatic standby if you have a well, sump pump, medical equipment, a home office, or you travel — anything where being away during an outage is a real problem.
Do you service what you install?
Yes. We install, permit, commission, and maintain both setups, and offer annual service plans for standby units.