It depends on your needs. A standby generator is permanently installed and automatically powers your home during an outage. A portable generator is more affordable, but requires manual setup and can only power select appliances. If you experience frequent outages or want whole-home backup power, a standby generator is the best choice.

For standby generators, we typically recommend a 10-22kW unit for most homes in Windham, ME. If you just want to power essentials like your fridge, sump pump, and heat, a 5,000-7,500W portable generator may be enough. We can help you calculate the right size for your home!

• Standby generators run on natural gas or propane and can operate as long as fuel is available—they automatically turn on and off as needed.

• Portable generators have fuel tanks that typically last 6-12 hours per fill-up, depending on the size and load.

It depends on the generator’s size. A large portable generator (10,000+ watts) with an interlock kit can power most of your home, but it won’t be as seamless as a standby unit. If you need full-home backup without refueling, a standby generator is a better option.

Both allow you to safely connect a generator to your home, but:

• A manual transfer switch lets you select essential circuits (like heat, fridge, and sump pump) to power.

• An interlock kit allows a portable generator to backfeed power into your home’s panel, giving you more flexibility over what you run.

• Standby generators should be serviced at least twice a year or after every 200 hours of use. Regular maintenance includes oil changes, battery checks, and filter replacements.

• Portable generators require oil changes every 50-100 hours of use, and the fuel system should be inspected if stored for long periods.

Peak Electric offers maintenance plans to keep your generator running reliably!

Yes! Many homeowners in Maine choose financing to spread out the cost of installation. We can help you explore options to make standby power more affordable.

If you live in Windham or surrounding areas, power outages from winter storms, nor’easters, and summer storms can happen unexpectedly. A standby generator provides peace of mind, increases your home’s value, and ensures you’re never left in the dark. Many homeowners see it as a long-term investment in safety and convenience.

Most portable generators run at 65-80 decibels (dB), which is about the same noise level as a lawnmower or heavy traffic. Some inverter generators are quieter, running at 50-60 dB—similar to a normal conversation.

We make it easy! Just call Peak Electric at (207) 332-0075 or email us at owner@peakelectricmaine.com. We’ll help you choose the best generator setup for your needs and budget.