Gas, Propane & Portable Generators

Portable vs. Automatic Home Standby Power

Be prepared for emergencies such as hurricanes, serve storms, or extended power outages. Generators can provide essential power to keep critical appliances running, maintain communication, and help ensure safety and comfort when the power goes out. This comparison chart can help you find the best backup power choice for your home or business.

	Portable Power Stations	Portable Generators	Home Standby Generators
	Ideal for apartments & condos	For emergencies & on the go	Permanent peace of mind
Uses	Clean, quiet, emission-free power with no fumes or fuel. Also great for camping and tailgating.	Additional non-emergency uses: camping, job sites, tailgating.	Whole home or essential circuit backup power.
Starting	A simple ON/OFF button.	Must be home when the power goes out to start and connect almost all portable generators.	Starts automatically when utility power is lost – whether you’re home or away.
Connecting	Ports on the unit itself offer numerous connection options, including 2 USB-A and 2 USB-C receptacles in addition to AC, DC and a wireless charging pad.	Can be connected to individual appliances via extension cord but must be connected to the home via a manual transfer switch for whole home/specific circuit backup.	Permanently connected to your home’s electrical system.
Refueling	No refueling necessary. Simply recharge the unit by connecting to a wall outlet when power returns. The unit also supports recharging with the available solar panels or connection to a car or generator.	Must be refueled every 6-12 hours, depending on loads and size of fuel tank. Fueling options include gasoline and liquid propane.	No refueling necessary if connected to a natural gas line or propane tank.
Capacity	Able to power smaller, specific devices, such as a kitchen appliance, laptop or phone. Can also be paralleled for additional capacity and backup power.	A wide range of options for every need, including smaller units that can be paralleled for additional power, or units large enough to provide whole home backup when paired with a manual transfer switch.	Can power your entire home or selected circuits.
Monitoring	With no refueling and zero maintenance, no monitoring is necessary.	Must monitor operation in person.	Monitor the generator's performance with Mobile Link^™ from anywhere.

Having a backup generator in your home will keep you prepared should the power go out unexpectedly. At Ace, you'll find a variety of generators from brands like Generac, EGO, Champion and others that will meet your needs during any emergency.

Portable Generators

Small, compact, and readily mobile, portable generators come in a wide range of fueling options, including gasoline, propane, battery power or solar energy. Many portable generators can offer long run times to warm up your house and salvage some food from your refrigerator for short power outages.

While they may not be able to power your whole house for extended periods, they can make power outages slightly more bearable. They're also incredibly useful for camping trips and home or yard work far away from electrical outlets.

Electric, Propane and Gasoline Generators

There are many different types of generators available, including battery-power generators, propane generators, gas-powered generators and more. Learn more about each one to see which is right for your needs:

Propane generator: Propane and natural gas generators are relatively inexpensive to maintain with a low-cost fuel source. They use clean-burning fuels, unlike gasoline, and work well as a whole-home solution to backup power.
Gasolinegenerator: Although more expensive to fuel than natural gas or propane models, gas generators are reliable, affordable and easy to use. They work well as portable generators but should only be used outdoors, so be sure to keep a gas can
Electric generator: Also known as a battery generator, these models are reliable options that require minimal maintenance and don't require fuel storage. Battery-powered generators emit little to no fumes, allowing you to operate them indoors—ideal for keeping essential appliances running during short outages. Just keep your electric generator charged for reliable performance.

The helpful folks at Ace Hardware can help you determine which generator works best for your needs.

Whole Home Generator

Connected to a natural gas line or a propane tank, a standby home generator is a bigger, stationary unit. Many models turn on as soon as the power goes off, and they offer a constant and reliable energy output in the event of a blackout. Although they require regular maintenance, consider a standby generator that can run long enough to protect your home and your family if a storm knocks you off the power grid for longer periods.

Inverter Generator

An electric generator might seem like the last thing needed during a power outage, but a power inverter generator uses an engine connected to an alternator to produce AC power and convert it to DC power. DC power can be stored and used later, so they are useful during power outages, though wattage is limited. Power inverters are also great for adventures like RV travel, tailgating and camping.

How Do Backup Generators Work for You?

Having a backup generator to step in when the power goes out is crucial. They help maintain a degree of normalcy in trying situations and can also help prevent costly mistakes and uncomfortable living situations.

Heating: Electricity powers many heating systems in the United States, meaning your home furnace might not turn on without it. It may get cold quickly without a backup energy source if the power is knocked out in the winter.
Water: Electricity powers water heaters and the pumps in your house—once flushed, toilets will not refill, and once hot water is used up, it will not be replenished, causing even greater disturbances and discomfort.
Cooling: The refrigerator will not keep food cooled or frozen if the power is not restored soon after it goes out, potentially spoiling hundreds of dollars of groceries and frozen goods.

Prepare your home for heating, water, and cooling situations when the power cuts out with a generator at Ace.

Shop Backup Generators Near You at Ace

When you experience a power outage, a quality backup generator can make all the difference. Before an outage or severe weather hits your community, buy a portable or standby generator for added peace of mind. That way, you can ensure that you're never without power, especially when you need it most. Shop backup generators near you at Ace, from portable power inverters to natural gas portable generators and others, and take advantage of quick delivery or in-store pickup.

Then, browse our range of flashlights to keep on hand for emergencies. Also, think of Ace when shopping for outdoor power equipment like snow blowers and riding mowers, as well as replacement parts and accessories to keep them operating at their best.