Generators in high demand following storm, power outages

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Anthony Cole checks on a borrowed generator outside of his Hillside home on Wednesday. | Keith Hale~Sun-Times

Updated: October 15, 2011 12:34AM

For Illinois residents wanting to use electronic units during power outages, home generators are proving to be useful purchases.

During the recent blackouts, many homeowners have turned to one of two types of power generator — portable generators, which typically cost between $400-$3,000 for 3,000-10,000 watt outputs, and stationary units, which are installed outside of the home and are around $5,000-$10,000 for 10,000-15,000 watts of power, according to ConsumerReports.org.

“During a blackout, the [stationary] units are like a mini power plant in your house,” said Jon Hoch, founder and CEO of Bolingbrook-based Power Equipment Direct.

According to Hoch, portable generators are in high demand in Illinois right now; the company’s website reached a record number for in-state, online traffic on Wednesday following Monday’s power outages. Likewise, many local hardware stores have restocked generator units after selling out during the week.

Unlike high-end stationary generators, which look more like large air conditioning units typically run on natural gas and can power an entire home, portable generators need to be plugged directly into the electric unit needing external power, emit carbon dioxide and are loud (equivalent to the sound of a lawn mower).

Stationary generators feature a transfer switch that automatically engages during a blackout, a feature that usually must be installed separately with portable generators. According to ConsumerReports.com, once a buyer has calculated the total wattage need for their home, a particular generator model can be purchased based on that number. For example, a typical refrigerator and sump pump run at 600 watts each, a TV runs at 350 watts, a few lights run at around 400 watts and a central air conditioning unit generally requires 5,000 watts.