Get matched with top generator install pros in Great Falls, VA

If you’re wondering if you can use your electric vehicle as a backup battery, it depends on whether your EV is compatible with bidirectional charging. This technology allows energy to flow both ways, enabling vehicle-to-home (V2H) backup power, vehicle-to-load (V2L) for appliances and camping, and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) to support the power grid. Compatible EVs convert stored DC energy into usable AC power, helping reduce energy costs and enhance grid stability while providing emergency backup power.

These advanced generators use a key fob or a smartphone app to remotely start, which is ideal for getting power back on immediately without venturing outside. This feature is more common on whole home generators, but you may be able to find it on large portable generators, too.

While diesel is relatively stable, it won’t last nearly as long as propane and you may have to replace it if it sits unused for too long. Diesel can sometimes struggle to work efficiently or start engines during especially cold weather, so it’s not the best choice for every climate. Compared to fuels like propane and natural gas, diesel generators tend to be noisier and create more exhaust, which isn’t always ideal for home use.

The amount of time a standby generator can run continuously is around 3,000 hours on average. However, standby generators can generally run indefinitely as long as they have a continuous fuel supply. Generators hooked up to a home’s natural gas supply are the best option for extended usage, as these won’t rely on a finite fuel supply based on how much you have in storage. Generators running on liquid propane or diesel won’t last as long, as these require fuel storage and regular refueling to stay running.