Almost everyone knows that they can use a portable generator to supply their home or business with needed electricity when the power fails. Most people don't realize that portable generators can have serious drawbacks when used for this purpose. Take fuel for example, you have to add gasoline to a portable generator to keep it running. How about connecting portables to your appliances? Lots of extension cords running through the house is not always convenient. Is noise an issue? Portables have a reputation for being loud. Power quality can vary on portables. A portable generator may not be the best choice to power your television or refrigerator with, let alone heating or air conditioning systems. And since its portable, you have to move it, start it (with a pull cord usually) and stop it manually.