The best time to buy a whole house generator is before you need one, which is why you should start thinking about looking for one now. A backup generator will act as insurance for your home and provide the power you need in the case of a power outage.
Last year our community experienced a blizzard and the power grid was out for days, leaving many people stranded without electricity to run their essential appliances. Those who had a backup generator already installed were able to keep their homes warm, their food cold, and their electronics charged. Buying a backup generator will give you and your family peace of mind that you are well prepared in the case of a short-term or long-term power outage.
Types of House Generators
There are two main types, a portable generator, and a standby / whole-house generator. A portable generator is a temporary energy solution that is powered by gasoline. A standby / whole-house generator is a more permanent solution that will automatically provide energy when the power goes out. These are usually powered by natural gas or liquid propane.
While both are practical solutions for powering your house during a power outage, the whole-house generator is the safer and more stable option. It will automatically start when the power goes out, even if away from home. They supply more power than any other type, and you can choose your fuel choice. After installation, it will require routine maintenance, and even some models will complete self-diagnostics and let you know when a repair is needed.
Increase in Power Outages
Power outages from extreme weather are becoming more common, and backup generators are essential for every homeowner. Only 3% of American households have home standby generators installed, and that number will likely increase substantially in the coming years. Outages due to bad weather have increased by almost 70% in the past ten years.
If you’re wondering if you should buy a backup generator, the answer is likely a resounding YES! Don’t wait until a storm hits and rush to buy a generator that won’t serve your needs in an emergency. It can be dangerous to try and install one yourself during a storm, and you could easily miss-steps to set one up safely. Instead, have a professional make the right connections with electrical and fuel for safety reasons.
Our professionals at Residential Electrical Services can help make you as prepared as you can be for a weather-related outage. We can help you choose the right generator for your needs and offer installation services. Our experienced electricians can even help with permits, noise restrictions, and setting up the generator in the proper location. Start looking for the right generator for your home today. Next time you lose electricity, your future self will thank you!
