Why Every Home & Business Should Have a Backup Generator

As climate conditions continue to deteriorate around the world, we experience harsh storms and weather conditions like never before. Historically, weather forecasters expect 10 named storms occur each season but the last 3 years have been very active with 12 (2005) – 30 (2020) named storms.

Flooding and power outages are the most common effects of these storms. The average power outage in the United States is only 85 minutes, but that hides the extreme ends where people can be without power for 3 to 15 days. While you can’t prepare for the unpredictable circumstances that come with bad weather, you can be ready for power outages with the help of a backup generator.

Backup generators ensure that you and your family stay safe with life-saving power even in the worst of storms. While some may think that keeping a generator is a waste of time and money,  it is important to pay close attention to the continued worsening of weather, especially in the coastal regions.

Reasons to Buy a Backup Generator

There are many good reasons to buy a backup generator, and one major reason is safety. Backup generators can help keep your family safe in severe weather or other emergencies, whether you’re at home or away. And with a backup generator, you won’t have to worry about losing power when it matters most.

While some may think thathaving a backup generator is a waste of time and money,  it is important to pay close attention to the continued worsening of weather, especially in the coastal regions.

Backup During Power Outages

There is no telling when a power outage can occur. It doesn’t always have to be due to severe weather conditions but can also occur due to a tree simply giving out and falling on an electric line. We are so reliant on electricity that you need to be prepared for such occurrences, even if they don’t happen that often.

Think about it — how long can you survive without your TV, Wi-Fi, or other electronic devices? The answer is probably quite some time since those aren’t necessary services. Now think about someone with an oxygen machine or other medical equipment that they rely on to survive. Even a few hours without those items could be disastrous for these patients.

Power outages don’t just occur for a few minutes. The average length of time for an outage is 84 minutes from first happening to restoration of power. If something goes wrong with the wire or pole, the chances are you will be without electricity for hours if not days. You want to make sure that the outage doesn’t affect your home or business for too long. A standby generator can provide you with the power you need so there is no need to panic if a power outage was to occur and you can continue on with your business without a hitch.

Use Cases for a Portable Generator: 

Recreational Use: Camping, Tailgating or RV Power

Most recreational activities take place outdoors, where electricity is usually scarce. Be it camping out in the wild or a tailgate party outside the stadium, you won’t find a source of power, but you can bring your own. A generator can help you power pretty much anything you like, making  camping and outdoor trips a lot easier as you can charge your electronic devices as well as use electronic appliances such as a countertop cooker. This will get your family more excited about the trip as it allows them to stay connected to their world as they are out in the wild.

Construction

Construction on new sites can be difficult as there is no electric grid or source of power. A lot of heavy machinery and tools are required for building projects, and these require power. Generators can help with construction as they provide a source of energy for all the equipment, so building and welding things will continue on site even if there is no electricity grid present.

Types of Generators

There are different types of generators in the market today. You need to understand what your main use of the generator will be, whether it will be for camping purposes or be used as an emergency generator in case of a power outage, and purchase one accordingly.

1. Standby Generators

A standby generator is great for businesses and homes. They remain on standby until a power outage occurs in which they kick in to provide power. These generators usually are powered with liquid propane or natural gas. Since these are powerful and can be noisy from time to time, these are stationed outside homes and businesses.

The great thing about standby generators is they provide power automatically once an outage occurs. This means you don’t have to worry about doing anything on your own. It will give you peace of mind that your office equipment is still functioning even if a storm occurs after work hours. The generator has enough fuel to provide power for hours, so you can make it to your business after the storm dies down. Also, a standby generator can easily provide enough power for all home and office appliances.

2. Portable Generators

Portable generators are perfect for those that need electricity when they are outdoors for camping, tailgating, and other activities. These are more compact than standby generators, have a smaller fuel tank, and are also fitted with wheels, for mobility.

Portable generators are less powerful than standby, providing more than enough power for your outings. However, if you plan on using them for homes and offices, you may want to check the power output to make sure it can handle all your electrical needs. These are generally recommended for smaller homes and offices. If you're in the market for a portable generator see our guide 7 Considerations When Buying A Portable Generator

3. Solar Generators

Solar generators can be expensive, but in the long run, they can prove to save you money. This generator is ideal for homes and offices in an area where sunshine is regular. The generator uses sunlight to generate energy that can be stored. These are easy to maintain and require minimum repairs over time. You save much on fuel costs since they do not use any.

Whole House Generators

Whole-house generators keep your lights on and power flowing to appliances like furnaces, well pumps, and refrigerators during a utility outage. They connect to your home’s existing natural gas or LP fuel supply, so there’s no need for gasoline cans or separate fueling sources. And because they start automatically, whether you’re at home or away you don’t have to be around when the power goes out to turn them on.

Although installing a whole-house generator is a large project that can cost thousands of dollars, it is a worthwhile investment especially if you live in an area where you experience frequent power outages.

Choosing The Right Home and Office Backup Generators

Picking the right backup generator can be a tough task. You need to consider how much electric output is required from the generator, so you can get enough for your home or office.

Smaller generators don’t have the capacity to power bigger home appliances such as heating and cooling system. If you aren’t aware of exactly what your requirements are, you can seek help from a qualified electrician to help you. Explain your needs, and then come back to our website for all of our generator reviews.

The need for a backuppower generator is increasing day by day. As weather conditions continue to worsen each year, you want to make sure your home or business is protected in case of outages. Without abackup generator, you put your family and your employees, and your business’s vital services at risk.