A generator kicks on in the event of a power outage, providing electricity to necessary functions. For example, you may be interested in a home standby generator so you’re not without heat during a blizzard. Likewise, a generator can power your refrigerator so your food doesn’t spoil. No matter your priorities, our Michigan, Indiana, Ohio & Florida electrical contractors offer generator installation so you’re not inconvenienced by the next power outage. Continue reading to learn if a home standby generator is a good investment for your family and lifestyle.
Benefits of a Home Standby Generator
Prevent Food From Spoiling
How long is the average power outage in your area? If the answer is longer than 4 hours, you’ll want to invest in a backup generator to keep refrigerated food at a safe temperature. Certain types of bacteria have been known to double in as little as 20 minutes once the temperature climbs above 40 degrees, according to the United States Department of Agriculture.
Bacteria can grow exponentially when it has plenty of nutrients and can make people sick if ingested. While it’s easy enough to notice mold, many foods have bad bacteria that can’t be seen, smelled, or tasted. A generatorwill protect hundreds of dollars of groceries from spoiling so you can save money and enjoy peace of mind.
Keep Pipes From Freezing
Water expands as it freezes, which is why frozen pipes can burst in the winter. We recommend investing in a to keep your home above 55 degrees at all times. That way, you won’t have to worry about bursting pipes in the middle of a power outage.
Avoid Being Inconvenienced
Nothing is more inconvenient than losing power to your home. If you’re without heat, you may even be forced to stay with a friend or relative until the power is restored. Some people even choose to stay in hotels in an area of town that still has power, making their homes targets for opportunistic burglars.
Few people are prepared for a power outage lasting several days. Fortunately, a backup generator kicks in once it detects your home has lost power. To determine the wattage of the generator you’ll need, think about what appliances you want to have running in a blackout. For example, you’ll want enough power to keep your fridge running so food doesn’t spoil.
Once you have a total wattage, multiply it by 1.5 to account for the fact that appliances use a little more electricity when they’re first turned on. We recommend only including items on your list that are absolutely essential (such as the furnace) so you can save money.
Have Peace of Mind
Do you live in an area prone to long power outages? If so, it may be a good idea to get a whole house generator for extra peace of mind during the cold weather months. That way, you won’t be without power (and heat) when it’s only 20 degrees outside.
Our electrical contractors can help you choose the right size generator for your needs. For example, some standby home generators only produce enough power for your furnace and little else. Other standby generators are able to power your entire home so you can continue living like normal.
Continue Working from Home
Do you work from home? If so, you’ll want to invest in a standby generator so you can continue working during a power outage. The last thing you want is to miss an important email or call from a client because you lost power. A backup generator, on the other hand, keeps your home connected to the internet until the power can be restored to your neighborhood–without using up your phone’s entire data plan.
Unlike a portable generator, a backup generator installed by one of our electricians runs quietly so you won’t be distracted from your work. Once the power is restored, the generator will shut itself off until it’s needed again.
gives you peace of mind against the unpredictability and inconvenience of power outages. Our generator electricians in Michigan, Indiana, Ohio & Florida understand that you want the best for your family, which is why we’ll work with you to find the best home generator for your energy needs and budget. To request a quote for generator installation or our other residential electrical services, call Whitney Services at (877) 393-2141.
