5 Reasons You Need a Standby Generator

Are you prepared for an emergency? A standby generator powers your home during a blackout so you can stay safe and comfortable for days.  Our electrical contractors can help you find the right size (wattage) generator for your needs so you can have peace of mind. Continue reading to learn the five benefits of generator installation.

1. Maintain Power in a Blackout

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.

2. Enjoy 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 before winter. That way, you won’t be without power (and heat) when it’s only 20 degrees outside. Our electrical contractor can help you choose the right size generator for your needs. For example, some 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.

3. 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 an electrician runs quietly so you won’t be distracted from your work. Once the power’s restored, the generator will shut itself off until it’s needed again.

4. Preserve Food

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 generator will protect hundreds of dollars of groceries from spoiling so you can save money and enjoy peace of mind.

5. Prevent Frozen Pipes

Water expands as it freezes, which is why frozen pipes can burst in the winter. We recommend investing in a standby generator 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.

Call Our Electricians Today!

Have electrical problems? Our Lowell electrical contractors work hard to earn your business. To request a quote for generator installation, call Flat River Electric at (616) 987-0596. This blog post has been updated.