Here in New England, we’re no strangers to power outages. From heavy snow and damaging ice storms in the winter (and fall… and spring!) to summer thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and torrential rain, we’ve seen it all. And for some homeowners, this is worrying! Maybe you did okay during the last power outage, but do you really want to go through that again? You may find yourself wondering whether a generator is the right option.
Do You Need a Generator?
It may seem unnecessary, but your first step should be to assess whether you really need a generator to begin with.
Some New Englanders pride themselves on surviving power outages. The stories of long outages begin to sound like fisherman’s tales: “I went without power for two weeks back in ‘08!”
But others aren’t so keen on the idea of being left in the dark. This may include elderly homeowners or those with special needs who really can’t afford to be without power, but it also includes those homeowners who just enjoy the comforts of a home with electricity!
Consider your personal needs when deciding whether or not you need a generator. If you don’t mind extended outages from time to time, a generator may not be in your best interest, but if the idea of another outage is less than exciting for you, it’s time to think about purchasing one.
What Type of Generator is Right for You?
Despite the frequency of hard-hitting storms in the area, it seems that right before each new storm hits, New Englanders make their way to their local hardware stores en masse, snatching every last generator off the shelves in frenzied last-minute preparation.
Think about this; if you grab the last generator left in the store, what are the chances it’s going to meet all of your requirements? Will it be the right voltage to power everything you need to run during an outage? Will it be the right brand? The right price? Probably not!
This is why it’s important to do some thinking in advance. What type of generator is really right for you? There are two main types of generator: standby and portable. Each type has its own advantages, and the type you choose will depend on your unique needs. However, we recommend standby generators over portable ones because of a few key advantages.
Do I Need a Standby Generator?
As you decide whether or not a standby generator is the right choice for your home, consider these points.
What Do You Need to Power?
Generators come in many different sizes, and the size you’ll need will depend on what devices you plan to keep running during an outage. If you only want to run a few appliances, such as your refrigerator, you may not need a standby generator. But if you want to run multiple appliances, keep the lights on, run your air conditioner, and watch television, a standby generator will be your best option. They are much more powerful and can handle power more devices – making your home more comfortable during extended outages.
The Power of Convenience and Reliability
Picture this: the next time there’s a big storm, your electricity goes out. What do you do?
If you have a portable generator, you’ll go to your garage or shed and drag your generator out of storage. You’ll trudge through rain or snow until you find the ideal place to put your generator, and then you’ll get it running. Did you remember to buy fuel for it? When was the last time it was run?
If you have a standby generator, your power goes out. Your generator – constantly monitoring your electricity – turns on, and you have backup power.
Which one sounds easier? Standby generators come with peace of mind you can’t get from a portable generator. You don’t have to do anything to get it running – and it will turn on even if you’re not home! You’ll never have to worry about coming home from vacation to burst pipes and a fridge full of spoiled food.
Cost
For many homeowners, the cost of a standby generator is the one thing standing in the way of purchasing one. While it is true that standby generators come at a higher cost than portable ones, the convenience and ability to power more appliances throughout the home is well worth the higher price tag.
Take the Next Step
Is a standby generator the right solution for your home? If you’re interested in installing a home generator, contact us today. One of our qualified technicians would be happy to help you select the generator that’s right for your home.