What to Know About Backup Power Before Storm Season
When a storm rolls through, your first priority is keeping your family safe. But once the wind and rain pass, you're often left dealing with the aftermath, which frequently includes a power outage. Whether it lasts for a few hours or a few days, losing power can be a real challenge.
Having a plan for backup power is one of the best ways to stay comfortable and prepared. Here is a look at the basics of keeping your home powered up when the grid goes down.
Portable vs. Whole-Home Generators
There are two main ways to handle backup power. Portable generators are a common choice for running a few essential items like a refrigerator or a couple of lamps. They run on gasoline or propane and need to be set up outside in a well-ventilated area every time you use them.
Whole-home standby generators, on the other hand, are permanently installed outside your home, much like an air conditioning unit. They run on your home’s natural gas or propane supply and turn on automatically the moment the power goes out.
Knowing Your Essentials
Before choosing a backup power solution, it helps to think about what you absolutely need during an outage. For most homeowners, the priorities are:
· Refrigeration: To keep food from spoiling.
· Well Pumps: For homes that rely on well water for drinking and plumbing.
· HVAC Systems: Keeping the heat or AC running, especially during extreme temperatures.
· Medical Equipment: Ensuring life-saving devices stay powered.
Generally speaking, a portable generator will not be able to handle a load like this. Most families can benefit from the installation of a whole-home generator.
The Importance of Safe Installation
No matter which path you choose, safety is the most important factor. Portable generators should never be run inside a garage or crawlspace due to carbon monoxide risks. For whole-home systems, professional installation is a must to ensure the unit is integrated correctly with your electrical panel and fuel lines.
Getting Ready Before the Clouds Roll In
The best time to think about backup power is while the sun is still shining. Waiting until a storm is on the horizon usually means dealing with sold-out stores and busy schedules.
Looking at your options now ensures that when the next storm hits, your home stays bright and your family stays comfortable. At Standard, we can help you get the generator products and services you need, as well as provide you with safe installation, maintenance and repair. Give us a call and we will be happy to discuss your options with you.
