For many reasons, American homes are starting to experience more frequent power cuts and outages at various times throughout the year. The reasons for these interruptions can vary from state to state, but in almost all cases, the experience of losing connection to the grid can be both frustrating and stress-inducing.
In times when unexpected storms or extreme weather conditions leave a home without power for extended periods of time, home generator owners are often better off and feel the effects of the loss of power. As more homeowners consider the benefits of installing an alternative power source to ensure the lights stay on, many are choosing to invest in and install these extremely useful pieces of equipment.
Planning Ahead: Ensuring Uninterrupted Power in Emergency Situations
Depending on where a homeowner is located and on a variety of individual home energy needs, an unexpected loss of power can be a small inconvenience or an emergency. Losing connection to the grid for days or even weeks could greatly disrupt the routines and lives of every member of a home. A generator can prepare homeowners ahead of time for these situations.
For some, a loss in power could mean a disconnection from vital medical equipment or an inability to continue working remotely, resulting in a loss of income. To avoid being left in the dark without knowing when the power will return, investing in a solution that will provide a home with power in almost any situation is becoming an essential investment.
Power loss can happen for many reasons. Interruptions can occur because the local grid is unstable due to a lack of maintenance or fires. Unexpectedly harsh storms or heavy rains could also cause usually reliable grids to fail. For these reasons and many more, the generator industry in the US has seen a steady increase in individuals choosing to purchase generators for their homes and properties.
Understanding the Essential Capabilities of Different Generators
Because the needs of people, homes, hospitals, retail spaces and offices are unique, many kinds of generators currently exist on the market today. While most of the options work in the same general way, by converting fuel into electricity, some varieties are designed to be portable and others require a lengthy installation process to get up and running.
Understanding the differences between the capabilities and features of generators designed to power a residential home before making an upfront investment is important. Inexperienced homeowners might want to get in touch with a professional to hone in on the right option and assist with installation or maintenance throughout the lifespan of the device.
Why Investing in a Generator is Worth the Commitment
There’s no denying that purchasing a generator for use at home can be an investment. These specialized pieces of equipment can cost homeowners a significant amount upfront. Fortunately, the initial investment and commitment are worth it. The ability to stay connected to light, heating, and other essential items in emergency situations without disruptions can give individuals peace of mind and protect them from loss of life or income.
Stay Connected During Power Interruptions
Investing in a generator can be a good decision for remote workers. Because their homes also function as their office, staying connected to the internet during work hours can mean the difference between getting paid or going hungry. With a generator, remote workers and every other member of a household can enjoy uninterrupted connections to the internet to work, play, and study.
Ensure Essential Appliances Stay Powered Up
When the grid fails and the lights go out, many essential appliances will stop working. If these appliances are without power for too long, they can seriously impact a person’s health and general well-being. The most important appliances to keep running using a generator or other alternative power source include fridges, freezers, central heating systems, and security systems.
Save Money on Potential Damages
Some home appliances can be damaged if they are disconnected from a power source for extended stretches of time. Sump pumps without power can cause homes to flood and many sensitive electrical items such as personal computers can be overloaded with power when the power is restored. With a generator, these potential damages can be avoided.
Assessing Individual Home Power Needs
Before choosing a generator or other alternative power solution, it’s a good idea for homeowners to consider their individual power needs. Large homes with big families will need larger generators to accommodate personal needs and smaller families may need less power to keep the lights on. Take stock of home appliances and write down all of their wattage requirements. These figures will help with the decision-making process and help individuals understand what kind of generator will suit specific needs.
Selecting The Right Generator: Important Considerations for Homeowners
It’s important to pay attention to a range of factors before selecting a generator. Take into consideration how loud the generator might be when it’s in operation and make sure that installing one won’t upset the neighbors or homeowners association. Many modern generators also come with mobile app capabilities. This feature can be useful for owners who want to monitor the status of their equipment.
Other features to carefully consider before purchase relate to how portable the device is, how long it can run for with a single tank of fuel, and whether or not the generator has safety features to protect against overloads or power fluctuations.
