According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 25% of Americans experience a power outage each year. In many cases, an outage will last for more than six hours.
The longer your power is out, the more uncomfortable life can be. In some cases, and especially in regions prone to powerful storms or frequent outages, installing a home generator offers a ton of benefits.
1. Uninterrupted Power Supply
Perhaps the most obvious benefit of a home generator is the continuous power supply during outages. When the grid fails, your generator can begin providing electricity to your home when it’s most needed. Your essential appliances, medical equipment, and security systems remain operational regardless of external power conditions.
2. Protection of Perishable Food
Power outages often lead to food spoilage. A home generator keeps your refrigerator and freezer running, which of course allows you to keep your perishables in the fridge safe. For those of us who stock up on groceries or maintain a deep freezer, this benefit alone can justify the generator investment during extended outages. As well, it’s always a good idea to make sure HVAC system is running smoothly and doesn’t hit a snag during normal operation.
3. Climate Control Maintenance
Extreme temperatures during power outages can quickly transform your home from comfortable to unbearable. Home generators power heating and cooling systems. This will keep you indoor temperatures where you need them, regardless of outside conditions. This benefit is particularly important if in your home you have elderly members, young children, or individuals with health conditions who are affected by temperature extremes.
4. Home Office Continuity
With remote work now pretty commonplace, power outages can disrupt our professional work or small business operations. A home generator keeps your internet connection, computers, and other work equipment operational, no matter the external power issues.
5. Protection of Smart Home Systems
On our blog, we talk about the value of smart thermostats. But that’s not the only thing smart in many of our homes. A lot of homes have integrated smart systems controlling things like security or lighting. Without power, these systems become vulnerable or non-functional. Generators protect these investments and maintain the convenience and security they provide.
6. Prevention of Water Damage
For homes with sump pumps or well water systems, power outages can lead to flooding or water access issues. Generators keep these systems functioning, preventing potentially catastrophic water damage during storms that often coincide with power failures.
7. Peace of Mind During Emergencies
Perhaps the most valuable benefit is the reassurance that comes with knowing your home will remain functional during emergencies. When severe weather or infrastructure failures occur, generator owners can focus on safety rather than scrambling to address power-related concerns.
Closing Thoughts
While the initial investment for a home generator may seem pretty stiff, it does offer some compelling long-term benefits. With unpredictable weather, especially here in the Ozarks, it’s nice to be able to rely on a home generator during a bad storm and any ensuing power outages.
If you have any questions about generators or concerns about your HVAC system, please get in touch.