How Important Is Having a Generator for Your Home?
Those of us who aren’t used to power outages, end up taking electricity for granted. That’s why when we do experience an outage, we can’t help but feel powerless. Our current lifestyles revolve around electricity. From our lights and fans to phones, appliances and stoves — everything requires electricity. A power failure can completely disable us.
That’s where generators come in — not only are they required in commercial settings but they’re also just as important in residential settings now. Why? Let’s dig in and find out.
REASONS TO BUY A GENERATOR
You live somewhere with frequent power outages
About 940 million people in the world don’t have access to electricity. Sounds unbelievable, doesn’t it? There’s another faction of people who are constantly exposed to load shedding — a process where power companies introduce power shortages in certain areas to balance the supply and demand. Some can learn how to live without electricity but others may suffer.
The cure? Purchasing an electricity generator or installing other means of backup energy such as UPS (uninterruptible power supply) or perhaps even solar panels.
It will charge your electric car
Even if you aren’t regularly exposed to power outages, having a generator can serve as a backup when you’re caught in one and you’re in dire need of electricity. You might get caught up in a whirl of power outages right before you have to head out. So what do you do? Should you cancel your plans? Book a cab and spend hundreds of dollars? No, you keep a generator in your home and use it to charge your car!
You work from home
Working from home is the new deal after the pandemic and frankly, it has been in the works for quite a few years now. Not only do you require electricity to charge your desktop, tab, or laptop but you also require your Wi-Fi router to work without hindrance. An electricity generator, in such a case, is a must!
You may also have to attend important virtual meetings and you’ll only be able to do that if you have enough light inside your home.
Prevents food spoilage
If you have a fridge stacked with food, you’re going to have to protect it during a power outage. While it may be able to withstand two to three hours of outage, longer outages may result in food spoilage. The solution? You’re going to need an electricity backup to power your fridge.
You live somewhere with extreme heat
If you live in a tropical climate, you’re going to have to keep your air conditioners powered throughout the year. If you live in hotter regions, Florida, Arizona, or Yuma — there’s no way you’ll be comfortable without an electricity backup.
For visibility and home protection
Security systems are powered by electricity. In case of a power failure, your lights and home security will crash. This puts you and your family at direct risk of burglaries. An electricity generator at such a time is vital.
TYPES OF GENERATORS
There are three primary types of generators — portable and inverter generators that can power different appliances on the spot and stand-by generators that are used as a backup.
Stand-by generators
Stand-by generators are different from the next two kinds. They’re used as backups for industrial, commercial as well as residential systems.
Portable generators
Most portable generators are gasoline-powered and can help you power various appliances. They are typically built to withstand harsh temperatures and can easily be carried around.
Inverter generators
Almost all inverter generators are gasoline-powered which makes them more energy efficient. Their use is similar to that of portable generators but they usually power smaller and more sensitive appliances.
SUMMING IT UP: WHAT ELSE TO CONSIDER?
Before you purchase a generator, make sure you consider your power needs. If you’re looking to buy a generator for your home, we suggest purchasing a portable generator.