Unexpected power outages are not only inconvenient, but they can also create significant issues for your loved ones and your home. As major storms continue occurring more frequently and with catastrophic results, Connecticut residents have become aware of just how much damage power outages can produce. In response to these risks, many homeowners choose to invest in generators to protect their families from inevitable power failure. Generators of the past were bulky, loud, and polluting. However, modern technology has allowed manufacturers to produce portable and standby generators that are quiet, environmentally friendly, and easy to use.
Take a look through the information below to learn why you need a generator and the difference between portable vs. standby generators. Then, once you’ve made your decision, contact Spicer Gas to discuss the next steps in how we can help you prepare your home for the next power outage.
Reasons to Get a Generator for Your Home
Power outages happen suddenly and without warning, especially in extreme weather conditions. High winds, thunderstorms, hurricanes, tornadoes, blizzards, ice storms, and flooding all carry the potential for disrupting your region’s power supply. But the cold months of the year aren’t the only reason you should wish for a generator. When temperatures hit record highs, and the electricity demand cannot keep up with supply, overburdened equipment can malfunction and cannot power your home. Automobile accidents, nearby excavations, curious wildlife, and downed tree branches can also contribute to loss of power.
When a well supplies your water, losing power causes the pump and filtration systems to stop functioning, preventing you from accessing safe, clean water. Or, if you utilize a sump pump to keep areas of your home dry, a power outage means your pump won’t run, and water will go into your house – causing serious structural damage to your home. When your heating system relies on electricity to function, a brutal winter storm can leave your family in the cold. For loved ones with medical devices powered by electricity, any incident that allows the power to go out can quickly go from dangerous to deadly.
Standby vs. Portable Generators
The two primary back-up power sources available to homeowners are portable generators and standby generators. A standby generator can be installed permanently, operates using liquid propane or natural gas, and starts by itself when the power goes out. They have enough power to meet all the electricity needs of your home, including lights, the water heater, and appliances, such as refrigerators, air conditioning units, and electric ovens. Portable generators are temporary back-up power sources that run on gasoline and require manual starting with a pull cord. They connect to specific items with an extension cord and provide power only to those items.
When comparing standby vs. portable generators, standby generators offer greater safety, reliability, and convenience. Because they turn on automatically when the power goes out, your home will enjoy access to electricity regardless of where you are when you lose power. These advantages make them much more expensive than portable generators.
Portable generators are cheaper and more user-friendly, but they involve manual start-up and close monitoring. They offer less convenience than standby generators as they require gas to operate, meaning you must regularly refill it. Portable generators also carry a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning due to the engine exhaust. While standby generators need maintenance every two years, keeping a portable generator in good working condition involves cleaning the plug, checking the oil gauge, and adjusting the fuel pump.
You Need a Generator — Contact Spicer Today
We all like to think we are prepared for the worst-case scenario and that we can keep our families safe even in dire circumstances. But the truth is we are constantly vulnerable to the issues described above, and without a generator, you are woefully unprepared for the next inevitable power outage. With power outages sometimes lasting for weeks, the only way to ensure your family has access to electricity is by purchasing a generator for your home. Investing in a generator now means you can navigate even the worst situations with ease, confidence, and peace of mind.
At Spicer, we will work with you to determine your home’s energy needs and find the right solution for you. With over 109 years of meeting the heating needs of Connecticut homeowners, you can rest assured you will receive the highest quality service at the most competitive prices. Contact us today by calling (860) 859-9070, sending an email to [email protected], or filling out the form on our website.