Is a Whole House Generator Worth It?
A power outage in Radford, VA, can cause a lot of problems, from little annoyances to major threats to people's safety. When the electricity goes out, a whole-house generator is a dependable backup that keeps the lights on. If you're trying to decide whether a whole-house generator is necessary for your home, here are some things to think about:
1. Frequent Power Outages
Frequent power outages can cause severe disruptions to your routine. This can be inconvenient and might even cause harm to electrical items. By ensuring that electricity is always available, a whole-house generator helps to reduce the negative effects of power outages.
2. Medical Dependence on Electricity
Power outages can jeopardize the health and well-being of individuals dependent on medical devices, such as ventilators, oxygen concentrators, dialysis machines, and other types of equipment that rely on electricity. A whole-house generator ensures continuous power, safeguarding a patient’s health by preventing disruptions to critical medical devices during power outages.
3. Remote Location
Power outages can cause major delays in the restoration of service in remote places. In places where infrastructure repairs take longer, having a dependable supply of energy like a generator is crucial.
4. Home-Based Business
Many home-based businesses use computers, servers, and communication tools for business purposes. All of these devices rely on electricity. A whole-house generator is crucial to preventing disruptions, ensuring uninterrupted operation of essential business equipment, and maintaining productivity during power outages.
5. Sump Pump Operation
Electricity is necessary for the functioning of sump pumps, which are key to preventing basement flooding. Your sump pump can protect your home from damage from storms and severe rains thanks to a generator that allows electricity to remain on.
6. Climate Control Needs
Particularly in regions with severe weather, it is critical to maintain a suitable interior atmosphere. You can keep your home's heating and cooling systems in good working order by installing a generator, which ensures the well-being of residents and prevents problems linked to ineffective temperature control. When an HVAC system struggles to keep your house at a comfortable temperature, it can cause discomfort, health problems, and higher energy bills. Temperature swings can even damage furniture and other belongings. They can also lower the quality of the air inside the home, further compromising the health and well-being of residents.
7. Home Automation Systems
A loss of electricity can trigger numerous problems for smart houses that use various automation technologies. A generator adds peace of mind by guaranteeing that these systems, including security equipment, will continue to run. This improves convenience and safety of your residence.
8. Property Value
Installing a whole-house generator can increase the attractiveness and resale value of your home. Potential buyers will see it as a valuable feature, especially in regions that are prone to power outages.
Choosing the Best Type of Whole-House Generator for Your Home
Considerations such as power requirements, fuel type, and system characteristics are essential when selecting the most suitable whole-house generator. In the event of a power outage, a standby generator running on propane or natural gas can seamlessly and automatically supply backup power. Portable generators are convenient, but you have to operate them by hand. They can also be dangerous if they are placed too close to the home. To get the best house generator, it's important to assess your home's unique power needs as well as the installation factors. It's equally as important to receive advice from an expert.
Types of Whole-House Generators
Whole-house generators come in two primary types: portable and standby. When the electricity goes out, a standby generator, which is permanently attached to your home's electrical system, kicks into gear. They run on propane or natural gas.
On the other hand, portable generators are convenient because of their portability and adaptability. The fuels that power them are diesel, gasoline, or propane. Portable generators provide convenience but need human intervention during setup, in contrast to a standby generator's trouble-free operation. Portable generators produce carbon monoxide gas, so there are specific safety measures that should be followed when using this type of generator. For example, it should be placed outside of the home, far away from windows and doors.
New River Heating & Air is here to help with all of your indoor comfort needs. We help Radford homeowners with a variety of heating and cooling services, including duct cleaning, indoor air quality testing, and generator installation and repair. Give us a call today to learn all about picking the best generator for your home.