Home generators are more popular than ever, and there are lots of reasons why. But if you still can’t decide whether or not to take the plunge, we’ve compiled a list of the top reasons why investing in a generator might make sense for you:
- You have weather. That may sound like a smart-aleck thing to say, but seriously, if you have thunderstorms, ice storms, snowstorms, hail storms, hurricanes, nor’easters, tornadoes or just about any other type of major storm event or severe weather in your region, you’re at risk for a power outage. Having a backup generator on hand will ensure you’re ready to “weather” any storm (pun intended) by providing you with the considerable peace of mind that comes from knowing your appliances, heater and lights will still be operable while repairs are being made to the grid.
- You live in an area where sudden outages are not uncommon. In some areas of the U.S. where severe weather occurs on a regular basis, sudden power outages become much more of a reality. Sometimes these outages are due to storms that are almost predictable in their seasonal regularity; other times, outages can be caused by rolling blackouts or brownouts designed to prevent the power grid from breaking down or occurring as a result of aging infrastructure. Rolling outages are especially common in major metro areas during summer heatwaves when air conditioner use is at its peak. Having a portable generator means you can still enjoy power in your own home even when the grid goes down.
- You or a family member relies on medical equipment that uses electricity. From powered stair lifts to breathing devices to refrigeration to keep medicines from spoiling, having a generator on hand is essential for ensuring you’re not left facing a harmful or potentially life-threatening power outage.
- You’re in a flood area. Some areas of the country are just more prone to floods and the power outages they can cause, and having a generator on hand makes sense, especially considering that flooding can cause outages to be prolonged. Your generator will come in mighty handy when it’s time to pump out your wet basement. Even areas that aren’t prone to flood can have flash floods that can be devastating (consider Arizona’s experience this past autumn).
- You work at home. Nearly a quarter of the U.S. population works at least part of the time from a home office. If you depend on your home to earn part of your living, having a backup home generator means you don’t have to worry about losing customers when the power goes out. Plus, a generator used for business purposes may be deductible under the home use of business deduction (IRS Publication 587).
- You rely on a freezer. A freezer can be a great tool for saving money by buying in bulk. But when a power outage causes all your food to spoil, the cost savings go down the drain. Having a generator protects your investment and preserves your cost savings.
These are just a few of the most popular reasons to invest in a portable home generator. Depending on your needs, you can probably think of lots more. When you’re ready to learn more, give us a call. We’ll be happy to help.