Does Every Home Need a Standby Generator? 

Imagine you’re going about your evening routine, and suddenly – darkness. The power goes out. While this might seem like a minor inconvenience at first, prolonged power outages can lead to financial losses and even pose health and safety risks. Enter the standby generator.  In this post, we explain exactly what standby generators are, how they work, and the many benefits they offer homeowners.

By the end, you can decide for yourself if a standby generator is the right choice for your household. 

What Is a Standby Generator?

A standby generator is a backup power system that automatically provides electricity to your home during a power outage. They are typically installed permanently outside your home and operate on either natural gas or propane. 

When a power outage occurs, an automatic transfer switch in the generator detects the interruption. Within seconds, the generator springs to life, restoring electricity in your home. This seamless transition ensures that essential appliances like refrigerators, heating and cooling systems, and medical equipment can continue to operate smoothly. 

Benefits of Installing a Standby Generator in Your Home 

From lighting and power outlets to kitchen appliances and heating systems, most things we use every day require electricity. Unfortunately, power outages are always a possibility and can occur unexpectedly due to severe weather conditions, equipment malfunctions, grid failure, and more.

With a standby generator, homeowners can rest assured that their daily and nightly routines will never be disrupted by a loss of electricity again. In areas that are prone to frequent power outages, the benefits of having a residential standby generator can even be lifesaving:   

Protection for Essential Equipment

A residential standby generator provides a reliable source of backup power during emergencies or power outages. This is especially important in households that rely on powered medical equipment or other necessary appliances.

Having a standby generator ensures that you and your family will have continuous access to all equipment and support in the event of power loss. 

Safety, Security, and Peace of Mind

Without power, any electronic security systems in your home will be ineffective. This can leave homes vulnerable to threats like break-ins, theft, or vandalism, and the people in the home without a way to call for help in the event of an emergency power outage.

Standby generators ensure that security systems, alarms, and cameras remain operational to provide uninterrupted safety, security, and protection on your property. 

Reduced Food Spoilage

According to the FDA, during a power outage, a full refrigerator can keep food safe for up to 4 hours, while a full freezer can maintain safe temperatures for 24-48 hours. So if your home loses power for an extended period of time, it can force you to throw away perfectly good food.

Standby generators eliminate this possibility altogether. They keep your refrigerator and freezer in perfect working order, preserving your perishable food. 

Continued Comfort

A standby generator can help maintain a comfortable living environment within your home during a power outage. In extreme weather conditions, lack of power can lead to uncomfortable and potentially unsafe temperatures.

With a standby generator, your heating and cooling systems can remain fully operational, keeping your home comfortable and safe. 

Protection for Appliances

Frequent power fluctuations or voltage surges can damage electrical appliances and devices, leading to costly repairs or replacements.

A standby generator provides a stable and consistent power supply, protecting your valuable appliances, electronics, and equiptment from potential damage caused by electrical irregularities. 

Reliable Convenience

Portable generators are a good backup power alternative for some households, but they come with a significant drawback – manual operation. In the event of a power outage, you’d need to set it up outside, connect it properly, and manually start it. Standby generators, on the other hand, offer ultimate convenience.

They are permanently installed and connect directly to your home’s electrical system through a transfer switch. If the main power grid goes down, the standby generator automatically detects the outage and seamlessly kicks in, powering your home within seconds. 

Safeguard Your Home with a Residential Standby Generator 

A standby generator in your home is an investment in comfort, safety, and peace of mind. When you choose to have one installed, you can sleep soundly knowing that if the power ever goes out, your home and family will remain safe. 

Ready to safeguard your home with a reliable standby generator? Schafer Electric is here to help! Our licensed electricians are proud to provide high-quality customer care and reliable electrical services, including residential generator installation and maintenance.

Don’t let the next power outage put your comfort and safety at risk – contact Schafer Electric online today, or give us a call at (707) 545-3300 to learn more about what we can offer you.