Top Benefits of Installing a Home Power Generator

Have you ever had the power go out at the worst possible time? Most of us have probably experienced an inconvenient power outage in the middle of cooking, gaming, watching an intense sports match, or hosting guests. Adding a generator to your home can make this inconvenience a thing of the past.

Of course, it’s hard to pull the trigger on adding a generator if you don’t know the benefits of a backup generator in the first place. In this article, we’ll explain the benefits of both permanent and portable generators and tell you about some of the different types of generators.

How a Generator Operates

Generators work by converting mechanical energy into electrical energy to supply power even through a power outage. A portable generator typically uses gas to spin an alternator and create that electricity. Standby generators are permanently installed and hooked up to your home’s electrical system Standby generators are run on natural gas or propane, and they kick in automatically when the power goes out. 

The generator seamlessly operates because of an Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS), which detects an outage and switches the power source to the generator in just a few seconds. This keeps essential appliances like fridges, HVAC systems, and lights functional without manually setting up the generator. 

Overall Benefits of a Generator

Even a short power outage can end up becoming a major inconvenience and create problems for your entire household. However, this can be prevented with a backup home power generator. Some of the key benefits of investing in a power generator for your home include: 

• Become weather resistant: Nasty storms can pop up at any moment and take your power out at a moment’s notice. Depending on how widespread the damage is, it could take days to restore, but a generator for whole home power backup gets your home back up and running immediately. 
• Ensure food preservation: Food in your fridge and freezer spoils quickly, and according to the FDA, you should throw out all the contents in your fridge if the power has been out for more than four hours. This could mean throwing out hundreds of dollars of food that a generator could save. 
• Minimize noise: The generator technology has come a long way, and they’re actually much quieter, especially if you get an inverter generator. 
• Increase property value: A professionally installed standby generator is more attractive to home buyers, making it a practical and valuable investment. 
• Be more environmentally friendly: Advancements in technology have made inverter generators more fuel efficient than traditional generators, which helps reduce emissions and fuel consumption. 
• Protect against surges: When there’s a weather-related power outage, it typically goes out after a voltage surge. The voltage surge can damage your appliances, but a whole-home backup generator can protect against this. 
• Provide work-from-home stability: If you work from home, power outages can disrupt your productivity and limit your ability to make money. A generator keeps your internet routers, computers, and other essential office equipment running so you aren’t interrupted.
• Give year-round comfort: A generator keeps your HVAC system operational to maintain the perfect indoor temperature, whether you’re experiencing dry heat or cold, especially during prolonged outages. 
• Provide community support: If you’re having a widespread outage, having power at your home gives you the ability to help your neighbors. They can come over and charge their devices or get a break from the heat or cold. 

If you’re still wondering whether or not it’s worth getting a backup home power generator, learn more about being prepared with a home power generator. 

Types of Generators: Portable vs. Standby

Consumer-tier generators can typically be put into one of two categories: portable generators or standby generators (permanent). Both types have distinct advantages and use cases that make them ideal for certain situations.

Portable generators are best used for rare outages and for powering devices when away from home. Permanent generators are ideal for locations where power outages are common or there is a need to consistently supply your own power.

Critical services like hospitals, fire stations, and grocery stores typically have standby permanent generators to keep their essential operations running. Portable generators are more commonly found in individual homes. 

Key Benefits of a Standby (Permanent) Generator

Having a backup power generator is a smart idea in case of a severe outage. Generators keep you prepared by providing backup power when a blackout occurs.

Permanent generators, also known as standby generators, are stationary power generators fueled by either natural gas or propane. They can plug directly into local gas utility lines, so you don’t need to refuel them like you would a portable generator.

These generators automatically sense when an outage occurs and provide power to your home within seconds of an outage. Standby generators also provide more power than the average portable generator. Some models can generate enough energy to power an entire home.

Benefits of a Portable Generator

Portable generators are often used to power specific devices and need to be manually fueled with gasoline. They need to be used outside, as they expel carbon monoxide, which can be deadly in an enclosed space. Most are started manually via ripcord, like a lawnmower.

If you are using a portable generator to power a home during an outage, it can only power a four-outlet plug or a few circuits. It’s best for running only the essentials.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Generator

Selecting the right generator will depend on your specific requirements and needs. For example, determine how much wattage you need to run all the essential appliances in your home. If your home has high energy demands, a standby generator could provide the most benefits, but a portable generator will work just fine for occasional outages.

Keep in mind that portable generators usually require gasoline, but standby models use propane or natural gas for a cleaner and more efficient option. Standby generators will also need extra space and access to utility lines, but a portable generator is more compact and can be stowed away in the garage when not in use.

Call Neighborly for Help Choosing and Installing the Right Power Generator

Even once you understand the benefits of a power generator for your home, it can feel overwhelming to decide which one and figure out how to install it. Whether you’re considering a portable generator for occasional usage during power outages or a standby generator for whole-home coverage, Neighborly® can help. 

The team of experts at Mr. Electric®, part of the Neighborly family of brands, can install your generator and help you choose the right size. Experienced in all aspects of generator installation and maintenance, they’ll help evaluate your power needs, recommend the perfect generator for your needs, and handle the installation or setup process.

When you choose to work with Neighborly and our network of brands, you’re choosing exceptional service. The Neighborly Done Right Promise™ backs all work to ensure your satisfaction. From the beginning with the initial consultation to the final inspection, you can trust that your needs will be prioritized to provide a stress-free experience.

Call today or schedule a service online to ensure your home never goes without power again.

Power Generator FAQs

As a nationally respected resource for service professionals, Neighborly conveniently connects you with the trusted local professionals you need to repair, maintain, and enhance your home or business. Our vast network of experienced pros will also answer your questions on a variety of different services. Here are answers to some of your most frequently asked questions about power generators.

How long can a backup generator power a house?

How long a generator can power a building will depend on the generator's capacity and the home's size. Portable generators can only power a house for a few hours at a time, while a standby generator, or permanent generator, can power a home for dozens of days.

What size generator do I need to back up my house?

One expert rule of thumb is to calculate the required generator size for your home, you need to identify the running watts for all the items you wish to power and then find a generator that can power all of those devices. The square footage of your home, the size of your appliances, and various other factors will all influence the size of the generator needed to back up your home.

Do I really need a generator for my home?

If you live in a storm-prone area, specifically an area with regular hurricanes or supercell storms, a power generator can help prevent multi-day outages. This will keep your food from spoiling and keep your climate control running. When deciding if you need a generator, consider the impacts of a long-term outage and if you would be able to tolerate it.

Services may vary by location. For more information, including the most accurate list of services and guidance, contact your locally owned and operated Neighborly® for details and a customized on-site assessment.