Whole-House Generator Pros & Cons
An ounce of prevention can save you a pound of regret. That’s not how the saying goes, but it does hold true when it comes to preparing for a power outage. It’s always better to prepare for the worst case scenario than it is to scramble around during a crisis. Extreme weather conditions are prime circumstances for a widespread loss of electricity. Freezing temperatures, wet limbs and wind are never good for power lines. Power lines heavy with ice and snow are prone to snap. Even though crews often work tirelessly to restore power, there’s never a guarantee how long the power could be off. When the unexpected happens, you want the peace of mind that your whole-house generator will turn on and, in your home, life will go on virtually uninterrupted. But the big is question is, before you purchase one, what are the pros and cons of a whole house generator?
WHAT’S THE UPSIDE TO HAVING A WHOLE-HOUSE GENERATOR?
No one really knows when or if a storm will hit an area with 100% accuracy or which will be the one that knocks out your power. Sometimes, power outages aren’t weather related at all. It could be due to a car accident or a rotten tree limb that suddenly gives way.
Because you just never know, there are several good reasons to purchase a whole-house generator:
- When the power goes out, that usually means you’ll have no heat. With winter knocking at your Steger, Illinois or Crown Point, Indiana area home, you could be putting your family at risk. With a whole-house generator, you can avoid being dangerously cold.
- Some medical equipment needs constant electricity. A power outage could mean life or death for you or a family member. A generator ensures your health won’t be compromised.
- Food won’t spoil, phones won’t die, alarm systems won’t be off and electronics will still be on when your whole-house generator is on while the power grid is down.
- The electrical surges that often occur when power is restored will not put your appliances or electronics at risk.
ARE THERE ANY DOWNSIDES?
The biggest and maybe only downside to a whole-house generator is that it can be expensive to purchase and install, which is prohibitive to some homeowners. The caveat is that you have the choice regarding the size generator you purchase. Purchase the Mac-Daddy and run everything. Go with a smaller model, and run fewer appliances, lights and electronics.
The professionally trained Comfort Specialists at Merts Heating & Air Conditioning have the knowledge to help you navigate the decision-making process involved with choosing which whole-house generator you need.
Don’t wait until you need a whole-house generator, then it’s too late.