Power outages can happen at any time, often when you least expect them. A quick summer thunderstorm or an unexpected winter blizzard can leave you sitting in the dark. And while outages are often short-lived, some can last for days.
When the lights go out for an extended period, you may start to worry about frozen pipes, spoiled food, and electronic devices running out of power. Installing a home generator can give you some peace of mind.
Home generators come in a variety of sizes depending on your needs. We’ll look at what you need to know before you buy one and answer questions like, “Where do I find the best home generators for sale near me?”.
If you need further information, you can see more at Surfside Services.
Do You Really Need a Generator?
If power outages in your area are rare, you may not really need one. But if blackouts happen frequently or last a long time, a home generator can save you a lot of headaches. Here are some signs it may be time to invest in a backup power system:
- You live in an area prone to severe storms that often knock out electricity.
- Your home has electric heating and cooling. Losing power means you have no temperature control.
- You or a family member relies on medical equipment that requires electricity.
- You work from home and cannot afford your Wi-Fi and devices to lose power.
- You have a refrigerator/freezer stocked with expensive food and medicine that could spoil.
If weather consistently takes out your power, causes you major inconveniences, or puts your family’s safety at risk, it may be worthwhile to have a generator installed.
What Size Generator Do You Need?
Home generators range in power from just 5,000 watts to over 25,000 watts. To decide what size you need, make a list of everything you want to run during an outage. Each appliance’s startup power draw (or starting watts) will determine the power capacity your generator requires.
As a rule of thumb, you’ll want at least 7,000 watts to cover your basic needs. Startup power is highest for items with electric motors or compressors, like refrigerators, air conditioners, and electric water heaters. Check the specs of your major appliances to see how many watts they require to start up. Add up your total starting watt needs to help gauge what size generator you’ll need.
A small, entry-level generator of 5,000 watts is only enough to power your basic lights and electronics. Mid-range standby generators of 11-17kW will maintain essentials like fridges, sump pumps, your furnace, and selected circuits. Larger 20-100kW whole house generators can power an entire property from your A/C to your pool pump.
Where to Install Your Generator
Permanent standby generators are usually installed outdoors and connected to your home’s electrical system, gas or propane line, and an automatic transfer switch. When the power goes out, they automatically detect the outage and turn on within seconds. Portable generators offer more flexibility in placement but require manual operation.
Outdoors are the ideal installation location, as dangerous carbon monoxide fumes need proper ventilation. Connect your generator to a transfer switch instead of plugging appliances directly into the generator, as this avoids potentially lethal back-feed.
Finding Home Generators for Sale Near Me
Installing a generator on your property provides powerful backup during outages. You may now be wondering, “Where do I find home generators for sale near me?”. Companies like Surfside Services offer top generator brands, professional installation, and ongoing maintenance to keep your generator operating safely. By installing a generator with their help, you gain peace of mind knowing that your family will stay safe and comfortable during the next blackout.
