Why Every Homeowner Should Have a Backup Generator

Posted by Allen Wright on

Imagine this: It’s the dead of winter, and a fierce storm knocks out power in your neighborhood. Your heating system shuts down, the fridge stops running, and your home security system goes offline. Or maybe it’s a blistering summer day, and a rolling blackout leaves you without air conditioning for hours. These aren’t just hypothetical situations—millions of homeowners experience them every year.

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), the average American home experienced over 8 hours of power outages in 2021—more than double the average from five years prior. With extreme weather events on the rise and an aging power grid, investing in a backup generator is no longer a luxury; it’s a necessity.

1. A Backup Generator Protects Your Family’s Comfort and Safety

A home isn’t just a place to live—it’s a place to feel safe and secure. When the power goes out, everything from lighting to heating and cooling systems stops working. This can be especially dangerous for households with young children, elderly family members, or individuals who rely on medical equipment.

· Extreme Heat or Cold: Without power, your HVAC system shuts down. In winter, this can lead to dangerously low temperatures indoors, while in summer, the heat can become unbearable, increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses.

·Medical Devices: If someone in your household relies on a CPAP machine, oxygen concentrator, or other medical devices, a power outage can be life-threatening. A generator ensures these essential devices keep running.

·Security Systems: Most home security systems depend on electricity. A prolonged outage can leave your home vulnerable to break-ins. A backup generator ensures that your security system remains operational, giving you peace of mind.

Open refrigerator filled with various food items

2. Protect Your Food and Essential Supplies

Refrigerated food starts to spoil within four hours of a power outage. A prolonged blackout can force you to throw away hundreds of dollars worth of groceries—not to mention medications that require refrigeration, like insulin.

·Real-Life Example: In Texas, during the infamous 2021 winter storm, thousands of homeowners lost power for days. Many had to discard entire freezers full of food, compounding the crisis.

·How a Generator Helps: A backup generator can keep your refrigerator and freezer running, preserving perishable items and saving you from unexpected losses.

3. Keep Your Home Functional and Avoid Costly Damage

Many homeowners don’t realize that power outages can cause more than just temporary inconvenience—they can lead to expensive home repairs.

·Burst Pipes: In winter, a lack of heating can cause pipes to freeze and burst, leading to thousands of dollars in water damage.

·Sump Pump Failure: If your home relies on a sump pump to prevent basement flooding, a power outage could leave you with costly water damage.

·Electronics and Appliances: Power surges when electricity is restored can damage expensive appliances and electronics. A generator provides a steady power supply, reducing this risk.

Sportsman generator with a sturdy green metal frame, multiple power outlets, and a black control panel

4. Work From Home? A Generator Keeps You Connected

Remote work is more common than ever, but a power outage can bring productivity to a screeching halt.

·Internet & Wi-Fi: Most home internet routers require electricity. A backup generator ensures you stay online.

·Work Devices: Whether you’re attending a virtual meeting or working on a deadline, a power outage can cost you time and money. A generator keeps your home office running smoothly

5. Home Resale Value and Insurance Benefits

A backup generator doesn’t just provide peace of mind—it can also increase your home’s resale value. Additionally, some insurance companies offer discounts for homes with standby generators since they reduce the risk of claims related to power outages.

Two men in worn winter clothing working on a red portable generator outdoors

Choosing the Right Generator for Your Home

When selecting a backup generator, you’ll need to decide between a portable generator and a standby generator:

·Portable Generators: More affordable and require manual setup, but they run on gasoline and need regular refueling.

·Standby Generators: These are permanently installed, run on natural gas or propane, and automatically turn on during an outage. While more expensive, they offer the best protection and convenience.

Secure Your Home's Power with Power Plus Retailers

Don't let power outages disrupt your life. At Power Plus Retailers powered by Wilchestrade LLC, we specialize in providing top-quality backup generators to keep your home running smoothly. From the best Sportsman inverter generators for camping to robust Sportsman home generators for emergency use, we offer a variety of options to suit your needs. With years of experience, our team guides you to the perfect generator solution.

Get in touch to learn more. 


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