Considering Adding A Backup Generator? Read on to learn some quick tips we’ve learned along the way.
Electricity – it’s easy to take for granted until a power outage takes it away. Do you have a plan for powering your home during a blackout? Installing a backup generator is a reliable way to keep your home comfortable, your lights on, perishable food refrigerated and the hot water running until the power comes back on.
At Mr. Electric, we see a generator as a great long-term investment to help in various situations. This is especially true during hurricane season since many homes are left without power due to high wind, flooding, down power lines, damaged power surges and more.
Not convinced a backup generator is necessary? Consider 10 situations where it will come in handy:
Emergency Power During Tornadoes
High winds, tornados and hail, all weather our area is known for, can wreak havoc on power lines transmission boxes and the network of electrical components between your home and the power company. A simple storm could leave you without light, heat or air conditioning. Food spoils within a few hours when the refrigerator is off. Even though repair crews working around the clock to restore power, some homes hit by tornadoes are left in the dark for days or even weeks. A backup generator should be a cornerstone of your emergency plan.
Wind Storms
Even lesser wind storms can blow power lines around so much they break or snap overhanging tree branches and cause a blackout. Adding redundancy to your plan allows the your to weather any type of storm.
Lightning
From damaging power surges to downed power lines, lightning storms are a major reason for the power to go out. Surges can blow fuses leaving you in the dark and with blown circuits.
Winter Weather
Ice can build up on power lines and make them snap. Heavy snow can also break tree branches and take out power lines in the process. Regardless of how the power goes out in the winter, a backup generator can provide lifesaving heat and hot water.
Earthquakes
Lengthy power outages are common when infrastructure is damaged in an earthquake. A backup generator can provide power to your home for days, putting you in the best position to make it through the restoration process.
Floods
Flash floods or runoff from snow melts can damage above- and below-ground electrical equipment, resulting in a power outage. When this happens, flood waters can make it difficult for repair crews to access affected areas and perform repair work.
Animals
They may seem cuddly and cute, but squirrels, birds and other small animals can cause power outages when they climb on power lines and build nests on utility poles. Besides severe weather, animals are the second leading cause of power outages.
Over-Burdened Utilities
When the demand for power outweighs the available electricity, widespread blackouts can occur. This is becoming increasingly common as electricity needs continue to rise above available supplies.
Aging Electrical Systems
Power lines wear out over time after being subjected to weather, animals and insect damage for many years. While ongoing maintenance helps to prevent power outages, equipment failure is still possible.
Car Accidents
Utility poles often line streets, making them susceptible to damage when a driver swerves out of control. Having a backup generator at home ensures you won’t go without power, even as crews work to repair the damage.
Ready to hook up a backup generator to your home? Don’t attempt a DIY installation. Instead, leave the job to a qualified technician at Mr. Electric of West Central North Carolina®. We have the skills to get your backup generator all hooked up so you’re ready for whatever comes your way.
