Today, it is almost impossible to spend a day without electricity, as it powers everyday appliances, devices, and household systems. So, during an outage, having a backup to power key appliances becomes all the more important. This is where an emergency generator comes in. The device produces electricity in real-time using a combustible fuel engine and doesn’t require charging beforehand like a battery backup power system. An emergency generator comes in various sizes and types.
Types
Based on the application, you can choose from the following types of emergency generators:
Whole-house generator: This generator has exquisite capabilities to cover every household appliance, like a refrigerator, HVAC, lights, and fan. It turns on automatically in the case of an emergency. A technician can connect the system to your home circuit board to remove the need for an additional cord. Most generators may have a backup power source like solar or gasoline.
Portable generator: This is a smaller generator but can offer extensive utility. In the case of an emergency, the portable generator can back up small appliances for a short period. Its cost is relatively less than a whole-house generator.
Gasoline generator: Thi is one of the most common types of emergency generators for homes. It can be a good option for lower-powered appliances. However, they are usually best suited for the outdoors, and gas can be an expensive fuel in the long run.
Inverter generator: This type constantly adjusts the engine speed to power electrical appliances. Inverter generators are known to produce clean energy, ideal for mobile, laptop, or tablet charging.
Diesel generator: Diesel generators are known for their ability to run in adverse weather conditions. These generators are more efficient in providing enough power backup than gasoline generators.
Solar generator: This emergency generator is the only type that runs on clean energy—renewable energy from the sun. However, the cost of the generator is relatively high, and the power output might be minimal.
Cost
The cost of emergency generators can vary based on factors like generator type, size, brand, and more. However, on average most homeowners spend around $9,000 for a whole-house generator, which includes its installation. Most standby generators can produce anywhere from 9 to 48 kilowatts (kW), and a 25kW device can power a 2,500-square-foot home. So, the emergency generator will cost you anywhere between $500 and $18,000. On the other hand, a portable generator that can produce 1 to 7.5kW, enough to power small appliances, costs about $500–$2,000.
Benefits
Here are a few advantages of investing in an emergency generator:
Keeps your appliances running: In an emergency or outage, you may want to keep some essential appliances, like refrigerators, AC, and sometimes medical equipment, running. An emergency generator can be helpful here to keep providing electricity and ensure that the functioning of appliances is not hindered.
Offers comfort: One of the top benefits of having an emergency generator is ensuring comfort, irrespective of weather conditions. During a short power outage, you may not feel the need to run all appliances. But during longer outages, an emergency generator can keep the HVAC system running, keeping you comfortable.
Reduces food waste: Dealing with an outage right after you stocked your refrigerator is not a great experience. A standby generator can keep the fridge running to avoid perfectly good food rotting away as long as the outage lasts.
Prevents flooding: When dealing with power outages due to thunderstorms or severe rain, the power backup will keep the sump pump running in your house. A sump pump helps drain any excess water from the basement. Without electricity, the basement or the house can be flooded within a short period.
Today, the importance of an emergency electrical generator cannot be overstated. So, you must ensure your house has an efficient generator that can handle emergency outages, keeping you safe and comfortable at the time. You can contact any reliable technician near you to understand the best type of standby generator you can buy.
