Winter brings colder temperatures, seasonal storms, and unpredictable weather. If you have a home, any type of power failure can disrupt your day-to-day routines. Sometimes, it can even endanger lives. With a backup generator, you have an insurance policy against these disruptions. Here’s why installing a backup generator this winter is a wise decision for your home.
Winter Weather Protection
Heavy snow, ice storms, and strong winds can easily damage power lines and cause outages. When there is a major weather event, repairs can be delayed. Your home could be without power for hours or even days. However, you will not have to deal with unexpected outages if you have a backup generator. You can keep your home warm, your appliances running, and your family safe. Let’s look at a few reasons to choose a generator for your home.
Keep Heating Systems Up and Running
Without power, your heating system can shut down. As a result, you and your family are left in a cold and uncomfortable home. In harsh cold snaps, lack of heat can lead to dangerous situations, including freezing pipes that can burst and cause water damage. By installing a backup generator, you can keep your heating system functional. No matter what, you will have a comfortable temperature in your home and protect your property from potential damage.
Also, your daily routine can remain unaffected even in extended outages. This is essential for your family’s safety and health during extended power failures.
Support Medical Needs
A power outage can become a life-or-death situation if you have someone in your household who relies on medical equipment. Ventilators, CPAP machines, and oxygen concentrators are just a few examples of these devices. Families are left vulnerable when they cannot use this equipment without backup power. Installing a generator makes sure that power is readily available to support any medical equipment in the home.
Preserve Food and Medications
Along with powering medical devices, a generator can keep medications and food at the proper temperature. Refrigerators and freezers are the first appliances affected by a power outage. When you don’t have power, the inside temperature of a refrigerator can quickly reach an unsafe level. A backup generator will maintain power. In turn, you can reduce the risk of spoilage, waste, and contamination. Even if you don’t rely on medications that must be refrigerated, the food in your freezer probably amounts to a significant investment.
Increase Your Energy Independence
In recent years, power grid reliability has become a growing concern. With increased weather-related outages, an alternative power source is becoming a necessity rather than a luxury. A backup generator provides a level of energy independence. In the case of widespread outages, you won’t have to wait for utility companies to restore power. Instead, you have the ability to maintain comfort and ensure safety, regardless of the circumstances.
Stay Connected
In today’s digital age, staying connected is important. Power outages during winter storms can leave you cut off from vital communication channels. In these cases, reaching emergency services, contacting family members, or staying updated on weather alerts and outage restoration times can be difficult. A generator powers your internet connection, landline phones, and mobile device chargers. With that, you can stay informed and connected throughout the outage. This connectivity is important in emergencies. It enables you to receive real-time information about the weather, community alerts, or any advisories from local authorities.
Protect Home Security
Backup power also plays an important role in maintaining home security. Security systems, surveillance cameras, motion-sensor lights, and smart locks rely on electricity to function. Without power, these systems may become inactive. As a result, that can leave your home vulnerable to trespassing, theft, or vandalism. A generator makes sure that your security system remains operational, keeping you and your family safe while also deterring potential intruders.
Additionally, if you have remote monitoring systems that alert you to unusual activity, backup power helps you keep those systems active. You can have continuous monitoring and peace of mind even in extended outages.
Maintain Water Systems
If you have a home that relies on an electric well pump or a water purification system, a power outage can mean losing access to clean running water. During this time, losing power can mean no drinking, cooking, or sanitation. A generator will keep these systems functional so that you can maintain access to clean, safe water even during extended power interruptions.
Boost Property Value
The installation of a backup generator is an investment that can increase the value and appeal of your property. Potential buyers, especially those in Colorado, will view a generator as an attractive feature. They may be willing to pay more to ensure a reliable power source. Not only does this show that you keep up with property maintenance, but you value safety and reliability.
Reduce Fire Risks
During winter power outages, many households turn to alternative heating sources like portable heaters or fireplaces to stay warm. While these can be effective, they also increase the risk of fire if not carefully managed. A backup generator minimizes the need for alternative heating and reduces the chance of a fire hazard.
Reduce Insurance Costs
In some areas, having a backup generator can qualify homeowners for insurance discounts. Colorado is known for its snowy weather and harsh cold. Sometimes, these elements can cause you to lose power. In these situations, backup power is considered a safety precaution. Installing a generator could also lead to lower insurance premiums. You might even see financial savings in the long term.
Avoid the Cost of Temporary Relocation
Extended power outages during winter storms may make your home temporarily uninhabitable. With that, you might be forced to seek shelter at a hotel or with family. Not only will you incur additional costs, but there is also the inconvenience of leaving home in bad weather. A backup generator allows you to remain comfortably at home. You can avoid the disruption, cost, and potential exposure to hazardous road conditions.
Preserve Indoor Air Quality
When the power goes out, ventilation systems shut down. That can lead to stale air and excessive moisture. For homes with a gas heating system or wood stove, lack of proper ventilation can lead to unsafe levels of carbon monoxide. A backup generator keeps these systems operational. You can have healthy indoor air quality and protect against harmful gas buildup in your home.
Prevent Damage From Power Surges
When power suddenly cuts off and comes back, it can also damage sensitive electronics and appliances. A backup generator provides a smooth power transition. With that, you can reduce the risk of sudden electrical surges and the resulting damage.
If you’re in the Denver area and want to install a backup generator before winter, High 5 Plumbing, Heating & Cooling is here to help protect your home and bring you peace of mind. We’re your one-stop solution for heating, cooling, plumbing, and electrical needs. Contact us today to schedule an appointment for your home.
