Maximizing the Potential of Whole-Home Backup Power

Losing electrical power is frustrating at best and outright hazardous at worst. A whole-home generator will shift how you respond to outages, helping you keep the lights on when the grid goes down. Learn how these systems work and why they may enhance your home’s comfort and security.

Understanding How a Whole-Home Generator Functions

A whole-home generator is a complete upgrade from a portable generator. A backup generator is permanently placed outside your home and generally uses propane or natural gas for consistent energy that lasts hours, days or even weeks.

Instead of having to manually set it up and refuel it every time, a whole-home generator connects to your home’s electrical system through a transfer switch, allowing it to kick in automatically during a power outage. After the utility power is restored, the generator shuts down on its own, and the transfer switch relinks your home to the power grid. This quick process ensures you don’t have to worry about being left in the dark or missing key services during an outage.

10 Advantages of Whole-Home Backup Power

Backup power generators provide multiple advantages. Here are 10 great reasons why you should invest in one for your home.

1. Effortless power for your home

A whole-home generator means continuous, automatic power without the hassle of manual setup or constant refueling. Unlike portable generators, which require you to be present to start them and keep them running, a whole-home generator activates within seconds of an outage and runs continuously as long as there’s fuel. This hands-free operation ensures your home stays powered with no work from you.

2. Avoid food spoilage

Food spoilage is a frustrating (and smelly) consequence of losing power. A whole-home generator keeps your refrigerator and freezer operating, preserving your food and preventing waste. This benefit is particularly valuable during long outages, allowing you to keep food fresh and avoiding the need to throw everything out and restock when power is restored.

3. Continued HVAC operation

Maintaining a steady indoor temperature promotes the comfort and well-being of your entire household, especially young children, older adults and even our pets. With a whole-home backup generator, your HVAC system will power through in extreme weather, preventing heatstroke in the summer and hypothermia in the winter.

4. Protection for electrical equipment

Power surgers can damage appliances and electronics. A whole-home generator provides a consistent source of electricity, protecting your appliances and wiring from the power surges that follow the outage. For additional protection from power surges, try installing a whole-home surge protector as well.

5. Power for any medical devices as well

Even more so than general electronics, if a member of your household needs medical equipment that needs electricity, a power outage might be life-threatening. A whole-home generator ensures that ventilators, oxygen machines and other critical equipment stay powered in an outage.

6. Preventing frozen pipes

Losing power in the middle of winter may shut down your heating. Even natural gas furnaces often use electronic ignitions, which won’t work without power. As the temperature gets colder and colder, frozen and/or burst pipes are a significant risk. Whole-home generators keep your heating safe to maintain the indoor temperature and avoid the high cost of fixing burst pipes.

7. No income disruption

If you work from home, losing power can lead to losing work and missing deadlines. A backup generator keeps your work safe. As long as your internet connection remains intact, you can carry on with work, meeting deadlines and clients alike.

8. Preparedness for thunderstorms

Major storms can leave you without power for days. By adding a whole-home generator, your lights, appliances and other essential systems keep running during and after the storm. This layer of protection ensures you won’t be left scrambling for essential resources during a weather-related emergency.

9. Boost in property value

The assurance of continuous power during outages is something sought after by prospective home buyers. As such, getting a whole-home generator makes your property more attractive on the housing market and could even enable a higher asking price.

10. Confidence

The unpredictable nature of outages can cause a lot of stress. By installing backup power, you are assured that your home’s critical systems will keep running. You also experience normalcy and safety during an outage, which greatly improves your family’s comfort with extended power outages.

Get Your Whole-Home Generator Installed Today

When you trust Xtra Mile for whole-home backup generator installation, you’ll receive the highest standards of service throughout the process. Our ACE-certified technicians deliver fast, long-lasting solutions with your satisfaction 100% guaranteed. To learn more about how a whole-home generator improves home comfort and peace of mind please contact us to get started!