Preparing for the Winter? Why You Should Consider Installing a Generator

Losing power to your home is more likely as the weather gets more extreme, with hotter summers, colder winters, and more intense storms. Besides the immediate discomfort a power break can cause, changes in the electrical system can damage your connections over time, forcing you to call an emergency electrical service.

You might think about investing in a home generator to avoid that, especially as the winter months approach. If you’re considering this option, here’s a breakdown of the benefits whole house generators can provide while giving some tips regarding maintenance.

What’s a Whole House Generator?

Americans depend on electricity a lot, whether to keep food fresh or their homes warm. For this reason, sales of home generators have been progressively increasing these past few years.

A whole-house generator, or home generator, is a backup device that can provide electricity if the power goes out. The generator detects a power outage and automatically provides a backup electricity source to keep your house running.

Most whole-house generators are powered by fuel, such as liquid propane or natural gas. An engine that runs on this fuel produces electricity in conjunction with an alternator. When not in use, the generator is kept in a weatherproof container a short distance from your property and is kept on standby outside.

Why Should You Get a Whole House Generator for the Winter Months?

A whole-house generator is a valuable investment for the winter months, offering several key benefits that ensure your home remains comfortable and safe during power outages.

Some of the main reasons why you should consider getting one include:

– Protection from Power Outages: Winter storms, ice, and heavy snow can cause power lines to go down, leaving you without electricity for extended periods. A whole-house generator automatically kicks in when the power goes out, keeping your home running smoothly without interruption.

– Maintains Heating Systems: During cold winter months, a loss of power can cause your heating system to shut down. This can lead to dangerously low indoor temperatures, frozen pipes, and even structural damage.

– Prevents Frozen Pipes: Frozen pipes can burst in cold temperatures, leading to significant water damage and costly plumbing repairs.

– Food Preservation: A power outage during winter means your refrigerator and freezer will stop working. Without electricity, perishable food can spoil quickly, resulting in waste.

– Safety and Security: During a power outage, your home’s security system, outdoor lighting, and other safety features can be compromised. A whole-house generator keeps security lights, cameras, and alarms operational and ensures that essential communication devices, such as your phone and internet router, stay powered.

How to Maintain a Whole House Generator

A whole-house generator is a crucial backup power source that needs to be maintained regularly to guarantee that it will be prepared to supply electricity in the event of an unplanned power outage.

Keeping your whole house generator in good working order starts with regular visual inspections. Examine the area surrounding the generator unit for any indications of damage, leaks, loose connections, or corrosion. Additionally, check if any vegetation has grown around the generator. If it obstructs the airflow, it may cause overheating.

Just like your car’s engine, whole-house generators require regular oil changes. Check the manufacturer’s instructions, but an oil change every 100-200 hours of usage is often necessary.

Furthermore, it is always advisable to schedule professional servicing annually or bi-annually, depending on the manufacturer’s recommendations, even though homeowners with the right information and caution can complete some of these maintenance tasks.

Prevent Needing an Emergency Electrical Service During the Winter

Investing in a whole-house generator for the winter months ensures your home remains comfortable, safe, and functional during power outages. And to guarantee that your whole-house generator runs dependably during power outages when it is most needed, routine maintenance is essential

Skilled technicians can conduct more intricate inspections, carry out in-depth diagnostics, and address possible issues that might not be discovered during standard checks. If you suspect you need maintenance, contact Summer and Zim’s right away!