By: Alt Power Solutions
Whether you’re new to South Florida or you’ve lived here for several years, you are vulnerable to power outages. These may develop as the result of a tropical storm or hurricane, or as the result of a higher-than-normal demand for power during a hot spell. Before you head to a generator outlet though, you need to know how generators protect your home AND how to size a backup generator for home. Let's delve into how these crucial devices protect South Florida homes during challenging times.
How do Generators protect your home?
1. Continuous Power Supply During Outages:
One of the most significant advantages of home generators is their ability to provide a continuous power supply during outages. Hurricanes, tropical storms, or even routine power grid maintenance can cause disruptions. Home generators, especially standby models, immediately kick in when the primary power source fails, ensuring that lights, refrigeration, air conditioning, and essential appliances continue to operate without interruption.
2. Preserving Comfort and Safety:
In the midst of a power outage caused by adverse weather, maintaining a comfortable and safe living environment becomes a priority. Home generators play a pivotal role in preserving comfort by ensuring that HVAC systems operate, providing relief from the heat and humidity prevalent in South Florida. Additionally, they power security systems, keeping homes safe and secure even when the grid is down.
3. Protecting Against Food Spoilage:
Refrigerated and frozen food supplies are at risk during power outages. Home generators keep refrigerators and freezers running, preventing food spoilage. This is especially vital in South Florida's climate, where high temperatures can accelerate food deterioration.
4. Supporting Medical Needs:
For families with members who rely on medical equipment, a power outage can pose severe risks. Home generators offer a reliable source of power to sustain medical devices, ensuring that vital medical care is not interrupted during emergencies.
5. Maintaining Connectivity:
In today's digitally connected world, access to communication and information is crucial during emergencies. Home generators power electronic devices and charging stations, ensuring that residents can stay connected, communicate, and access essential information even when the grid is down.
How do you find the right Generator?
Use a Generator Sizing Tool
Run a comparison. Several outlets, including Consumer Reports, advise homeowners to estimate how many watts they may use as they are looking for the right generator for their needs. Consumer Reports also suggest that you choose a generator model that is equal to the total wattage for which a generator will be providing backup power during the power outage that develops during and after a hurricane. As you are thinking about your choices, do remember that some of your appliances may “surge” when they first come on, so account for that.
Generac provides a tool that helps you determine the generator size you need for your home. By plugging in a few numbers and selecting the circuits needing power, you get an estimate. Follow Generac’s advice and have a professional look at your specific needs.
"While other homeowners are struggling to keep their perishable foods on ice, you’ll be living in your home, comfortably waiting for municipal power to be restored. No matter what brand you ultimately choose to buy, you need to be able to rely on your emergency generator."
Look at Generac
As you learn how to size a backup generator for your home, look at what Generac has to offer to homeowners. You’ll see that the generators they have in stock will help to power your South Florida home after a large storm. While other homeowners are struggling to keep their perishable foods on ice, you’ll be living in your home, comfortably waiting for municipal power to be restored. No matter what brand you ultimately choose to buy, you need to be able to rely on your emergency generator. If it is too small, you may not be able to use some of your electrical equipment. If you rely on a private water source, your sump pump may fail. As you think about how to choose a home generator, don’t forget about each appliance that relies on electrical power.
Different Sizes Do Matter
Size does matter. While you may be looking at your bank balance, smaller and less expensive isn’t better, according to Consumer Reports, especially if you need to power several electrical appliances.
Small portable runs your refrigerator, sump pump, some lights, your television and your microwave.
Midsized portable/small stationary will run all of the previous plus a portable heater, heating system, a second pump, computer and several more lights
Large portable runs all of the previous plus a small water heater, electric range and central air conditioner
Large whole-home standby generator runs all of the above plus a washer and dryer
You’re equipped with some basic information. Start researching generators and generator outlets so you’re ready for hurricane season.
Contact us today to learn more!
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