Most homeowners are all too familiar with power outages, including the many inconveniences that they cause and the very real dangers that can arise from them. The dangers and inconveniences that power outages can cause homeowners include:
- No HVAC – No power means no AC in the summer and no heat in the winter.
- Risky Power Alternatives – When your power goes out, you may be forced to use alternative power, light, and heating sources. This could include a gas-powered generator, candles, or a fireplace. While these power alternatives can be convenient, they’re not always safe. If your chimney isn’t clean/clear, lighting a fire in a fireplace could result in smoke inhalation or a fire. Candles can be knocked over and start fires. Portable generators must be kept in an area where their exhaust won’t cause smoke inhalation or carbon monoxide poisoning. Plus, this often requires you to go outside to operate them, and you must have enough fuel for them to last until the power outage is over.
- No Hot Water – If your water heater is electrical, you won’t have hot water while the power is out.
- No Safety or Security – Any medical or safety device that requires electricity to operate won’t work during a power outage. This can include home security systems, chairs that carry people up and down the stairs, and breathing machines.
- No Appliances and Spoiled Food – If your refrigerator and freezer lose power, it is only a matter of time before food that requires refrigeration will go bad. Plus, you won’t be able to cook it because your other appliances, such as your microwave, stovetop, and oven, won’t work without power.
- No Lights, Electronics, Internet, or Cable – Without power, none of your electronics will work once their batteries run out. This can include your phones and computers. You also won’t have internet access or cable, and your TVs won’t work. In addition, your lights will be out, and your garage door will need to be opened and closed manually.
One of the best ways for homeowners to protect themselves and their families from the dangers and inconveniences that power outages cause can be to install a whole house generator.
Benefits of a Whole House Generator
Whole house generators are emergency generators that provide power to an entire home if their regular power service is interrupted. Whole house generators can sense when your power goes out and will automatically start up and restore your home’s power within seconds. In addition to that convenient feature, whole house generators offer other benefits, including but not limited to the following:
- Safety – Unlike portable generators, whole house generators don’t put you at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning or smoke inhalation. In addition, you won’t need to use candles for light or your fireplace to keep warm. You also won’t have to worry about hurting yourself walking around your home in the dark. Plus, since whole house generators start automatically once the power goes out, your home security system, medical devices, and other safety equipment will continue to run without interruption.
- Convenience – Because whole house generators turn on automatically, you won’t have to go out into a thunderstorm or any other type of poor outdoor conditions to operate them if the power goes out. Plus, many whole house generators can run without interruption for days or even weeks without needing to be refueled. In addition, once your regular power is restored, you whole house generator will automatically shut down.
Set Up an Appointment with Our Experienced Electricians Today
Since 1951, Meyer’s has been successfully meeting the electrical installation, maintenance, and repair needs of residential and commercial customers in South Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana. Our experienced electricians have just about seen it all. We understand what it takes to keep your home’s electrical system up and running at top condition day in and day out.
For more information about Meyer’s, and how we can help you, check out our customers’ reviews.
To learn more about whole house generators, or to discuss your situation with our expert electrical technicians, call us at (219) 240-0610 or reach out to us online today. We’re available 24/7 for emergency calls. Be sure to ask about our discounts and financing options.