Being caught unprepared during a power outage is something that no one wants to experience. Not only will you be unable to use any of the appliances or machines you normally take for granted, but you might also be stuck in an uncomfortably hot space or find yourself disconnected from the outside world. Whether you are a business owner, or you live in an area that is susceptible to frequent power outages, a backup generator can be a lifesaver for your home or business.
Before detailing the numerous advantages you will be getting if you have a generator on standby, it is important to note that generators come in a variety of shapes and sizes. These factors change depending on how much power they can provide and whether they are single or multi-phase generators. Another factor that affects their efficiency and their immediate and long-term costs is the kind of fuel they use. According to Nick Coulson from Ablesales, a diesel generator is more cost-efficient and reliable than a petrol generator. All of these factors are going to play a role in your purchase decision. However, before rushing to get a backup generator you need to know the advantages of having one around.
Powering Machinery and Appliances
No matter where you are, whether you’re at the office or home, there is probably at least a couple of appliances or machinery there that need electricity to work. You won’t be able to use them if there is ever a power outage unless you have a backup generator around. The best thing about generators is that you can decide whether you want all the machinery to be powered or just a couple of important appliances that you cannot do without. Depending on your needs, priorities, and preferences, you will find a variety of generators ranging in prices. If you are going to use a backup generator for your business, then you might need to look into very powerful ones so that you can continue business as usual, even if the area you are in does not have power at the moment.
Security
More often than not, thieves and criminals make use of times in which there is no power to break into places. Having a generator means that you do not have to worry about the security of your home or business. If you have a security system in place for your business or home, having a generator will ensure that even if everything else isn’t powered, your premises will still be secure and under surveillance.
Lighting
Even if you do not plan on using any appliances during a power outage, having lights around is a definite advantage of a backup generator. As mentioned above, power outages enable break-ins, but if there are lights around, people will think twice before breaking into your home or office. Light also ensures that people are safe. When there are no lights, there is a higher risk that someone might trip or bump into objects that may cause injuries. This could be a very serious liability, especially if it occurs in your workplace because employees could then file personal injury cases or sue you for compensation.
Reliability
If you think about it from a business point of view, customers always look for reliability when it comes to the businesses they get a service or products from. Whether a storm caused a total blackout, or there is a heatwave that overburdened the electrical grid, a customer will want a business that provides reliable services, regardless of the circumstances. Having a generator, allows you to continue your work as normal, meaning that you can build a reputation of being reliable and thus, maintain your customer base and possibly even expand your business if your competitors are unable to operate when there is a power outage. A generator will give you an edge over the competitors, enabling you to provide services or products to your customers year-round.
Enables Communication
This is something you might not put together except after you experience a power outage in which your telephone line is not working and there is no power to charge any of your devices to enable you to communicate with your loved ones. You never want to be in a situation where you need to make a call but are unable to do so because there is no power to charge your mobile phone. Having a generator around ensures that you are never in such a position. You might say that it is fine since your phone has a very strong battery, but if a power outage lasts for more than a day, your phone’s battery may eventually run out of juice.
Food and Other Items Getting Spoiled
Whether there is a power outage at your home, or if your business produces goods that need to be stored in specific temperatures, you will need a generator if you do not want these items to spoil during a power outage. No matter what type of backup generator you get, you need to ensure that one of the appliances getting power is your refrigerator in order to avoid having to throw out food because it went bad.
Heating and Cooling Systems
Your HVAC system is just as important as your fridge. If you have an HVAC system installed, or if the weather is extremely cold/ hot outside, you will need a generator to keep the temperature inside your space at a tolerable level. After all, you do not want your employees or your family freezing or overheating because there is a power outage, and there is no generator on hand.
These are just some of the many benefits that you can enjoy when you buy a backup generator for your home or business. Remember that being prepared is key to avoiding getting caught in a power outage without any electricity. Try to install a generator ahead of time depending on what season has the most storms or extreme weather conditions that could cause a power outage.