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Pros and Cons of a Backup Generator
No one has ever prayed for a power outage – well, except it’s a movie, and you’re the bad guy trying to break into a house. Power outages happen frequently and always at the most inappropriate times. Your utility company may shut down power in an attempt to reduce damage from severe weather conditions. Natural hazards could trip you up in the dark.
That’s why you need an alternative power source that would give you peace of mind and provide emergency power in case your main electricity supply fails.
A backup generator would provide instant power without any stress at all. Nowadays, backup generators are being used in homes, offices, schools, hospitals, commercial buildings, hotels, and restaurants. No business plan is complete without plans for an industrial backup generator.
But are they really worth it? This article will explore the pros and cons of backup generators and help you decide whether or not you should get one.
What is a Backup Generator?
A backup generator is a piece of machinery designed to automatically turn on and restore power in the event of power loss. They’re also called standby generators or whole-home generators. You can get them in small, portable sizes or large, immobile whole-house sizes. These systems are ready to turn on at a moment’s notice.
Backup generators can only be installed professionally and require an automatic transfer switch. When a power disruption occurs, the switch detects it, disconnects from the state’s electricity system, and triggers the generator to turn on- all happening automatically and in seconds. Likewise, when the main power comes back on, the switch also detects it, powers down the generator, and switches back to main power.
Why You Should Get a Backup Generator
1. It Ensures Security
Power outages and blackouts provide the perfect opportunities for thieves and robbers. Your security cameras are down, there’s little to zero visibility, and whatever electronic alarms you have installed are no longer functioning. What more could a robber ask for? With a backup generator, you can ensure that your security systems are always up and running, thus saving you a lot of worries.
2. Guarantees Your Comfort
A power outage can cause darkness and drops in temperature, which can be very uncomfortable. Thankfully, when you keep a backup generator, you never have to worry about these. Backup generators ensure you always have access to water, heat, internet, food, and whatnot.
3. Prevents Electric Damage
An abrupt loss of power can be very disastrous. It can damage electrical equipment and lead to a loss of valuable commercial data. With a backup system in place, your valuable appliances- refrigerators, TVs, computers, water pumps, etc. – will continue to operate as usual, preventing loss or damage as a result of prolonged power loss.
4. It Saves Money in The Long Run.
When there is a power outage, your refrigerators stop working, water heaters, electrical heaters, and many other electrical appliances simply cease operation. The result is spoiled food, frozen pipes, data loss, and general chaos. A backup generator will prevent all these and save you money that would have been used to repair or replace items affected by a power loss.
5. Productivity
When you have a backup generator installed, company production will continue as usual, and you will be able to fulfill clients’ orders and keep them happy.
Cons of a Backup Generator
1. Installation Costs
Standby generators do not come cheap and have very high installation costs. Unlike regular generators which can easily be purchased and used by anyone, advanced technical skills are required to install backup generators. The hefty price tags associated with backup generators are the major deterrents to home and business owners. However, in areas where power outages are rampant or businesses need to be online 24/7, investing in a backup generator is a good choice.
2. Not Movable
Backup generators must be permanently installed on your property before they can operate. They also come with many safety precautions that will determine their location on your property. This means that in some cases, backup generators will be installed in conspicuous places, thus ruining the overall aesthetic of your house. Also, you cannot simply decide to move them to another location on your property or cover them up because they’re unsightly. If your company is always on the move, you can consider investing in a portable backup generator.
3. Maintenance
Backup generators might operate automatically, but they also need routine maintenance. Without regular maintenance, your generator might simply fail to start. You would also need to deal with the high cost of fueling options. Most backup generators run on diesel, propane, or natural gas. Of all these, natural gas is the cheapest and most sustainable option, while diesel is by far the priciest.
4. Noise Pollution
A backup generator supplies electricity by turning on and running its engine. This motion and engine rotation can cause unwanted noise that is not easy to cover up. This can be a problem for those living in very quiet areas, as backup generators can constitute a nuisance in the neighborhood.
Backup generators may seem like a costly investment at first, but they go a long way in improving efficiency and making your entire life easier.
When installing or purchasing a backup generator, you should always engage the services of a licensed professional to determine your needs and the type of generator that would serve you better.
Contact CNA Electric Ltd. today if you need quality, reliable and affordable generator services. We have served the residents of Nanaimo and its surroundings for more than 15 years.
No matter how unique your electrical problems are, our team of certified electricians has a personalized solution for you. They can enlighten you on what type of backup generator to get and how to get the most out of it. To learn more about backup generators and other electric services we offer, contact us now at 1-250-816-8884 and schedule a consultation.