Do you need a generator? With weather extremes always a possibility, and power outages becoming more and more frequent, this is a common question that many homeowners have. Some wonder if this is an unnecessary nicety that isn’t really a real must-have item.

The fact is, though, there are a few benefits offered by installing a generator, with some of them found here.

The Growing Trend of Power Outages

There is a wide array of reasons that a power outage may occur. These have been growing at somewhat of an alarming rate over the past decade. In fact, according to the North American Electric Reliability Corporation and the Department of Energy, citizens in the country endure many more power outages and for much longer periods of time, than any other developed country in the entire world. Some of the most common causes of power outages include:

• Extreme weather conditions such as ice or snowstorms, tornadoes, high-winds and lightning
• Various natural disasters like fires and floods
• Damages caused by animals (this is the second most common cause besides weather caused outages)
• Automobile accidents
• A supply shortfall that leads to a blackout which occurs during winter storms and heat waves
• Problems with the aging electrical grid of the United States

With so many power outages occurring, it now makes sense to install a generator. Some of the reasons this installation is so important can be found here.

The Safety and Comfort of Your Family is Important

With a generator in place, you and your family can “weather” any storm while remaining comfortable. It will also help to keep your fans, lights, ovens, refrigerator and freezers, HVAC system and furnaces, well pumps, sump pumps and other essential electronics in play when the main power has gone off. When you have a backup generator in place, you can also continue using any home security devices that you have installed. This helps you prevent theft and break-ins during an already unpleasant situation.

Repairs and Replacements are Costly

The cost of a power outage can be high. With a generator, you can protect the things that may otherwise be harmed or ruined. Think about it, if the power is out for an extended period of time and you don’t have a generator in place, then you may have to go to a hotel, you’ll have to replace all the food in your refrigerator and freezer, and may even have to make repairs related to sump pump failure, burst or frozen pipes and other issues.

Is a Generator Right for Your Home?

Winter snowstorms are a huge concern in Kansas City, as a result, you may be considering the purchase of a generator. Some things to consider to ensure this is a smart investment include:

• Are generators actually allowed in your home or apartment?
• Is it possible for you to get fuel to power the generator?
• Who are you going to have install the generator?

As you can see, there are several things to consider. If you are ready to move forward with this installation, then reaching out to the professionals for help can ensure you get the results needed.