Investing in a generator is a great way to protect you and your family from power outages. While they can happen any time of year, they are particularly prevalent in winter.
And if you live in the Northeast, you’re especially likely to lose power at some point during winter. Pow’r Point Generator Power Systems has plenty of locations to give widespread support to the people who need it most during the cold season.
Keep reading to learn more about why you need a generator during the winter. And, find out what the best season to buy a generator is!
Why Do Blackouts Happen During Winter?
In New England, it is common to have the power go out on you during or after heavy snowfalls. This is due to snow and ice buildups on power lines or tree limbs, causing the wires to break.
Slippery roads can cause vehicle accidents that take out utility poles. In a very harsh blizzard, wind can also cause power lines to swing and short circuit.
With no connection to the grid, homes and businesses can no longer access the energy they need. And these types of events happen regularly during winter.
If the roads aren’t clear, it can take a long time to get the power working again, sometimes days or weeks. It can be even longer if the power line infrastructure gets badly damaged.
This is not only frustrating; it is potentially dangerous. Without power, heating your home can become difficult.
One alternative option is to have a fireplace and plenty of wood available. But, even then, most fireplaces cannot heat your entire house.
New England winters are notoriously brutal, and it is dangerous to go an extended period without access to reliable heat. Even if you can stay warm or go somewhere with heat, the pipes in your house could get damaged or burst if ice forms in them.
Your best chance to keep your house warm and your family safe is a backup generator. They’re more effective than a fireplace and reliable when the power grid isn’t.
Backup Generators Provide Peace of Mind
A strong generator that is accurately rated for your home’s power consumption will give you peace of mind during a power outage. And you deserve that peace of mind.
During a power outage, you should relax and enjoy yourself with friends and family. Fortunately, getting a backup generator is a straightforward process.
You can choose from new and used generators. Then you can have a professional install your unit and provide ongoing maintenance.
Regular maintenance on your generator ensures it works when you need it to. You can also have your generator serviced by a professional if it is malfunctioning. That way, you don’t have to spend any time without power.
If the power goes out suddenly, and you still haven’t gotten a backup generator, you still have options. Pow’r Point Generator Systems has generators for rent during emergencies.
And, you still have time to get a generator installed before the first power outages this winter. Even if you haven’t prepared for winter yet, you can still ensure you have a steady supply of energy, no matter what.
What Kind of Generator is Best for Winter in New England?
The kind of generator that will work best for you depends on a variety of factors. For instance, are you only interested in keeping the essentials of your home running during a power outage?
If so, a portable generator may suffice, depending on how much power your home needs. But a better option would be to invest in a home standby generator.
These units can power your home during a blackout with little to no interruption. The KOHLER® home power generator that we supply turns on automatically within 10 seconds.
It can also handle massive power usage. And it can also last for years so that you can get through many winters with confidence and security.
Or, you can get the Cummins home power generator, which is a trusted brand. Sturdy and reliable, the Cummins generators are as strong as they are quiet, especially when using the Cummins QuietConnect™.
These capable generators also have a cold-start feature, making them an excellent option for frigid weather.
How Much Power Does Your Backup Generator Need?
You should also get familiar with how much power your home needs. To figure it out, add together the energy use of all the appliances and utilities in your home that you want to power during a blackout.
That should give you a reasonable estimate of your energy needs. Be sure to add a little extra in case you end up needing more power later on.
Make sure you have a proper place to install your generator, too. Since it will be outdoors, you don’t want it to get buried in snow when you need it.
Find a flat, level surface raised off the ground that is unlikely to experience snowdrifts. It may be tempting to place it underneath an overhang, but you should never do this.
Make sure where you put it is far enough away from the windows to keep your home free from fumes. If you can, place the generator as close to your meter as possible. But, no matter where you put it, make sure you obey your local laws.
Choosing a generator and getting it installed can be overwhelming. Contact Pow’r Point Generator Power Systems in Saco, ME, to get the guidance you need!