We may be out of peak tornado season here in Alabama, but that doesn’t mean we’re safe from damaging storms. Atlantic hurricane season runs from June to November, and even everyday summer storms can cause power failure. Loss of power can cause chaos in your home with no running water, air conditioning, and failure of major appliance functions. But a whole home generator ensures your family is protected from an extended power outage by providing power to your entire home.
Many Alabama homeowners wonder whether investing in a whole home generator is an investment worth making. Since these machines keep everything running from your refrigerator to your sump pump, it’s worth learning if a whole home generator is right for your home.
What Is a Whole Home Generator?
A whole home generator essentially does what it says—powers your entire home. They are ideal for prolonged power outages and for people that live in remote areas. Likewise, whole home generators not only provide peace of mind, but also add value to your home.
They act as a backup generator, kicking in once power is lost, and keep your home running with electricity, running water, air conditioning, and more. The kind of whole home generator you choose is based on the size of your home and how much electricity is required to keep it running. A professional can tell which is right for your home and get you started with whole home generator installation.
Is a Whole Home Generator Right for You?
Here are a few benefits to keep in mind when deciding whether to add a generator to your home.
Consistent Power
During an outage or natural disaster, a backup generator will provide you and your family with consistent power. The whole home generator is designed to run for long periods of time and will keep water pumps working, lights on, and refrigerators running so your family won’t have to worry about spoiled food, unsanitary conditions, or overheating in the summer humidity without air conditioning.
Improve Home Value
If you are thinking about selling your home in the future, a whole home generator is worth the investment. According to Consumer Reports, a whole home generator can increase your property value by up to 5%. What’s more, many insurance companies will offer discounts on the homeowner policy to those who install a whole home generator, usually around 5%.
Peace of Mind
The security and peace that comes with the installation of a generator that protects your whole house is unmatched. A generator of this magnitude keeps a variety of products operable, like cell phones, radios, electric vehicles, insulin pumps, and nebulizers to keep you and your family safe when faced with severe weather or prolonged outages. Since the generator automatically kicks on within 30 seconds of the outage, the usage is the epitome of safety and ease.
What Kind Of Fuel Should My Whole Home Generator Run On?
There are several types of generators, each with its own benefits for different situations: natural gas, liquid propane, and diesel.
Natural Gas
If you live in an area with natural gas lines, the generator can be connected to the current gas line. The only downside is that natural gas pipelines have the potential to become damaged during natural disasters, which could leave you with no power amidst poor weather conditions. If you don’t already have natural gas in your home, you can opt for a generator that runs on liquid propane or diesel.
Liquid Propane
Liquid propane is unaffected by low temperatures, like gasoline and diesel, which could be essential if you live in a colder climate. Liquid propane is widely available in many areas and requires less maintenance, but must be stored outside and away from humans and animals. You’ll need to check for leaks frequently since liquid propane can be hazardous to humans and animals at high concentrations.
Diesel
The main benefit of a diesel-powered whole home generator is the lifespan of the engine. A generator powered by diesel can run thousands of hours longer compared to natural gas and liquid propane. Just remember that it’s crucial to add a diesel storage tank alongside the generator to preserve the diesel.
An Investment in Your Safety During Storms
If you think a whole house generator is right for you and your family, consider the Smart Financing Program with Alabama Power. The cost of installation and maintenance can be daunting for a generator of this size, but this program is here to ease your uncertainties. The cost of the installation will be added to your monthly power bills, so all costs are wrapped into one bill. Save money and make your home more energy efficient by contacting a service provider today!
Invest in a Whole Home Generator with Alabama Power
Alabama Power can help you finance any replacements like HVAC, air quality, roofing, whole home generators, and more. In the state of Alabama, there are over a thousand service providers who can provide you with quality advice and service. Call us at 1-888-44-SMART or send an email to G2APCSUPPORT@southernco.com to get started today!
