While there are many factors for a power outage there is usually only one solution: wait for the electric company to restore power. However, homeowners can take matters into their own hands by purchasing a home generator. The purpose of this kind of generator is to provide electricity to your home when an electric company cannot.
Will a Home Generator Increase the Value of the Home
While you cannot place a value on the peace of mind that comes from knowing that you are prepared for the worst, you can save a lot of money by adding a generator to your home. Having a professional install a whole-home generator in your residence will not only increase the value of your home should you choose to sell it, but it also may save you money when paying for home insurance.
The housing market has become extremely competitive in recent years. Today, home buyers are looking for properties that not only fit their family and lifestyle but are also safe and practical. Backup generators are growing in popularity, and are listed as a big bonus when homes are put on the market. This is especially true in places like Montana, where residents know to expect several major storms each winter. According to Consumer Reports, installing a generator in your home could increase the value up to 5 percent. Other studies found that installing a backup generator can provide up to a 150 percent return on the investment.
Benefits of a Home Generator
While generators were not invented with the homeowner in mind, they can come in handy for homeowners who need power quickly or in emergencies. If you live in a more rural area of Montana, a power outage may last hours or even days as crews work to restore power. Here are some of the main benefits of having a home generator.
- Continue working
In the past two years, many people have started working remotely from home. If you are one of those people, you need to be able to work even if there is a power outage in your area. A home generator will bring the power back to your home and keep you working. - Power equipment
Whether you have a freezer that needs to stay cold or in-home medical equipment a family member relies on, there are some instances where you may need consistent power. An in-home generator will ensure you are never without power for things such as refrigerators, dehumidifiers, air conditioners, heating units, sump pumps, and medical equipment. - Comfort
It’s no shock that winters in Montana can get very cold! If a powerful snowstorm knocks out the power, it may get cold fast in your home. A generator will keep the heat on and keep your family comfortable even during winter storms. - Increase the value of your home
As we discussed above, having a generator in your home will help increase the value of your home by up to 5 percent. - Insurance savings
Many home insurance companies reward homeowners for taking precautionary measures like having a backup generator installed in your home by a licensed professional. Often, a generator prevents additional disasters.
Causes of Power Outages
Weather caused nearly 80 percent of power outages between 2003 and 2012, according to a study by Climate Central. That is a staggering number! Weather-related power outages could include storms, cold weather, hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, or wildfires. Here in Montana, that is usually a snowstorm or windstorm. While Montanans are used to dealing with extreme weather, sometimes it does take out a power line or piece of equipment at a substation. Other main causes of power outages include:
- Animals, such as squirrels or birds, that damage equipment
- Faults at the power station
- Damage to transmission lines, substations, or other parts of the distribution system
- A short circuit
- Natural disaster
Installing a Home Generator
To save money on insurance costs and increase the value of your home, a generator must be installed by a professional. To learn more about installing a whole-house generator or to book an appointment, contact the team at Central Heating.