With more extreme weather, keeping the lights on when the power goes out is a real convenience. A whole house generator, or a home generator, backup generator or a standby generator, whether permanent or portable, can help alleviate power outage issues and enable you to continue living pretty close to normal. This will minimize down time due to power loss.

Most whole house generators run on natural gas or liquid propane to power an engine that runs an alternator to generate electricity. This electricity is available should your power cut out.

Portable generators are smaller, cheaper and don’t supply as much power. Some portable generators can still be connected to your home’s circuit breaker from outside as an alternative solution. You have to manually hook them up when you need them, and they’re noisy too. You have to add fuel and should only ever be used outside because generators produce the poison gas carbon monoxide.

Pros of a Stand-by Generator.

Convenient. Automatically starts when power goes out.

Reliable and constant (if you’re hooked up to a gas line) supply of electricity should your power go out, 24/7. This can be especially crucial if you lose power during a storm — a generator can keep your sump pumps working, helping prevent your basement from flooding. Consider a battery back up sump pump for added flood insurance.

Starts even when not home or at work. Protects your place. Your refrigerator, lights, security, even heating and cooling and sump pumps can operate.

Adds value to your building. Your power backup generator investment adds value to your property.