When it comes to protecting your home and maintaining it, professional electricians can be especially helpful. There are currently more than 1 million electricians in the United States alone, according to IBISWorld. While this may seem like a lot, it's not always enough to help with major power outages, resulting in a loss of electricity for days or weeks. You may want to invest in a generator if you're thinking of ways to preserve your power at home, even during natural disasters and massive storms.

One of the biggest reasons that homeowners invest in a generator is the ability to keep the power on during outages. These outages can last anywhere from a few minutes to more than a few days. In worst-case scenarios, power outages can last weeks after a natural disaster. Having your very own backup energy source available is a great way to ensure you can properly manage food and other perishables in a timely manner. Here are some considerations you should keep in mind.

Features of a Home Generator

Before you invest in home generators for your own property, you may want to learn more about what they have to offer. Keep in mind that not all generators are developed and created equal, which is why it's imperative to conduct adequate research on each generator you are thinking of buying for your own home. Some of the most notable and appealing features of modern home generators include:

• Automatic switches: If you're worried about losing power in your home and causing issues with electronics, then there's no need to fret. Modern home generators include an automatic transfer switch, providing a seamless transition to the use of power anytime the home's main power source is lost or has gone out.

• Automatic shutdown: In many cases, home generators have a built-in automatic shutoff feature, allowing them to shut down so you can return to using the home's original energy source when they're no longer needed.

• Programmed and remote start: If you want to have the ability to start your home's generator from any location in your home, consider investing in a remote start or a generator that is capable of being programmed from afar.

• Monitoring: Depending on the generator you choose for your home, it may be possible to monitor the generator's output and performance at all times. Along the same lines as a built-in monitoring system, it's also possible to seek out a modern option that also includes Wi-Fi capabilities. In some instances, generators with wireless internet connections can be accessed remotely, allowing you to monitor their output and performance remotely as long as you have an internet connection.

• Power output options: When choosing a home generator, it's possible to do so based on your power output needs. Some home generators are smaller, producing a few kilowatts, while larger home generators can produce hundreds of kilowatts, according to Home Depot. This will vary based on the generator's size, purpose, and overall capacity.

• Regulation of voltage: Modern home generators have built-in voltage regulators to protect users while providing a stable output of electricity at all times. This is essential for safety purposes as well as to consistently protect your electrical output throughout the home.
  

Food Management

Handling food after the power goes out can be daunting, especially if you have an entire refrigerator full of food. You run the risk of losing all of your perishable items if you are unable to transfer them to a cool location within just a couple of hours, especially when it comes to meats. With a home generator, maintain your peace of mind by knowing that your food is being kept cool and protected while your power is out. You'll also have more time to focus on transporting your food without worrying that it might spoil immediately.

Temperature and Climate Control

Keeping control of the climate in your home is also much easier with a home generator. Once the power is out and you're without a backup source of power, you'll immediately begin to feel the effects of the outdoors. Managing the temperature in your home may be important if you have health concerns or you're experiencing power outages during the hottest and coldest months of the year.

Medical Equipment Needs

For those who have a loved one who requires medical equipment, investing in a generator is a must. Individuals who require machines or other equipment for breathing treatments, oxygen, and other life-saving solutions often cannot go without power, especially in natural disasters. Rather than rushing your loved ones to the nearest hospital during every power outage you experience, invest in a home generator. With a power backup source, your medical equipment and gear will still remain accessible and usable even when the power has gone out.

Security

Maintaining your peace of mind is key during emergencies, natural disasters, and, of course, power outages. When you lose your power, the last thing you want to worry about is your home security. If you have a home security system in place, then investing in a generator is highly advisable to prevent your security system from shutting down when you need it most. A generator will allow the home security system to run continuously, even through storms and major power outages that may impact all of those around you.

Comfort and Entertainment

Another reason to consider investing in a home generator is simply for comfort and entertainment purposes. Aside from taking care of priorities such as food and safety, many homeowners prefer not to go without electricity if they can avoid doing so on their own. With a home generator, you'll likely still have access to all of your comfort items, amenities, appliances, and electronics, depending on the type of backup power source you have chosen.

Surrounding Safety

After an entire neighborhood has gone dark, going outside can be daunting. If you have a home generator in place, then you can easily provide lighting and electricity to those around you. Others in your neighborhood who are also running generators can assist in providing lighting to otherwise darkened areas.

Long-Term Cost Savings

Ultimately, investing in home generators is a great way to save on long-term costs. If you live in an area that experiences frequent power outages or natural disasters, a home generator can help to protect you from various losses. Additional losses that are common can include expenses that add up related to the power outages you experience along with missing work due to the inability to access your home amenities or electronics.

Energy-Efficient Alternatives

If you're concerned about using too much energy in order to run your home generator, then there are alternatives on the market that are designed with energy efficiency in mind. Some home generators are capable of utilizing renewable energy sources, allowing individuals to reduce their overall carbon footprint and the amount of energy that's being used from the home, even with backup power in place and running.

Investing in a home generator is one of the smartest decisions a homeowner can make, especially those who live where natural disasters and a loss of electricity are commonplace. Contact John H. Coleman Co today to learn more or get started with your home generator.