Why do you need a standby home generator? Find out the answers here as well and how Vancelectric is here to help so you never lose power again.

As a home and/or business owner, nothing can be quite as disruptive as power outages. They often accompany severe weather storms but can be caused by numerous circumstances. On some occasions, you'll be notified of power outages by construction and electrical companies working in the area.

However, it doesn't matter if they're predictable or not. When the power fails, your whole life gets put on hold, even if it's only for an hour or two.

But what if you were to lose power for several hours? What if you lost power for days?

If you had a home generator, you wouldn't have to worry about it.

Not sure where to begin with your search for a backup generator? Don't worry, at Vance Electric, we've got answers to all of your questions. Keep reading for everything you need to know.

Benefits of Backup Generators

Backup generators like Generac generators have a lot of benefits. They provide power for homes and businesses during power outages of all kinds.

Backup generators can be vital for businesses that can't afford to lose power, like healthcare providers, banks, retail stores, and more. For these businesses, losing power could result in theft, injury, panic, or worse.

In less severe cases, backup generation simply helps businesses stay in business and keep their doors open. Restaurants can continue serving food, retail stores can continue selling products, and laundromats can continue washing and drying clothes.

Home generators can be a major comfort for families with young children. If there's a violent storm outside and you lose power, it can be terrifying for kids. Having a backup generator that automatically brings everything back to normal can go a long way towards getting your family through the night.

Additionally, a home backup generator that kicks on during the day will help your family function normally. Kids can continue doing homework on the computer, you and your spouse can continue watching TV or preparing dinner, etc.

Standby Generators Vs Portable Generators

There are two types of backup generators. There are stationary standby generators and portable generators.

Each comes with their own list of unique benefits. You'll need to assess your power needs and potential circumstances to find out which one is more appropriate for your home or business.

Standby Generators

Standby generators offer an automatic transfer of power when your main power source fails. Typically, they're tied into your natural gas line or run off of liquid propane. They're set up to automatically turn on if your power fails, usually in under a minute.

Because of how they're tied into your existing power lines, professional installation services are required for maximum safety and proper operation. Once installed, standby generators should create enough energy to power your entire home and all of its electronics and appliances.

If it's tied in with your gas line, you'll have infinite energy. If it's running off propane, you need to make sure the tanks are always full and ready for an emergency.

Portable Generators

Portable generators aren't as big, powerful, or convenient as standby generators. However, therein may lie their appeal to some home or business owners. Portable generators are small, and as their name suggests, portable.

They run on natural gas, liquid propane, or gasoline and can be used to power a small number of appliances or several electronics. If the power goes out, you'll need to manually fire up a portable generator and run extension cords to the appliances or electronics you wish to power.

Additionally, you'll need to make sure your portable generator remains outside, to avoid poisoning your household with noxious fumes. You'll also need to stay vigilant while monitoring fuel levels during long power outages, as refueling is also done manually.

Who Needs a Standby Generator

You may still be wondering if you need a home generator or a backup generator for your business. Ultimately, it depends on your needs, your circumstances, and how prepared you want to be for future power outages.

For example, hundreds of thousands of people have lost power due to this summer's hurricane season. Even though many of their homes were untouched by other damages, they were still affected by massive, long-lasting power outages.

You need to ask yourself if you're vulnerable to power outages and whether or not it's a major concern for your home or place of business.

Homeowners

To assess your needs, think about the ways a home generator could make your life easier. For example, if you work from home and use the internet and electronic devices, a power outage could significantly disrupt your productivity. Even if all you had was a small portable home generator, it would still allow you to work uninterrupted.

Generac generators that power the whole home can also prevent food from going bad in the fridge and freezer during long power outages. Even more importantly, a backup generator will keep your home at a safe and comfortable temperature. A power failure during the dead of winter could be life-threatening without a secondary source of power.

Business Owners

Business owners must also think about standby generators in terms of their individual needs. If you lost power for several hours or days to your business, would you suffer any damages to goods?

Alternatively, what about your customers? How much business would you lose if you didn't have power for multiple days on end?

You also need to think about the issues mentioned above like safety and security. If the lights went out during hours of operation, would your customers be at risk of hurting themselves? Would your business be at risk for theft due to low visibility and non-functioning security cameras?

Are You Interested in a Home Generator or Standby Generator for Your Business?

Now that you know a little about backup generators, the question is: do you need one? Whether you're looking out for your family's health, comfort, and safety or want to make sure your business is never interrupted by another power outage, we can help.

Contact us today for a free on-site inspection to determine your generator needs. And for more information, be sure to check out some of the other articles in our blog.

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Storm Preparedness: Why Backup Power Is a Must-Have for Your Family

By Vanceelectric • March 18, 2025

According to the National Centers for Environmental Information, each of the twenty-seven weather disasters that occurred in 2024 cost more than one billion dollars . Part of the reason these storms are so expensive is that they can knock out power infrastructure, causing outages. That is why it is so essential to have home backup power . But where do you get this type of reliable power backup power? And what safety considerations should you take into account? This emergency power options guide will answer these questions to prepare you for the next storm. The Risks of Power Outages During Storms Power outages during storms create various challenges, many of which can severely impact families. Losing electricity disrupts everyday routines, affecting lighting, heating or cooling systems, and access to communication. This makes staying connected with emergency services, loved ones, and weather updates difficult, leaving families vulnerable during a crisis. Beyond daily inconveniences, power outages also pose significant health and safety risks. Without refrigeration, perishable food can spoil, increasing the risk of foodborne illness. A prolonged outage can become a medical emergency for individuals who rely on medical devices such as oxygen concentrators or CPAP machines. Additionally, extreme temperatures can make homes uninhabitable, leading to dangerous conditions, particularly for children, older people, and those with health concerns. The financial burden of power outages can also be substantial. A sudden power surge can damage expensive electronics and appliances, leading to costly repairs or replacements. Types of Backup Power Solutions Several types of home backup power solutions are available, each with unique benefits and considerations. Portable generators offer a cost-effective and flexible option capable of powering select appliances. However, they require manual setup, fuel storage, and proper ventilation to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. These generators are ideal for short-term power outages but require careful handling to ensure safety and efficiency. Learn more about in-stock generators . Standby residential power generators provide automatic power restoration during an outage for a more seamless solution. These units are permanently installed and typically run on natural gas or propane, eliminating the need for refueling. Standby generators can power an entire home and offer a reliable, long-term solution. However, they require professional installation and regular maintenance to maintain optimal working conditions. Read about professional generator installations and their benefits. Battery backup power systems provide another alternative, storing electricity during outages. While they are well-suited for short-term power needs, their effectiveness depends on battery capacity. For families looking for a sustainable and long-term solution, combining solar power with battery storage ensures electricity is available even during extended outages. Just make sure you are choosing the right generator . Choosing the Right Backup Power for Your Family Selecting the best backup power solution depends on various factors, including household power needs, budget, fuel availability, and ease of maintenance. Assessing power requirements is the first step in determining which appliances and systems must be operational during an outage. Understanding essential devices' wattage and energy consumption helps identify the appropriate generator size. Find the size generator you need to ensure your home is adequately powered. Budget is another critical consideration. Portable generators have a lower upfront cost but may require frequent refueling and maintenance. Standby generators involve a higher initial investment but provide automatic power restoration and long-term reliability. Battery backup systems and solar power solutions also have varying price points, with potential long-term savings on energy costs. Explore the complete guide to generator installation to make an informed decision. Fuel availability plays a crucial role in backup power planning. Portable generators often run on gasoline, which can be scarce during severe weather events. Standby natural gas or propane generators provide a more consistent fuel source. Battery-powered solutions eliminate the need for fuel but depend on stored energy capacity. Learn about the benefits of a Generac standby generator for a dependable energy source. Some generators require frequent servicing, while others offer automated operation with minimal intervention. Proper installation and routine maintenance ensure the system functions correctly when needed. Get essential maintenance tips to extend the lifespan of your generator. Safety Considerations When Using Backup Power Backup power solutions provide security during power outages, but proper usage is essential to prevent safety hazards. Portable generators can produce carbon monoxide poisoning , which is a significant risk. Therefore, it is crucial to operate them outdoors, away from windows and doors. Homeowners should install carbon monoxide detectors to monitor indoor air quality and prevent exposure to this deadly gas. Electrical hazards are another concern when using backup power. Qualified professionals should always install generators to avoid the risk of electrical shocks, short circuits, or fire hazards. Proper grounding and adherence to local electrical codes ensure safe operation. Find out more about preparing your home for generator installation. Safe fuel storage and handling are also vital when using generators. Gasoline and propane should be stored in approved containers and kept away from living spaces. Spills should be cleaned immediately to reduce fire risks. Routine maintenance, including oil changes and component inspections, helps keep generators in peak condition and ready for emergency use. Learn more about generator repair and warranty services . Additional Storm Preparedness Tips Beyond the benefits of professional generator installation for backup power, families should take additional steps to prepare for storms. Create an emergency kit stocked with the following: Non-perishable food Water First-aid supplies Flashlights Extra batteries A battery-powered radio or alternative communication method helps families stay informed about storm developments and emergency updates. Developing a family emergency plan is also critical. Establishing communication protocols, designating meeting points, and outlining evacuation routes help ensure everyone knows their role during an emergency. Staying informed through weather forecasts and local emergency alerts provides valuable time to implement preparedness measures. Need Home Backup Power? Contact Vance Electric Investing in a reliable home backup power system is a crucial component of storm preparedness. It ensures your family's safety, comfort, and financial well-being during unforeseen power outages. Here at Vance Electric, we know how important it is to get an experienced installer for your backup needs. That is why we offer nearly three decades of experience. So, if you are ready for the electric help you need, contact us today.