Does Your Home Need a Backup Generator?

Can Your Household Benefit From a Whole Home Generator Installation?

Power outages are one of the most frustrating problems homeowners encounter, particularly if they last more than a few hours. And in areas like Pittsburgh, where the weather ranges from icy and wet to hot and muggy, extended blackouts can go from uncomfortable to dangerous in a hurry. 

That’s why so many homeowners are opting to install a standby generator to get them through outages without inconvenience. When the power goes out, whether due to a storm, heat wave, or an issue with the electrical grid, a whole-house generator can spare homeowners the stress, discomfort, wasted food, and even negative health consequences that outages often bring. Read on to discover if a whole-home generator is a worthwhile investment for a household!

Is the Home in a Region That Has Storms?

Backup generators are most common - and most handy - in regions that see a lot of heavy rain and snowstorms. These weather events can kill power to large parts of the electrical grid in various ways, from lightning strikes to high winds to broken tree limbs downing power lines. As such, severe weather is the number one cause of power outages in the U.S.

Of course, Pittsburgh is no stranger to severe weather and storms. And when the power goes out during a storm in the frigid winter months, the dangers of cold exposure become all too real. A backup generator allows homeowners to keep their heat on and ride out the storm comfortably and safely.

Does the Home Experience Multiple Power Outages Per Year?

When considering standby generator installation, homeowners should ask themselves how often they experience power outages. If the answer is more than a few times a year, installing a whole home generator is a good idea. Some homeowners opt for smaller portable generators that run on gasoline or diesel fuel, but these can only last so long before needing to be refueled and have a limited capacity in terms of how much electricity they provide.

On the other hand, whole home generators typically connect to the home’s existing natural gas lines. They are integrated directly into the home’s electrical system, which means they can provide continuous power to the house for as long as necessary. This is especially advantageous if a severe storm prevents homeowners from traveling to get more fuel for a portable generator. 

Having a whole home generator reduces food waste due to a lack of refrigeration, ensures continuous use of vital medical equipment (ventilators, chair lifts, sleep apnea devices, etc.), helps prevent pipes from freezing in the winter (since the house will stay warm), and keeps the family cozy and safe during emergencies.

Do Summer Heat Waves Cause Blackouts in the Area?

While Pittsburgh’s summers aren’t as extreme as those in other parts of the country, they’re nothing to scoff at – especially as recent years have seen record-high temperatures in normally temperate climates. And when temperatures soar during summer heat waves, so does electricity usage, as people crank up their AC to beat the heat and humidity. This can overload the electrical grid, potentially causing a blackout. 

When people lose power during a heat wave, the results can be dangerous. The risks of heat exhaustion and heat stroke are severe, so staying cool during periods of intense heat is vital. A backup generator will allow homeowners to keep their air conditioners running even if the power goes out due to a grid failure, keeping them safe and comfortable.

About Gillece Services

Gillece Services is a plumbing, HVAC, and electrical company that has been serving Pittsburgh and the surrounding areas for over 40 years. They offer flat-rate pricing, easy financing options, and the latest technology. Call them today for generator installation or repair in Pittsburgh, PA. 

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