How a Home Generator Can Reduce Your Risks During Outages

By theadmin

Texas, the only continental U.S. state with its own power grid, suffers from more weather-related power outages than anywhere in the country. Since 2000, we’ve had more than 200 weather-related power outages — and in all types of weather. In 2021, Winter Storm Uri left 4.5 million Texas homes and businesses in the cold and dark. And in July 2024, high winds from Hurricane Beryl knocked out power to more than 2.6 million Houstonians, hundreds of thousands of whom were left with no electricity during peak summer temperatures for a full week after the storm had passed.

Between extreme weather patterns, the state’s standalone electric grid, and rising consumer demand for power across the state, more and more Texans are looking to home generators to provide backup power — not to mention peace of mind — before the next blackout strikes. Here’s what you should know about the different types of backup generators for your home and the advantages they can provide your family during the next inevitable outage.

Standby Generators

A standby generator, or whole-house generator, is a growing home amenity in many parts of Texas, such as Houston, that are most often affected by extreme weather. Standby generators are permanent systems installed directly on your property and connected to your home’s natural gas or propane lines. The system’s power reboot is automatic: Within 30 seconds of detecting a blackout, the generator redirects your home’s power source to the auxiliary line, restoring power to your home’s utilities to keep them running until the main line turns on.

The key advantage of a standby generator is in its name. It’s always standing by, ready for unexpected events that could leave you without power. That means your A/C can stay on during heat waves, and your heat can run during deep freezes indefinitely. Even if you’re not home during an outage, your standby generator will activate itself to keep your refrigerator running, your home security system online, and your sump pump operating.

There is, of course, a very large elephant in the room: Standby generators aren’t cheap. They cost anywhere from $5,000 to $25,000, plus installation fees. They come in various sizes, with larger units necessary to power larger homes. You may also need to obtain a permit before installation, meaning you’ll need to budget a few weeks of preparation before your standby generator can charge into action.

Portable Generators

If you don’t have time to wait or the ability to splurge on a standby generator, there’s another option. Portable generators are a fraction of the cost of a standby, running you between $500 and $3,000, depending on the size and model. But you’ll also have to consider the fuel cost. Although standby generators run on auxiliary power, portable generators run on gasoline or propane.

Because portable generators need to be turned on manually, they won’t be as reliable as their counterparts if you’re out of town when a blackout hits your area. They also have smaller wattages, meaning they won’t be able to restore power to your home’s larger utilities, such as central heating or cooling systems. However, in the case of short outages, a portable generator is an excellent option to keep household appliances such as your fridge running for about six hours per gas tank.

Portable generators are safe if used properly, but if you opt for one, make sure you never run it inside your house or garage. They run on gasoline and emit toxic carbon monoxide exhaust that can be deadly in closed spaces. Always keep portable generators outdoors while they’re running.

Texas’ power grid is especially prone to power outages during winter freezes. If one hits, make sure you know the drill with these tips.