Home Backup Power Options – Part 1

Homes in every part of the country can lose power at any time of the year. The homeowners who are ready to deal with power outages will have the most confidence their families will be fine when the weather is bad. Making sure your home’s electrical system will keep working despite power system failures is a good investment. This article will discuss four backup power options. Work with a professional licensed electrician in your area to get the best results. 

Battery Backup

The battery system is a common mode for backup power used by homeowners. Depending on the design, it is capable of handling both AC and DC current. One battery backup will be adequate for outages that last just a few hours. Multi-battery systems are able to provide power for up to 48 hours.

An inverter and, occasionally, a charger are needed by battery backup systems. Better systems offer protection from overheating, which is a typical issue with this type of generator. For greater reliability, seek systems that have a deep cycle battery. In addition, grounding is crucial for safety. Costs for a one battery system start at about $400. Featuring greater capacity, multi-battery systems may be priced to more than $5,000.

Standby Generator

A standby generator will provide the best overall functionality as power backup for your home. Typically fueled by natural gas or propane, this type of generator is capable of handling greater electrical loads than a portable system. Their “permanent” position is an advantage because it discourages theft. To augment this system, homeowners may install a battery bank for increased dependability during longer power outages.

Before buying a standby generator, discuss your electrical needs with a licensed electrician as one will be required for installation. This professional will recommend the proper type of generator that meets your home’s requirements. Its size and type of installation will determine the total cost, ranging from $3,500 to $5,000 or more.

Part 2 will cover Portable Generator and Renewable Energy backup power options for your home.

Electrical Services You Can Trust

Meyer Electrical Services is an authorized Kohler and KOHLER Sales & Service Dealer serving Maryland, Virginia, and D.C. We provide custom standby generator installations and are trained and licensed to perform the regularly required important factory service and maintenance. Receive a free consultation today by calling (301) 941-1400.