Why You Should Install a Home Generator Before Winter 2020-21 – Part 1

A regular occurrence on the equator in the Pacific Ocean, the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) affects weather patterns. A two to seven-year cycle oscillates between the weather periods of El Niño and La Niña.

When there is an El Niño, the equatorial waters in the Pacific Ocean become significantly warmer than the average temperatures. When there is a La Niña, the same waters become much cooler for that time period.

The National Oceanic and Atmosphere Administration noted in September 2020 that there are now La Niña conditions present, and there is about a 75% chance that these will continue through the Northern Hemisphere winter. For states on the Atlantic Ocean, this means a more active hurricane season, which can lead to more power outages.

La Niña patterns also push the jet stream farther north into the Mid-Atlantic, potentially causing severe winter weather events and electrical problems for Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York.

Problems Caused by Winter Electrical Outages

There will be a greater likelihood of ice storms during a La Niña winter with the result being extended power outages. Typically, modern home heating systems depend on electrical power to run, and residents will be uncomfortable inside.

When there is a power outage and temperatures drop below freezing, the water in a home’s plumbing can freeze, causing pipes to burst. If this happens, a home may suffer thousands of dollars in damage from flooding. The flooded home may be uninhabitable for many weeks before repairs can be completed.

Portable Generators

Many homeowners depend on portable generators to ensure their houses stay warm if electricity from the utility is cut. However, these generators require a transfer switch in order to power furnaces and home appliances. These portable generators can only work if someone is home to start them and manually supply them with fuel.

Part 2 will discuss Home Standby Generators, Generator Installations, and Winter Issues. 

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.