Here in the Sarasota area, seasons are a little different than elsewhere in the country. While our fellow Americans break out their fall sweaters, we are still enjoying balmy beach days. And as they prepare for the first snow, we are reveling in cooler weather most would consider a beautiful spring day. Although there are a few frosty nights and chilly days over the winter season, this time of year is more known for dry weather and clear skies. With few storms on the horizon, this is the the perfect time to buy a generator for your home.
Every year, hundreds of thousands of households lose power due to storms and high winds. After a major event, life can get miserable fairly quickly if the power supply is cut off. Generators are a practical solution to proactively prevent against losing power to the home. Winter is likely the best time to buy a generator.
Most people consider getting a generator while storms are brewing, making them difficult to obtain during hurricane season. However, those who wait until a storm is imminent are typically disappointed that all units are sold out, or that they can’t get on a schedule to receive a generator. Those who try to find a generator after a storm has hit are virtually never successful in locating a unit.
There are two basic types of generator, portable and standby.
A portable generator can be moved around to provide power in different locations. Portable generators may support a few of your major appliances during power loss, but will not provide power to your entire home. Portable generators can power portions of your home, or be used at a campsite or jobsite. They provide power anywhere and anytime, and are compact and reliable.
Portable generators run on a gas-powered engine, and provide power outlets to plug in extension cords, electric-powered tools and appliances. A homeowner with a portable generator will need to test it on a regular basis, and keep enough fuel on hand to get through a major storm situation.
A standby generator is permanently installed at the homeowner’s residence, and can be sized to handle their specific needs, powering the entire home after a power outage. A standby generator requires site preparation, permits and a gas connection, meaning that you will need to schedule and hire professional help for installation. These installations need to be planned for ahead of time to leave time for all of the required steps.
Because few people are thinking about storm preparation through the winter months, it is the perfect time to both buy a generator and plan on having it installed. In this way, you beat the rush and are well prepared when the rainy season comes back around next April.
The closer we get to hurricane season in June, the more difficult it will be to obtain a generator and to procure the needed expertise. With dry weather throughout much of the next three months, now is the perfect time to plan an outdoor installation, which typically includes a concrete pad for best results.
At Promise Electric, we are master electricians who specialize in selling and installing generator power in Sarasota area homes and business. If you would like to meet with one of our team to make sure your home and family is protected next summer, call us today.
