Power outages happen more often now.
There are two reasons:
- Storms are more frequent and more powerful
- The AVERAGE age of power lines and transformers in the U.S. is 28 years. And they aren't getting any younger.
A few hours without electricity are inconvenient.
A few days are damaging and dangerous.
Longer term power outages can involve severe temperatures, water damage, security system and communication system failures, and more. Spoiled food and burst pipes are normal occurrences. Sump pumps don't work without electricity.
No wonder more families and businesses protect themselves and their investments with generators.
More Than Ever:
Today's home relies on energy like never before. Larger heating and cooling units, more appliances and electronics, security systems and more, all add up to create a real requirement for electricity on a steady basis.
The Good News:
Today's generators are more powerful, more efficient and less expensive than ever before. As demand has risen, so has technology and competition. Generators are a better bargain than ever before.
Things to Know About Installation:
There are several things to consider when installing a generator. The first question asked is usually “What size do I need?”
This depends on two things: the total kilowatts required to run everything you choose to run during an outage and the additional startup wattage of bigger appliances, like refrigerators, which is always greater than running wattage. The major generator manufacturers have calculators on their websites to help you get an idea of what you will need, but in the end, the best way to move forward is to ask an electrician to calculate your requirement. Or better yet, call us, we'll take care of it.
That's a start, but there are other things to consider. Some items, like the controls in your HVAC system and your electronics, are sensitive to the power they receive. Fluctuations and harmonic distortion can cause damage. That must be avoided and can be, with the right help.
Transfer switches: The National Electrical Code requires a transfer switch for generator systems. This, in turn, requires a permit. Its another thing we will help you with. We deal with this daily.
Every location is different, but noise can be an issue, if you don't consider it upfront. Generator systems test themselves, usually weekly. This means running a motor. Upfront planning for this solves problems before they are problems.
What you get:
Obviously, with the right system, you can stop worrying about power outages. Your home and family is protected year-round. It is usual to not even notice a power outage until you look out the window and see that some lights are off in your neighborhood.
And the protection lasts for years. Simple maintenance will insure your generator system is there for you for decades to come. We will even take care of the maintenance if you ask.
Another great feature of newer generators is that you can check your system without stepping outside. Our systems feature Wi-Fi and “Mobile Link” Remote monitoring. This lets you monitor system status, servicing schedule, even when your generator has run, from at home or anywhere in the world.
Financial and Tax Considerations
According to Consumer Reports, owning a home generator can increase your home value by 3 to 5%. Remodeling Magazine estimates a 150% return on your investment.
Home generators can be tax deductible in certain circumstances. If your household requires electricity for medical reasons (and you submit an appropriate letter from your doctor with your tax return), you can deduct the cost of your generator as a medical expense. Examples include:
- Kidney patients who need frequent use of dialysis machinery
- Sleep apnea patients who require a C-Pap machine to be able to sleep
- Patients with limited mobility who need the use of chairlifts to get around the home
- Para- and quadriplegics who use specialised wheelchairs that have batteries requiring charging
This requires a certified letter from a medical doctor detailing the condition and swearing a constant medical supply is a medical necessity, but it applies to quite a few people.
Capital Improvement and Capital Gains
If you expect to sell your home in the coming year, the cost of a generator is considered a capital improvement and can be used to offset capital gains. This strategy is suggested by the American Homeowners Association. The generator improves your asking price and your tax burden.