Every year hundreds if not thousands of Seattle homes are without power due to downed power-lines, fallen trees, wind, or snow. One can never predict exactly what type of year or when a home may lose its power due to external conditions. The best solution is to have a back-up generator. There are different types and models to choose from to suit your needs and pocketbook.
Back-up generators come in two types with a few different power options to fit your needs.
A standby generator (The long-term option) can sense a power outage, turns on automatically, and delivers back-up power to your home. It will continue to run until the utility power is restored. This type of generator is installed permanently outside the home and provides uninterrupted backup power. The generator is hooked up to your home’s main power panel and fueled by natural gas, propane, or diesel. Once power is restored the transfer switch will turn off the generator and reconnect the home to utility power. The standby option can cost anywhere from two thousand to fifteen thousand dollars based on your needs.
A portable generator (The short-term option) is a gas-powered and provides temporary electrical power. A Homeowner can plug electrical appliances directly into the generator’s receptacles. Portable generators give a short term supply of electricity from two to four outlets or on a few specific circuits if plugged into the panel. The portable generator can cost you roughly four hundred to three thousand dollars.
Here are a few reasons to purchase a standby generator:
1. Provides a fast and automatic power after a power outage
2. You can decide how and what you want it to power during an outage
4. Provides a permanent long term solution for power loss
5. You can decide how much you want to invest in a generator
