I Haven’t Had a Power Outage In a Long Time, Why Do I Need a Generator?

In 2018, the average New Orleans resident experienced 124 minutes of outages. In 2021, those numbers increased exponentially due to Hurricane Ida. Then 2022 rolled around and still had increased numbers at 149 minutes. 

Living on the Gulf Coast, the risk is present even if you haven’t experienced a power outage in years. However, investing in a whole home or portable generator can help with surviving a power outage. 

Keep reading as we explore why you should have a standby generator for power outages even if you’re not frequently affected. 

Power Outages Are Happening More Often

In recent years, there has been a noticeable rise in the frequency and duration of power interruptions. In the past ten years, there has been an increase of 64% compared to the previous decade. Even if you haven’t experienced a power outage recently with the rising occurrences, it’s still a possibility. 

These outages can be caused by severe weather events such as storms or hurricanes, but they can also occur due to infrastructure issues or equipment failures.

Climate Change

As temperatures rise and extreme weather events become more frequent, power grids are under greater strain. Heatwaves, wildfires, and heavy rainfall all contribute to an increased risk of power outages. With these factors at play, having a generator becomes essential.

Aging Infrastructure

Many electrical systems across the country are outdated and need repair or replacement. Most of the electric grid in the US was built in the 60s and 70s. Over 70% of the systems in the US are more than 25 years old. 

As these systems deteriorate over time, they become more prone to failure during extreme weather conditions or other stresses.

Safety

The safety of you and your loved ones is the top priority in any situation, especially during a power outage. While it’s true that power outages are often temporary and resolved quickly, they can still pose risks to your household.

Compromised Security 

Your home’s security system may be compromised without electricity, leaving you vulnerable to potential intruders. A generator ensures that your security system remains operational, providing peace of mind even when the lights go out.

Visibility

During a power outage, visibility becomes a major concern as darkness envelops your surroundings. This can lead to accidents or injuries caused by stumbling over objects or falling down stairs.

Keep Home Medical Devices Running

Do you have family members with medical conditions that require powered medical equipment or medication refrigeration (such as insulin)? In these cases, a generator is crucial in maintaining their health and well-being when grid power fails unexpectedly.

Avoid Financial Losses

In addition to the safety and security benefits, having a generator can also help you avoid financial losses during a power outage. When the power goes out, it’s not just inconvenient – it can also result in significant financial setbacks.

Perishables

Think about all of the perishable items in your refrigerator and freezer. Without power, these goods can spoil quickly, resulting in wasted food and money down the drain. With a generator, you can keep your appliances running smoothly and minimize potential loss.

Work

Consider how much money you may lose if you work from home or run a business that relies on electricity. A prolonged power outage could mean missed deadlines, lost productivity, and ultimately lost income. Having a backup generator ensures that you can continue working without interruption.

Protect Appliances

Power surges during storms or outages have been known to damage sensitive electronic equipment such as computers, televisions, or even HVAC systems. Providing an uninterrupted power supply through your generator during an outage allows for the continued operation of crucial equipment while protecting it from expensive damages.

Comfort

We all love the feeling of being cozy and at ease, especially within the confines of our own homes. But what happens when a power outage disrupts that comfort?

Suddenly, we find ourselves without heating or air conditioning, unable to use essential appliances such as refrigerators or stoves. This is where a generator can make all the difference.

With a generator, you can maintain your desired comfort level even during power outages. You won’t have to worry about shivering through cold nights or sweating profusely during hot summers. A generator ensures your HVAC system continues running smoothly, providing the perfect temperature for you and your family.

A generator also allows you to continue using other amenities in your home. Imagine not having access to hot water for showers or baths because of a prolonged power outage. This inconvenience becomes obsolete with a generator as it powers up your water heater.

In addition to keeping you physically comfortable, having an operational generator helps maintain some semblance of normalcy during unexpected disruptions. You can still enjoy home-cooked meals using electric stoves and ovens powered by the generator rather than relying on take-out food options.

Don’t Stress About Repair Timelines

Having a backup generator means you don’t have to rely on uncertain timelines for repairs during widespread outages caused by storms or natural disasters. Instead of waiting anxiously for the power company to restore electricity to your area, you can rest easy knowing that your generator will run smoothly until standard service resumes.

A Whole Home or Portable Generator Provides Peace of Mind

With unexpected events like power outages, peace of mind cannot be underestimated. Even if you haven’t experienced a power outage in a long time, having a generator can give you reassurance and security, knowing you will never be left in the dark.

With a generator, you won’t have to worry about spoiled food, disrupted work projects, or uncomfortable living conditions during an extended power outage. You can continue using your electronic devices, keeping your home at a comfortable temperature and ensuring that essential appliances such as refrigerators and freezers remain operational.

Find the Generator Options You Need for Your Gulf Coast Home

In today’s unpredictable world, having a whole home or portable generator is no longer just a luxury but a necessity. Investing in a generator can make all the difference, whether for safety reasons, financial protection, or to maintain your comfort and peace of mind during power outages.

At Generator Supercenter, we’re North America’s #1 Generac dealer. We provide extensive training for our employees, ensuring they provide a professional experience every step of the way. Start your quote for a whole home generator today.