When a power outage occurs for whatever reason, a generator can be a powerful way to keep life moving forward. But a generator can also be used for more than just power outages. They come in various designs, capacities, and capabilities and are built for many different purposes. And while an immensely valuable piece of equipment in many situations, they can be costly.
What are the benefits of owning a generator?
Here are a few of the many benefits you may experience owning a generator:
- It’s an excellent power back-up beyond emergencies. For example, if you own an RV or boat, go camping in remote areas, use a sump pump, get water from a well, or have a workshop on your property, a generator can help with critical power needs.
- It provides critical power when cuts are anticipated. If you live in an area where power cuts are a common phenomenon, or if your area is susceptible to hurricanes, tornadoes, or other disasters, a generator gives you the necessary power to provide heat, food, and even water when needed.
- It can be a life-saving machine. If you or a family member requires refrigerated medicine, having a generator on standby gives you the peace of mind you may need in any situation.
- It’s an excellent power source for an electric car. While many people are converting to electric cars, charging docks are not widely available. Therefore, if you own an electric card and go for long rides, a generator can get you where you need to be without fear of a power failure.
What Type of Generator is Right for Me?
If you can choose the right generator, you can outrun any disasters you face and light up in the dark. Here are a few standard options:
- Whole Home Generator. Also known as a home generator, back-up generator, or standby generator, it acts as a back-up supply of electricity should the power go out. Usually, the generator will register when the power is out and automatically supply an alternative source of electricity to power your home. Most whole house generators run on fuel (such as natural gas or liquid propane) and may add value to your home.
- Portable Generator. These smaller, cheaper power sources don’t supply as much power, but you can still connect it to your home’s circuit breaker as an alternative solution. However, you will need to hook them up manually, and they can be noisier than whole-house generators. They also require fuel to run and should only be used outside.
- Battery Back-ups. These small devices can power just a few appliances or a large power bank that supplies energy to your home. However, unlike gas-powered generators, battery back-ups will only last as long as there’s a charge in the battery and must be replenished regularly (even when there aren’t emergencies).
All these options have pros and cons to weigh before making any decisions. We recommend talking to an expert to help determine what would work best for you and your family. Finally, take your time, compare prices, and find an option that will give you the power you need when you need it.
Don’t Be Left in the Dark
We want to ensure our customers have what they need to live life to its fullest. So if you’re considering a generator, but the price is prohibitive, Quail Creek Bank’s Whole Home Generator Loan Program may be just what you need. We offer loans up to $10,000 at low rates and terms up to 60 months, with a quick turnaround for funding. Find out more about QCB’s Whole Home Generator Loan Program.
