Is a Standby Generator Right for You?
The next time a storm knocks out your power—again—you may find yourself thinking about a standby generator. Unlike a portable backup generator, which you store in the garage or shed and roll out during an emergency, a standby generator is permanently installed on a gravel bed or concrete pad next to your house. If the power goes out, an electronic switch automatically signals the unit to turn on, keeping essential household systems and appliances running even if you’re miles away. Such systems, which start at about $5,000 and go as high as $40,000, recoup about 59% of their cost at resale, according to Remodeling magazine’s 2009-10 Cost vs. Value Report. Always-on protection doesn’t come cheap. Here’s how to decide if it’s right for you.
When permanent standby makes sense
As with any insurance policy, when you buy a backup generator there’s no telling when, or even if, you’ll need it. Whether it’s worth the investment depends on your personal situation, your tolerance for interruptions, and your budget.
If you live in an area with frequent, prolonged outages, rely on electrically powered medical equipment, or work at home and need to stay connected, a backup generator can protect you from a disruption you may not be able to afford.
If you live where hurricanes strike, a generator safeguards family members, especially children and the elderly, against the risks of sweltering heat. If you own a second home, particularly in areas where temperatures regularly dip below freezing, it can protect your property when you’re not around. “It’s a lot more expensive to have your pipes freeze and flood your house than it is to buy a generator.”
If you decide the benefits are worth the cost, here’s how to proceed.
Assess your power needs
Generators are sized according to wattage produced: The more watts, the bigger the unit—and the higher the price tag.
Wattage...
