Key Takeaways –
- There are two main options for backup power – a whole house generator or a backup battery system. Both have their pros & cons in the commercial sector.
- When the power goes out, a whole-house generator comes on automatically and provides power to your entire home.
- A backup battery system is a less expensive energy efficiency solution that can be used to power specific appliances or lights in your home.
- Professional generator installation is recommended for both types of systems. That’s where Core Home Innovations comes to your aid!
Businesses, especially those in the commercial sector, are all too familiar with power outages. Whether it’s a storm that knocks out the grid or simply a fuse blowing, there’s nothing more frustrating than losing access to the tools of your trade. But the prospect of an outage for residential property owners is just as daunting.
What if you’re stuck at home with no power? Worse yet, what if you have kids or elderly parents to take care of? While a whole-house generator can be a lifesaver in these situations, they come with a hefty price tag. Backup batteries offer a more affordable solution, but they have some drawbacks. So, which is right for you? Read on to find out!!
How do Backup Batteries Work?
Backup batteries draw power from the electrical grid and store it in a battery. When the power goes out, the backup battery kicks in and provides power to essential devices until the power comes back on or the battery runs out of juice. Backup batteries are usually small, easily portable, and relatively inexpensive.
One advantage of backup batteries is that they are much smaller and more compact than whole-house generators, making them easier to install and maintain. Additionally, backup batteries can be charged using renewable energy sources such as solar panels, which can help reduce your overall carbon footprint. However, one downside of backup batteries is that they typically cannot power high-energy appliances such as air conditioners due to their limited capacity. Another downside of backup batteries is that you need to regularly service and replace them, which can add to their overall cost.
Whole House Generators
Whole house generators are powered by natural gas or propane and can provide enough energy to keep your home running for days or weeks. The most significant advantage of whole-house generators is that they are relatively low maintenance; once installed, you must perform regular checks and refuel them as needed.
Another advantage of whole-house generators is that you can power high-energy appliances such as air conditioners and refrigerators without any issues. However, one downside of whole-house generators is that they require professional installation, which can be costly. Additionally, it would help if you regularly serviced whole house generators to stay in good working condition, which can also add to their overall cost.
Also, Read – How to Identify and Inspect a Roof’s Problem Areas?
Comparing Backup Batteries with Whole House Generators
Maintenance
When it comes to maintenance, both battery backup systems and generators require regular upkeep. However, generators tend to be more high-maintenance than battery backups. Generators need to be regularly serviced by a professional, and they require fuel, so you’ll need to keep track of levels and ensure you have enough on hand in case of an outage. Battery backups, on the other hand, are relatively low-maintenance. They don’t require fuel and can go for years without needing to be serviced.
Pricing
Battery backups and generators can both be expensive upfront. Battery backups are the more expensive of the two options. At the same time, generators are usually less expensive to purchase but more expensive to operate over time. Installation costs can also vary depending on the type of system you choose.
Installation
Battery backups are typically much easier to install than generators. You’ll most likely need a few tools and an afternoon to get the job done. Generators, on the other hand, usually require professional installation. This is because they must be properly wired into your home’s electrical system.
Powering Your Home
One of the most significant differences between battery backups and generators is how they power your home during an outage. Battery backups provide power by storing energy in batteries that you can eventually use during an outage. The stored energy typically lasts for several hours. Generators work by using gasoline or propane to generate power during an outage. This power can last for days or even weeks, depending on how much fuel you have.
Expected Lifespan and Warranty
Battery backups typically lose charge-holding ability like phones and laptops. They can last anywhere from 3-5 years with proper care. The average lifespan of a generator is about ten years, but this depends on how well you maintain it. Warranties for battery backups are typically shorter than those for generators. This is because batteries are considered consumable items, and their warranty only covers defects in manufacturing. Generators usually have more extended warranties that cover both defects and maintenance.
Choosing What’s Right for You?
There are a few questions worth considering when deciding whether a generator or battery backup system is suitable for you:
- How long do you need backup power? A battery backup might be suitable if you only need a few hours. A generator is your best option if you need days or weeks of backup power.
- How often do outages occur in your area? If outages are rare, a battery backup might be a better investment since it will last several years without needing much maintenance. A generator might be a better investment if outages are common because it will provide longer-term backup power.
- How much can you afford to spend? Battery backups are typically more expensive than generators upfront but require less maintenance over time. Generators are typically less expensive upfront but require more maintenance over time.
- What are your preferred fuel sources? Solar panels might be the best option if you want to use renewable energy since you can use them to charge batteries or run generators (although solar panels alone will not power your whole house). If you’re not opposed to using fossil fuels, gasoline, propane, or diesel will work fine.
- Do you live in an urban or rural area? If you live in an urban area, noise pollution might be something you want to consider when choosing between battery backup and generators since generators can be loud when running (although some newer models are quieter).
If you’re caught in a power struggle in Katy, we hope this blog helped clarify things. And remember, if you’re ever feeling overwhelmed or lost in the shuffle, Core Home Innovations is here to help. We offer free quotes so you can get started on your journey to energy efficiency today.
