Time to read: 5 minutes
November 18, 2022
Generators have become a popular topic with home and business owners as temperatures begin to plummet across Texas. Many remember the hardships that were caused by Winter Storm Uri and are now preparing for what might be one of the coldest winters that the Lone-Star State has seen in years. While generators are rising in popularity, it’s important to have the right information on this tried-and-true technology.
In this article, we’re going to be debunking many of the common myths about generators and explain why they may be the most important addition for your home for years to come.
Common myths
- Most generators can power everything you need
False. This is one of the most important things to know when you begin looking into purchasing a generator. There are several different types of generators and each of them is designed to power things in different environments. Take portable generators for example. Some are designed for construction sites specifically to power equipment while others provide both electricity for tools and lighting for workers. Additionally, generators of different sizes produce different amounts of electricity, and the amount of energy needed for each home varies.
- Generators can’t power enough appliances in your home
False. This myth is a bit different. When we talk about the power that a generator produces, it all comes down to sizing. A generator can absolutely power everything you need in your home, but you need to make sure that it is sized for it. This is why having a professional size your generator is so important.
If your generator isn’t sized correctly, then it won’t power everything that you need when the power goes out. A properly-sized home standby generator can power every appliance that you need in the event of a blackout. This is especially important if you need to power medical equipment, refrigerate medication, or keep the water in your swimming pool flowing to avoid pipe bursts when temperatures dip.
- You can install a noiseless generator
False. As great as a noiseless generator would be, they simply don’t exist. There are absolutely low noise generators that are made to meet the noise requirements for areas like campgrounds, but all generators produce a degree of noise. While they all produce noise, it’s more similar to the sound of a car or air conditioner turning on. All generators have engines, and therefore, a level of noise.
- You can run a generator indoors
False. Whether it’s in a separate room or even the garage, you should never run a generator indoors. Generators (especially the portable ones) produce carbon monoxide and are very dangerous to run indoors. While a portable generator might seem like a convenient solution for a blackout, they should never be used indoors.
As tempting as it may be to turn on your generator without having to go out into the cold, all generators must be operated outdoors. This is easily avoided by installing a Generac® home standby generator. These activate automatically as soon as a power outage occurs and are able to power everything that you need during a power outage.
- You need solar panels to have a generator
False. This one is more common than you might think. While solar panels are a fantastic way to power your home, you don’t need to install them in order to have a home standby generator.
Does having solar panels help during a power outage? Absolutely. While solar panels aren’t necessary for a home standby generator, they give you much more energy independence and resilience than just having the generator by itself. You can even sell the extra electricity you produce back to your utility company with solar buyback!
- All generators run on gasoline
False. While some run on gasoline or even diesel, some generators are powered by natural gas. Generators on construction sites may be powered by gasoline, but a Generac® home standby generator can be tied directly into your natural gas line and never has to be refueled.
- Going through a power outage is cheaper than installing a generator
False. Power outages can be very costly for those who lose power. As we’ve written about before, Texans have seen huge increases in electricity bills after power outages. On top of that, many Texans that were able to keep their power on during Winter Storm Uri in 2021 were hit with massive utility bills. Power outages are not your problem when you can rely on a home standby generator.
Another thing to consider is that a power outage caused by freezing temperatures can also cause a lot of costly damage to pool systems. Burst pipes in swimming pools due to freezing are incredibly expensive to repair. Installing a home standby generator will keep you from having to pay for expensive repairs by keeping the water in your pool circulating.
- Can I just buy or rent one from the hardware store?
While you absolutely can, this would only be a temporary fix. On top of that, you would have to do this every time that a power outage or emergency seemed likely, and unfortunately, many power outages are unpredictable. These generators also run on gasoline or diesel, so you would also have to pay for fuel anytime you need to use them. It’s safer and more efficient to simply install a home standby generator.
Fact: Installing a home standby generator keeps power outages from being your problem
Power outages happen. It’s just a fact of life, especially when extreme temperatures and harsh weather are becoming more common in Texas. When planning for harsh winters and scorching summers, installing a home standby generator is one of the best ways to prepare.
Why are home standby generators a good choice? Let’s take a look:
- A home standby generator activates as soon as your power goes out, meaning that you never have to worry about turning it on yourself.
- Installing a home standby generator can increase the value of your home.
- Home standby generators never have to be refueled.
- Your home standby generator is installed outside of your home, meaning that carbon monoxide is never an issue.
- You never have to worry about power for vital appliances.
Don’t want to worry about outages again? Generate some peace of mind with a home standby generator!
IES Texas Solar has helped Texans get the backup power they need. When you need to know that power outages aren’t your problem, IES Texas Solar is here for you. Our solar consultants are able to make sure that your Generac home standby generator is perfectly sized for your needs. Whether you need your generator to power your home for two days or two weeks, IES Texas Solar has you covered. Power outages don’t have to be your problem. Reach out to a solar consultant and install a Generac® home standby generator today!
If you are considering installing a backup generator for your home or business, reach out to us by going to our website, iestxsolar.com, or by giving us a call at (855) 447-6527.
