Installing a standby generator is an excellent way to protect your home and property from periodic power outages. However, standby generators often seem like luxury items with an undesirable environmental impact. Nothing could be further from the truth. Modern standby generators are efficient and eco-friendly. Here are some ways they save you money while minimizing their environmental impact.
Standby Generators Use Clean-Burning Fuels
Most of today’s standby generators run on natural gas. While natural gas is a fossil fuel, and burning it does lead to carbon emissions, there’s more to consider. First, it’s that your home’s existing electricity supply relies heavily on coal-fired power plants. Burning natural gas can cut CO2 emissions by 60% compared to burning coal. Viewed in that light, your generator is a vast improvement over the source of your home’s grid power. And even if your generator runs on propane, it will emit 43% less CO2 than coal.
Generators Prevent Outage-Related Losses
Did you know that a day-long power outage costs the typical homeowner at least $300 between food spoilage and emergency supplies? And if you work from home, a power outage may cost you even more. With a standby generator in place, you won’t have to worry about such losses.
Having a backup power source can also help keep your home warm during a winter outage. That eliminates the need for you to relocate to a hotel, potentially saving you hundreds of dollars. That’s not all. In the depths of winter in this part of the country, an unheated home may end up with frozen or burst pipes. That can result in thousands of dollars in losses and repair costs.
Generators Increase Your Property’s Value
A recent study found that installing a standby generator can substantially increase your property value. It found that many owners recoup up to half of their generator installation costs through a higher property sale price. That can help dramatically reduce your generator’s payback period, making it an even better investment.
Generators May Lower Your Insurance Rate
You should also consult your insurer to see if they offer policy discounts for having a standby generator. Most do. The discounts reflect the reduced risk to your property, compared to those without backup power. Your generator keeps your lights on during a grid failure, deterring potential break-ins. Adequate lighting also helps prevent accidents on your property that may otherwise occur when the power goes out. If you have a security system, your generator will keep it running, too.
Standby generators offer ample benefits while remaining eco-friendly and saving you money. Installing one is a wise investment in your property and comfort. Contact Town & Country Electric for a high-quality generator installation in Billings, MT today.
