Are Whole-Home Generators Worth the Investment?

Power outages can strike unexpectedly. And when they do, no homeowner wants to be panicked or worried about the basic need for electricity.

That’s where whole-home generators come in. Generators are becoming more popular because they seamlessly provide electricity in the event of an outage. But are they really worth the investment?

The professionals at Reliable Comfort dive into the basics of generators and their pros and cons. Read on to discover whether it’s the right choice for your home.

What Is a Whole-Home Generator?

A whole-home generator is a permanent backup power solution installed outside a house and connected directly to the electrical system.

Unlike a portable generator, this unit is designed to automatically power an entire household during a power outage, whereas a portable one is manually set up. So, a whole-home generator seamlessly provides electricity and has an automatic transfer switch that detects power interruptions and activates without manual action.

While portable generators are a good solution (especially for temporary needs like camping), whole-home generators provide unparalleled results and peace of mind. They offer reliability, convenience, and increased property value as a permanent solution.

Pros

When considering the addition of a whole-house generator, homeowners are drawn to advantages like:

• Comprehensive power coverage: Whole-home generators provide power to an entire home. This ensures that all appliances (like heating, cooling, refrigeration, and security) remain functional during an outage. A portable generator only powers a limited number of appliances.
• Automatic operation: A whole-home generator is designed to operate automatically during a power outage. When considering the time and effort it would take to drag out a portable generator and connect it to select appliances, this is a significant advantage to installing a whole-home generator.
• Reliability: Providing a consistent and stable power supply, whole-home generators are reliable. Some models even have advanced features like self-testing to identify and address potential issues.
• Increased property value: Because whole-home generators are so impactful and coveted, they can increase the resale value of your property. Potential buyers recognize the appeal, especially in areas that experience frequent power outages.
• Fuel options: Whether it’s natural gas, propane, or diesel, whole-home generators also allow you to choose a fuel source based on your preferences.

Cons

With any home upgrade, there are, of course, disadvantages to consider. The main cons of a whole-house generator are:

• Higher initial cost: Like anything worthwhile for your home, there’s a higher upfront cost for whole-home generators than portable generators. Installation requires professional setup, electrical connections, and — sometimes — excavation work. Yet, many experts agree this is well worth the price for safety, convenience, and higher resale value.
• Ongoing maintenance costs: There’s also regular maintenance to keep in mind for your whole-home generator. However, if you take good care of your generator and get recurring maintenance every year or so, it should be in great shape for years on end, providing a great return on investment.
• Size & space requirements: Another potential drawback to whole-home generators is the space they take up because they require a dedicated outdoor space for installation.

Schedule With Reliable Comfort in Southern Indiana

There’s a reason more homeowners today are choosing to equip their homes with a whole-house generator: The pros significantly outweigh the cons.

While upfront costs, maintenance costs, and space requirements are valid concerns, the comprehensive power coverage, automatic operation, reliability, fuel options, and increased property value offer the most enjoyment and use out of a property.

Whether you want to learn more about the whole-home generator installation process or you’re ready to schedule your service, let the professionals at Reliable Comfort help. Since 2001, we’ve been southern Indiana’s go-to team for generator, HVAC, and plumbing services.

Call 812-372-8011 to get started in Seymour, Bedford, or Columbus.