Why do people use generators?

Many more people are starting to invest in generators to have on hand for when crisis strikes – and this is no shock as generators are extremely reliable pieces of equipment that can get you through testing times.

Generators are not only used during times of crisis such as extreme weather conditions that have caused a power outage, but many families use them during trips like camping as they can keep appliances that are much needed (e.g. mobile phone devices) so everything can run smoothly without any problems when travelling.

There are many different generator types models available you can come across – all generators are designed for different types of usage. Standby generators are generators that can be built inside a home and building.

They recognise when power is down and begin to power the building until the power comes back on. A standby generator can be quite a sizable investment but can power a whole building and even boost the value inside your home. However, portable generators are much smaller models that can only power a few appliances or more depending on the power – but a lot of reasons why people use them still stay the same.

There are many different reasons why people use a generator. We’ve created this article today to go through some of the main reasons why people seek to run a generator. No matter if you are looking to power a home, worksite or on a trip, it is always sensible to think about investing in a generator for when you need it.

To Power Work Tools

Are you a DIY fanatic or work on construction sites? You might have already come across power generators in your time. When you use power tools in your home, it may seem easy as there is more than not a place where you can plug them into a power source close or even have batteries on hand to run them without plugging them in.

However, there are some situations that will require you to have an additional power source if there is no convenient access. A quick example of this would be if you are currently working on a home project that has no utilities connected to the said property. You could be working a distance away where there is no convenient power source.

By having a portable generator, you can easily ensure that you can carry on with your project with no problems at all as there is a power source close by that can power your tools.

To Prevent Any Money Losses

If a sudden power outage happens in your area and your freezer somehow happens to stop working, you not only run the risk of your food being spoiled meaning you have to throw it away, but it can end up flooding meaning more money spent. Even unrefrigerated food becomes spoiled after a certain period of time.

Rather than ending up with potential home damage and a loss of money from food that you’ve bought to feed yourself and your family, you can stop this by investing in a generator to make sure you can keep the appliances running during sudden times of crisis. They are perfect for supplying enough time for you to purchase another one upright or till you have fixed the current problem. We understand that purchasing a generator costs money but undoubtedly, in the long run, it can save you hundreds further down the line.

To Protect Against Extreme Weather Conditions

Many people live in places that often suffer from extreme weather conditions, whether that’d be heavy rain that leads to flooding or snow. This means that they must have a backup power supply that can power their appliances during these testing times.

Whenever these severe extreme weather conditions happen, there is a chance that you could be left without power for several days – or in some extreme cases, weeks. By having a generator on hand, you will be able to power appliances needed and keep your food fresh.

If you do suffer from frequent power outages from extreme weather conditions, then it may be in your best interest to look for a standby generator that you can install right into your home. Standby generators will be able to power the entire home for several days instead of a smaller portable generator model that only powers certain appliances.

When Working At Home

If you work from home, it is very important that there are no power outages as you could lose money from not working, miss potential emails and many more.

Many people work from home – and when they realise their power has suddenly gone off, will try to fix it or go for a walk until it comes back on. However, if the power outage is serious, it can leave you without power for an extended period of time which is never good. However, if you have invested in a generator you will be able to power your internet so you can keep working on those big projects without any interruptions of no power.

Conclusion

Generators may seem like just a luxury that you take on family trips like camping, but they can do so much more. There is a wide range of generators available that come in different types of models that offer many brilliant benefits. Generators may seem a bit pricey when you first check, but you must realise that they are an investment into the future that can save you a lot of money in the long run. They provide the ultimate emergency power supply.

Are you currently on the market looking for a generator but unsure where to look for your current situation? Speak to our friendly expert team who can listen to your needs and point you in the right direction and we can get your generator up and running in no time.

Jack is the owner of Pleavin Power which was founded in 2017. He has worked in the power industry for over a decade and has an extreme focus on providing a quality service to clients across the UK. This has led Pleavin Power to becoming the market leader in the Critical, Prime & Standby Power markets.

Power outages are usually the result of extreme weather events such as high winds, lightning strikes, or ice buildup that causes overhead power lines to break. For the preparedness-minded among us, these infrequent but often disastrous blackouts are reason enough to make backup emergency power supply plans for our homes.

Though local utility crews work tirelessly to restore service outages, in heavily hit areas it can sometimes be days before the electricity is back on. Preparing for extreme weather—and now, possible domestic terrorism—are reasons enough why every household should have a portable generator at the ready to run appliances, heating, and air when the power goes out. For some households, including those with medical needs or transportation limitations, a portable generator is an absolute necessity. Here’s why.

What is a portable generator?

Portable generators provide power to tools and appliances when you need supplemental electricity. They run on gasoline, diesel, or propane and are typically equipped with at least two electrical outlets. Because their combustion engines emit fumes, portable generators should only be used outdoors and at a safe distance from living spaces, although extension cords can be used to carry the power indoors.

1. Without one, you could lose your perishable food supply.

If your fridge is fully stocked, you could lose hundreds of dollars worth of refrigerated and frozen items if the power stays out more than a few hours. The USDA recommends throwing out perishable foods just 4 hours after a refrigerator loses power. If, however, you can connect the fridge to a portable generator, you won’t have to worry about the expense of restocking.

2. You drive an electric car.

While a power outage keeps most people in the dark, it can completely strand electric car owners. If you depend on an electric car to get around, having a portable generator will ensure that you can drive to work, go to the grocery store, pick up the babysitter, rush to the emergency room, or travel wherever else you need to go, even during an extended blackout.

RELATED: 16 Problems a Power Outage Can Cause at Home

3. You’re DIY-ing beyond the reach of an electrical outlet.

Power tools make home projects go faster and more easily. But what if you’re working somewhere an extension cord won’t reach? If you’re installing a new fence on the back forty or building a she-shed at the end of long lot, you need another solution. A portable generator will let you plug in your power tools and get your project done quickly instead of having to switch out batteries on your cordless tools, or head home to recharge them.

4. Your house uses well water.

Municipal water systems are pressurized, so water will come out of the faucet whether or not there’s a power outage. Not so for rural dwellers who depend on electric pumps to pump the water out of their wells and into their homes. But if you have a portable generator, you can plug the well pump into it and keep the water flowing during a power outage.

RELATED: 15 Ways to Prep for a Winter Power Outage

5. You have a sump pump in the basement.

In areas where flooding is an issue, basements often have sump pumps that pump away unwanted water before it can accumulate and cause damage. Heavy rains are the worst possible times for sump pumps to stop working, and unfortunately, power outages often occur during thunderstorms. When you plug the sump pump into a portable generator, you gain the peace of mind of knowing your basement will stay dry even though the power is out.

6. You live in an area where there’s a high risk of wildfires.

Utility companies have been known to shut off power to customers in heavily wooded and drought-stricken areas if there’s a high risk of fire. The shutoff is often in conjunction with the prediction of high winds that pose a risk of downed power lines—a leading cause of fires. But with a portable generator handy, you’ll always have a source of electricity during those utility shutdowns.

RELATED: How to Protect Your Property From Wildfires

7. You go camping regularly.

If your family enjoys sleeping under the stars, they’ll enjoy it even more when they have the ability to charge their phones, keep drinks cold in a mini-fridge, and check email on their laptops. With a portable generator, you can enjoy all your modern conveniences while you’re camping in the great outdoors.

8. You have a home business.

When you run a home business, a simple power outage could mean a complete work shutdown unless you have a generator. With the growing gig economy, millions of Americans work from home. It’s essential for them to have a portable generator on hand to keep the Wi-Fi, PC, printers, and internet running, even in the middle of a widespread power outage.

RELATED: Buyer’s Guide: The Best Quiet Generators

9. You rely on an electronic medical device.

If you or a family member is dependent on a medical device—such as a heart monitor, an oxygen tank, or a rechargeable power chair—advance planning is vital. When a life is on the line, it’s especially important to be prepared. You not only need a portable generator, but you also must have extension cords and the fuel for your generator so you can switch to your alternate power source at a moment’s notice.