Nobody wants to worry about power going out, especially when the weather in Texas is hot hot hot, or just about freezing. Luckily, you don’t have much to worry about if your home is set up with backup power. Here’s what you need to know about backup power solutions in Texas.
Why Backup Power is Important in Texas
Thanks to climate changes, we can expect more extreme weather events that have the possibility of knocking out our power. Whether it’s a tornado that’s torn down power lines or an ice storm that’s overworked the power grid, it’s good to have backup power so your entire home doesn’t have to shut down. You’ll be able to keep your main appliances running, like your fridge and freezer, and also keep the lights on. Basically, you’ll have power even if no one else does.
Benefits and Costs of Investing in Backup Power
Having a backup power source for your home may seem like a big investment — and it is. Ranging from about $4,000 to about $25,000, with the average homeowner spending around $9,000 for a backup power source— but it will save you money in the long run, give you peace of mind and make you much more comfortable at home. Your backup power will likely be a one-time cost (minus any maintenance activities down the line), but you’ll be saving on costs incurred when food spoils in your fridge or freezer during a blackout; emergency supplies you may end up needing; and anything you’d spend on a hotel room if your house gets too hot or cold to stay in. With all of that considered, the investment is definitely worth it. Plus, it ups the resale value of your home!
Factors to Consider When Choosing Backup Power
All that being said, you can’t just run out and buy a generator without taking some factors into consideration first. Here’s what you need to consider.
Size of Home
How big is your home, and how much power does it require to keep everything running? If you live in a small one-bedroom house, you may be able to get by with just a portable generator. But if you have multiple levels and more bedrooms, you’ll probably need something a bit more substantial.
Type of Property
If you rent an apartment, you likely won’t be able to install anything permanent — and you definitely shouldn’t be running a generator inside your house. So keep in mind the type of property you live in before picking your backup power source. You want to make sure it’s appropriate for your living situation.
Warning Signs Your Home Needs Backup Power
Are you debating whether or not to get backup power for your home? In some cases, you may not necessarily need it. Watch for these warning signs that backup power is in your best interest.
- Frequent power outages in your area
- Regularly occurring severe weather
- Winters with heavy snow or ice storms
- You live in a single-family home
- Power outages last multiple hours
Type of Backup Power Solutions for Texas Homes
Not sure what type of backup power to get for your home? You’ve got a few options.
Portable Generator
A portable generator can move around with you wherever you go. But, it requires a fuel source like gasoline or diesel, and probably won’t power as much stuff as a larger generator. They can also be pretty loud. But on the bright side, they’re among the cheapest generators out there, and they definitely work!
Permanent Generator
Permanent generators are hooked up directly to your home’s natural gas or electric system. Some options are powered by a fuel source separate from your home, but that depends on the style of generator. These generators are great to keep power going to the whole house. That being said, they can’t be moved — so once you install it, it’s staying with the house regardless of whether you do.
Renewable Power Generator
Think wind or solar. If you have enough space, you can set up solar panels (a lot of people install them on their roof), and if you have enough space in a windy enough area, you can put up a wind generator. Both types capture naturally occurring energy and harness it to power your home. They’re not always practical, though, due to the expense, space needed, and weather variations in the area of your home.
Battery Backup System
Battery backup systems for your home can be relatively cheap, and they don’t come with the hazards of needing an extra fuel source. But, they don’t last all that long (a few hours for a single battery, a day or two for multiple battery systems) and they can overheat. They’re pretty practical for things like boats and RVs, and if you get a quality system, your house.
How to Choose the Right Solution
In order to pick the best backup power solution for your home, you’ll need to think about three things: how much power you need, what type of fuel you want to use, and how much it costs. To determine how much power you need, think about what needs to keep running if the power goes out. Do you want it to be the entire house, or just a few choice appliances? You can use an online calculator to determine how much wattage you need to generate with your backup power source. Next, determine the fuel source. This mostly comes down to personal preference. You can get gas or diesel powered generators, ones that use green energy like solar or wind, or ones that are battery powered. Just note, though, that you don’t want to keep your backup power source inside. As for how much your backup power source costs, that’s up to you and your budget. But remember, most of the time you get what you pay for!
Maintenance Tips
Just like the rest of your home, there are some regular maintenance tasks you should be doing with your backup power source. First, make sure nothing is dripping or falling onto it outside. It can withstand a storm, but not a constant one. If you’re using a fuel-powered generator, regularly check the fuel and oil levels so you know it’s not running dry. Double-check the control panel to any backup power source you have is securely closed at all times, and remember to replace or clean the filter as needed. Keep it as safe as you would any other pricey appliance you have!
You Can Rely on Us
With the constant threat of severe weather to our beloved state of Texas, having a reliable backup power source isn’t just cost-effective but it can also provide priceless peace of mind. Depending on your needs, there are several solutions that might work best for you and your family, and every investment is not without its share of considerations. Following the advice in this blog, you should easily be able to decide which type is right for you. Remember that whether renewably powered or fuel generated, taking steps to ensure reliable power when Texas weather strikes is paramount! From basic research to researching a trusted provider, like OnPoint Energy, who will help guide you through every step of the way with sound advice and knowledgeable professionals—you'll finally have an ally who has your back in the event of disaster. At OnPoint Energy, we understand the importance of having reliable backup power systems in place and offer high-quality services that you can trust. Sign up with us today for comprehensive service options that guarantee long-term peace of mind.