Real Estate Blog

When it comes to purchasing a home in a remote, or somewhat distant location, a serious case can be made for why you need a generator. We love our mountaintop retreats with lush, green forests giving way to waterfalls and trout-filled creeks, and long-range mountain views complemented by clear and cool lakes. The natural habitat draws us here. The peace and serenity of living in the mountains soothes and comforts us and gives us peace of mind. Unfortunately, a power outage has the ability to wreck that harmony.

When you are purchasing a home, or considering an upgrade to your existing residence, where do you begin? There are so many questions: How do I buy a generator? Do I need a portable generator or a home standby generator? How big does my generator need to be for my home? Do you need a permit for a generator? Do you need an inverter for a generator? Do you need a disconnect for a generator? Do you need a backup generator? Why do you need to ground a generator? Why do you need to polarize a generator? Why do you need to flash a generator? How much does a generator cost? How does a generator work? Let’s break it down and try to simplify the process of understanding why you need a generator for your home.

Why Do People Use Generators?

Several factors can be attributed to why you need a generator. Ultimately, a generator is a backup or secondary source of power. Backup or secondary power can be both necessary and desired. Power outages, which are the primary cause for backup power needs, can be caused by inclement weather including storms, ice, wind or snow. Other causes of power loss include fallen trees and limbs, automobile accidents, animal related short circuits or high power demands. A home generator or a partial house generator provides backup power to your home in the event of an outage.

On the elective side of the spectrum, portable generators are most commonly used for recreational purposes such as camping or outdoor parties. Campers can enjoy the convenience of a power source for cooking, refrigeration, air conditioning, heating and other needs. When entertaining in an outdoor setting, a portable generator can help with lighting and music. These generators can also be helpful on a job site or with construction projects where power may not be available.

Portable Generator Vs Home Standby Generator?

When having the conversation of why you need a generator, the first thing to determine is whether you want to purchase a portable generator or a home standby generator. What’s the difference? The answer is unique to each homeowner, but it comes down to wattage and cost. Let’s take a closer look at each. With a little research, guidance and understanding, you’ll be able to find the perfect generator for your home.

Portable Generator

Though we’ve already mentioned the many uses of portable generators, including camping, outdoor events and construction projects, a mobile generator can also be effective and budget-friendly. Most portable generators have an average wattage between 5,000 and 7,500, and can typically operate most household appliances individually. This includes items like a refrigerator, freezer or sump pump. Keep in mind that most portable generators only have the capacity to operate one of these items at a time with perhaps a smaller item such as a lamp or clock. The fuel source of a portable generator is unleaded gasoline and the unit will run as long as it is filled. Costs begin around $500 and can climb past $2,000. Obviously, wattage is associated with cost and therefore, the more you spend the more energy you get. Advantages of owning a portable generator include the ability to tote the unit around as needed for extracurricular activities, while also having an affordable option for backup power in the event of an outage. You’ll also want to be careful when operating your unit to make sure that the area is well ventilated due to increased carbon monoxide levels being omitted.

Home Standby Generator

For those looking for more coverage when it comes to providing a secondary or backup power source, a permanently installed home standby generator or partial house generator should be considered. Not only is this a fantastic way to increase your property value, you’ll also have the peace of mind of knowing that your home, and your loved ones, are protected through any power outage situation. Home standby generator systems come in many sizes and can easily be installed by a professional services representative. Costs range from $3,000 to $20,000. This includes installation costs and depends on the size of your home. Generac Power Systems has a simple calculator on their website where you can get an idea of what size generator you will need. Lowe’s generators are another good source. Regardless of the company you hire to install your new home standby generator, make sure to do your research. These representatives will be able to counsel you on a transfer switch (an electrical switch that transfers power between two sources,) fuel options, generator placement, operation and maintenance. In the long run, installing a generator will add value to your home and protect your assets—including your family.

Landmark Realty Group Offers Homes for Sale with Generators

At Landmark Realty Group, our agents understand the importance of safety and comfort for our customers and their families, and we know why you need a generator. While we all love living in the mountain paradise we call home, we are all too familiar with the potential hazards of secluded mountain life.

As you are considering real estate options for your dream mountain home on the Highlands-Cashiers plateau, we hope you will make sure to take notice whether a back-up generator system is in place. Or better yet, contact one of our Landmark Realty Group agents so we can do a thorough search of homes with generators in our market. In no time, you’ll be sipping coffee on your new porch overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains, breathing in pure, unfiltered nature without a worry in the world!

Tags

• Real Estate (6)
• generators (1)