Get Rid of the Risk of a Dreaded Blackout

It’s just a matter of time before a blackout happens. Are you prepared with a standby generator?

Thunderstorms are scary business, more for some than others. Most little ones and pets cannot appreciate them no matter how much comfort you provide. And then, to top it all off, the power goes out! You’re scrambling in the dark to find candles, matches and flashlights. While scrambling amidst wails, are you running into furniture or stepping on LEGOs? Ooooouch! No matter how long a blackout lasts, mayhem from minimal to intense ensues, right? What if a blackout lasts for hours in the summertime? Will you lose food in the refrigerator or freezer? That’ll cost you! Will your family and pets suffer from the hot, humid temps outside now creeping in? There has got to be a better way to wait out a blackout caused by an intense thunderstorm. Scrambling for battery-operated lighting, candles and matches when a blackout happens just won’t do.

What about power outages in the winter? Winter storms in Chicago cause major power outages, too. Winter storms bring ice. The ice gets heavy. It clings to powerlines and tree limbs making it more difficult to repair and restore power. Your home can lose heat allowing the extreme cold temperatures to move in quickly. A winter storm can create more concern for the safety of your family than a thunderstorm in the summer.

I’m here to tell you there is a better way. Hire Blue Frost Heating & Cooling to install a standby generator for backup power for those times when a dreaded blackout happens.

Blackouts are nothing new. Power outages are bound to occur. And when a major storm knocks your power out, you’ll appreciate how important electricity is to your everyday life right away.

Generator Systems

There are two types of emergency power generators: portable and standby.

1. Portable – A portable generator is the simplest and least expensive backup power system:
• It is smaller and great for powering essentials such as the refrigerator and microwave.
• When the power goes out, you must start it and plug it into your appliances or sub-panel.
• It costs between $500 and $1,500 depending on the amount of power it puts out.
• It is gas-powered and must be kept 10 feet away from your home to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

2. Standby – A standby generator is larger. It is the best option if you lose electricity often and for extended outages.

• It is installed permanently on a concrete pad in your.
• It is powerful enough to run everything in your house simultaneously – your central air conditioner, kitchen appliances and other large items. It will provide uninterrupted backup for days.
• It is powered by natural gas or propane.
• It starts automatically when the power goes out.
• Costs range from $5,000 for a 7,000-watt unit to more than $15,000 for a 30,000-watt unit, installation included. You’ll need to have the generator, transfer switch and sub-panel installed by Blue Frost Heating & Cooling professionals.

How does a standby generator work when a blackout happens?

The transfer switch monitors power to your home constantly. If a blackout occurs, the transfer switch will start the generator automatically whether you’re home or not. When the power comes back on, the transfer switch will shut off the generator.

Standby generators connect to your home’s natural gas or propane supply. If you don’t already have a natural gas or propane line coming into your home, install a propane tank.

Standby generators are usually available through special order or from the manufacturer directly. We can help you calculate the right size unit for your home and special order it through Blue Frost Heating & Cooling.

Read an earlier blog post for more information on generators and why you need one here:Standby Generators: An Investment In Your Peace Of Mind

A few more pros and cons

Portable generators must be tested once a week to make sure they are ready for action. This requires you to pull cord 587 times in the rain, cussing and probably scaring the dog more than the storm!

Standby generators require a lot of care. They must be maintained well like your car needs to be maintained well. By the way, the larger the generator, the more maintenance is required. Also, they should be serviced after 24 to 48 hours of continuous use. Hire a Blue Frost Heating & Cooling professional to change the oil and the filter after 10 days of use. Here’s the link to schedule any maintenance needed: Schedule Maintenance

I believe there’s plenty of third-party collateral that indicates a standby generator maintains its value dollar-for-dollar. A portable generator costs considerably less than the more convenient and more dependable standby generator. But by the time you spend money on a battery backup sump pump and all the other devices to be ready for a blackout, you’ll end up spending almost as much as you would on a standby generator. And a battery backup sump pump and all those other devices don’t provide resale value for your home either.

Are you prepared for a blackout when a blackout happens? Blue Frost Heating & Cooling believes a standby generator made by Honeywell or Generac is your best investment. Call (630) 444-0860 today. We can help you calculate your home’s needs for a generator and answer any questions you might have. Just ask! We love taking care of our customers!