Midwest summers are prone to violent storms that knock out power to large sections of the metro St. Louis area. Many still shudder to think about the week-long power outage of July 2006, and there are usually several short term power outages every summer. You can’t control the weather, but you can control how it affects your comfort and safety.

The vulnerability of electrical utilities makes a backup power plan a necessity, and there are many options to keep your home running. Generators come in various sizes, use different types of fuel, and can either start automatically or require connection at the time of power loss. Generators are much like buying a car: they all have a motor and require regular maintenance, but after that it comes down to personal needs and tastes as to which kind you buy.

Automatic or Portable Power?

Power generators separate into two main groups: fixed, installed generators that automatically switch on in the first seconds of power loss with no homeowner involvement, and portable generators that require knowledgeable people to move the generator into place, properly connect it, and monitor it for re-fueling and safe operation.

The next separator is how much of the house do you want to reliably operate during power outages? Portable generators typically supply power to the electrical items you select as most crucial (like the refrigerator or lights) while permanent generators are available in sizes that can run a whole house safely and quietly.

Permanently installed power generators are the best choice for homes in areas that tend to see regular power outages because they allow you to lead a comfortable, uninterrupted life during storm season by automatically kicking in when the power goes out.

Automatic generators are backup systems installed outside your home (ideally next to the central air unit) and you have options about how to power them. Natural gas, if available, is the very best power source, followed by propane, and diesel or gas, which will require more monitoring for fuel supply and maintenance. These generators power electrical devices in your home like normal utility company electricity, and because they are fully automatic, they produce power within seconds of an outage, keeping your home and your family safe and secure 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. When utility power returns, the generator automatically turns itself off.

How Much Power Do You Need?

The longer you’re without power, the more disruptive it becomes. In advance, you can decide what household functions you simply cannot do without, and this will guide you toward what size unit will best suit your needs. Generator power is measured in kilowatts (kW) and this chart from Kohler Systems is a good overview of which size will meet your basic requirements:

How Much Will Backup Power Cost?

Choosing a generator is like choosing a home computer: they all the do the same basic thing, but you must decide how much you need them to do and for what price.

8.5 – 12 kW is a low amount of power, so buying a temporary portable generator may be more cost effective. When needing greater power, professionals recommend starting at a 17 kW unit, which can range from $6,000 – $10,000, while a 40 kW unit (which powers most everything in a home) ranges upward from $17,000. The broad price points are based on power generation and installation requirements, and each home has unique needs. Your actual cost will be accurately determined at the time of initial inspection. If you work from home, there may be tax deductions that apply to installing a generator that bolsters your productivity.

The bottom line is that there is most likely a generator that can fit your needs and budget.

Mosby Building Arts installed a giant power generator on the roof of their office building.

Mosby Building Arts endorses installing automatic, permanent power generators to insure continual safety and comfort. Not only do they recommend this for their clients, they have installed at their office the same type of generator they recommend to homeowners (see photo above), so they experience firsthand the secure feeling of not losing power during a storm.

Mosby works with you to determine the best type of generator for maximum results. For peace of mind during storm season, call their office at 314.909.1800 or contact them here.