Why having a home backup generator is a game-changer in power outages

(BPT) – What would you do if your power went out? An hour or two may be fine for most people, but a day, week or more can have a significant effect on your livelihood. And not only are power outages inconvenient, but they can be dangerous, especially for people with medical devices that require a power source. As hurricane season advances, homeowners across the country are thinking about the real possibility of power loss. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is forecasting 12 to 17 total named storms in 2023, with five to nine becoming hurricanes. In addition to strong storms, wildfires are another threat that’s top of mind for homeowners. Pair both storms and fires with an aging power grid in many portions of the country, and it makes sense why so many people are exploring their options for backup power. Protection from power outages Power outages can happen at any time. How can you protect your home and keep your appliances and devices functioning? One of the most reliable options is a home backup generator. A home backup generator is permanently installed outside your house (like an AC unit) and comes on automatically when the power is out — whether you’re home or away. This makes them ideal for your primary residence as well as vacation properties. When the power goes out, the automatic transfer switch — the ATS — transfers power from the utility to your generator. And when utility power is restored, the ATS turns off your generator and returns your home’s power to the grid. A home backup generator connects to your home’s natural gas or liquid propane system, so there are no extension cords and no refueling with gasoline. They are simple, safe, effective and provide peace of mind. What size is right for your home? Not all generators are created equal, and not all sizes are appropriate for a home’s energy needs. Your best option is to work with an expert or use the online sizing tool provided by Kohler Energy to find the right fit for your home’s size. With the online tool, you can explore options on the utilities or appliances you would want to power during an outage. You’ll find a variety of different size standby generators, including the new 26 kW (26RCA) air-cooled home standby generator, which is ultra-quiet, powerful and durable — with a 20-year life expectancy. Plus, you can choose the style of generator that is right for you, whether you want it to blend in or stand out. Select Kohler generators are now available in 10 exclusive colors, with rich options like royal plum and canyon blue, or more subtle options like dover gray. Plus, Kohler is the first and only generator brand to offer the well-known Mossy Oak camo pattern. Power up to keep costs down Severe weather is the single leading cause of power outages in the United States. The amount and severity of these outages has spiked dramatically over the past decade, a shift associated with climate change. By being proactive and installing a reliable standby generator in your home, you’ll help protect your property and the people that matter most. Learn more at KohlerEnergy.com.