Imagine this: it’s a Saturday morning in early spring, and strong winds are beginning to pick up along the Front Range. The weather forecasts an increased wildfire risk—a scenario that has become all too familiar for local residents. As you prepare to wait it out at home, the lights suddenly go out.
Sound familiar? If you live in Boulder or the surrounding areas, the answer is likely “yes.” Earlier this year, in a preemptive measure to reduce wildfire risk amid dangerously high winds, Xcel Energy cut power to tens of thousands of homes and businesses. According to boulder.gov,
“This outage affected about 55,000 customers. Damaging winds created additional outages, impacting another 100,000 customers across the Front Range.”
This event was not an outlier. Along the Front Range of Northern Colorado, power outages during severe weather are all too common, leaving you without power, light, and other essentials when you need them most.
The good news is, there’s a solution that can keep your home safe and comfortable through any weather event: home generators. Let’s take a closer look at the risks of power outages, the benefits of home generators, and how you can choose the one that’s right for you.
The Risks of Power Outages in Northern Colorado
While utility companies in Boulder County and the surrounding areas are usually able to resolve power outages within minutes or a few hours, that’s not always the case. The 2013 flood, for instance, left hundreds of homeowners without power for weeks.
And these interruptions can have serious consequences for homeowners. Without electricity, heating and cooling systems may fail, leading to potentially dangerous conditions, especially during Colorado's more extreme months when temperatures can soar to over 100°F or plummet to -20°F.
The absence of backup power solutions can leave homeowners without the vital services and connectivity they need for work and healthcare purposes. However, this is not a concern for those who have invested in a home generator solution.
The Benefits of Home Generators for Boulder County Residents
Home generators are an excellent way to safeguard your home against the impacts of weather-related power outages. They offer:
- Reliable Power During Outages—Home generators provide a backup power source during outages so that essential systems like heating, cooling, lighting, and refrigeration stay up and running.
- Continued Operation of Security Systems—With a generator, your security systems (including alarms and cameras) remain functional, protecting your home even if the grid is down.
- Surge Prevention—When electricity is restored, home generators help prevent power surges to reduce the risk of damage to sensitive electronics and appliances.
- Increased Property Value—A home equipped with a generator will stand out in the real estate market, particularly in areas that are prone to weather-related outages.
Beyond all of that, generators also bring peace of mind. With a back-up power source that is not reliant on the electrical grid, you can be sure that your home will stay safe and functional, no matter the circumstances.
Which Home Generator is Right For You?
Now that we’ve covered the risks of power outages faced by Boulder County homeowners and outlined some of the biggest advantages of home generators, which solution is right for you?
There are typically two options available for those interested in home generators: portable and whole home systems.
Portable generators are versatile, movable units that are usually powered by gasoline, propane, or diesel fuel. They’re a cost-effective and flexible option that are extremely accessible for budget-conscious homeowners.
However, portable generators are often limited in their power output, and can only power a few appliances at a time. They also require manual start-up and fueling, which can be inconvenient or even impossible in certain situations.
Whole-home (aka standby) generators, on the other hand, are permanently installed systems. As the name implies, they can handle the demands of an entire home, including heating, cooling, and major appliances. They’re also automatic and activate the moment a power outage is detected.
Because they’re more complex, they do require more of an investment and regular maintenance.
Which Should You Choose?
Selecting the right generator for your needs is a big decision and not one to be made lightly. First, be sure to assess your power needs and figure out the total wattage required to power your essential systems and appliances. The size of your home will likely factor in here, with smaller homes needing less than larger homes.
You should also think about your budget. Portable generators are more affordable up-front, but whole house systems can pay-off in the long run with reliable, automatic back-up power that minimizes disruptions to your daily life.
Consulting with an electrical professional that is experienced in generator installations and maintenance is a great way to get insights so you can make the right decision for your needs and circumstances.
We Install Home Generators and Deliver Peace of Mind
At Excel Electric, we’re a family-owned business of licensed and insured electrical professionals with an expertise in home generator installation and maintenance. We’ve been serving residents of Boulder County and the surrounding areas since 1969. Our specialized services are ideal for complex projects and include generator installation, repair, whole home solutions, and transfer switch and interlock kit installations. We also bring the BrightVault System to every project so we can offer seamless integration between your generator and your home automation systems for full functionality and power independence.
Are you interested in investing in a home generator to maintain the safety, comfort, and functionality of your home during the next major weather event? Get in touch with us today for a free quote.
