Written on: February 24, 2025
Where there are coastal storms and above-ground power lines, there will be power outages. It’s just a fact of living in our area. Tropical storms, hurricanes, and even summer thunderstorms are common here in South Florida—and they take down trees, which in turn knock out power.
If you rely on a portable generator, you need to get in line at the gas station to fill jerry cans when a storm is forecast, or you need a safe place to store gasoline on your property. Also, a portable generator needs to be set up and turned on—outside—after the power goes out, probably while a storm is still raging, maybe in the middle of the night.
On top of that, they can be insufficient at keeping equipment you need running for the duration, whether it’s lights and the fridge, or lifesaving medical equipment.
But if you use propane to heat water, cook, and run other appliances and equipment in your home, you have a better option to stay safe and comfortable: a standby generator.
A standby generator, also known as a backup generator, is a propane or natural gas-fueled power source that is connected directly to your home’s systems and comes on within seconds of a power failure to keep your lights on and your refrigerator and A/C running until the utilities restore service. Propane generators are quiet, extremely efficient, and clean-burning, with low emissions.
A standby generator can also keep security systems on—giving you peace of mind, especially if the power fails while you’re away.
Size is the primary consideration when it comes to choosing the best standby generator for your household. A true whole-house generator can handle the demands of most extra-large homes, even during extended outages. Many people are comfortable with an “essential power” model, which will run key equipment such as the refrigerator, air conditioning, and lights in a specific area.
The Pico team will take the time to talk with you to determine how much power you need to run the appliances or systems necessary to feel safe and comfortable during an outage. We’ll ask you about what equipment or systems are most important to you in an emergency: refrigerator? Cooling systems? Life support equipment? We usually recommend going for about 20% extra voltage beyond what your appliances require.
Once we’ve determined the best size generator for your home and lifestyle, our expert technicians will take care of every aspect of the installation, ensuring it powers up your home without damaging your electronic equipment or appliances.
Peace of mind is priceless. But when you do the math, a standby generator usually makes sense compared to dealing with the expense (and hassle) of a power outage—especially if your neighborhood is prone to them. By keeping even just your essential systems running, a standby generator can help you avoid the cost of replacing spoiled food or the expense of a hotel room—if you can find one.
Another thing: According to Consumer Reports, a properly installed whole-house generator can increase the value of your home by as much as 5%. That’s a great return on your investment before you ever need to use it.
Ready to learn more? Contact the team at Pico today.