Top 5 Power Outage Solutions to Protect Your Home
Living in The Pacific Northwest means being familiar with the unpredictable nature of our winter storms. While power outages can be a major disruption, they don’t have to be debilitating. With some advance planning, you can ensure your home remains safe, comfortable, and functional – even when the power goes out.
In this article, we’ll explore five practical solutions to help you navigate extended power outages with confidence. From essential appliances to warmth and communication, we’ve got you covered.
1) Backup Generators: Your First Line of Defense
Backup generators are highly recommended for homeowners in areas prone to power outages caused by winter storms or other natural disasters. They serve as an independent power supply system for your home in the case of an outage. When the local power grid is down, these systems supply power to a house and key appliances.
There are two common types of backup generators: standby generators and portable generators. A standby generator is designed to power an entire house and automatically turns on and shuts off when necessary. According to Consumer Reports, standby generators typically have a power output of 8,000 to 20,000 watts. Standby models run on propane or natural gas and can be used for days or weeks at a time. Propane models need refueling, while natural gas models can run indefinitely.
Portable generators are connected to your home’s power circuit breaker panel via a transfer switch. These smaller propane models generally have a power output of 3,000 to 8,500 watts and can power key appliances during an outage. While they are generally less expensive than backup generators, the downside is that homeowners must have a large amount of gasoline mixed with fuel stabilizer stored to use them for extended periods.
2) Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS) for Critical Appliances
An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) protects critical appliances such as computers, medical equipment, security systems, and more from irretrievable data loss or damage. A UPS protects internal or external hard drives by monitoring the output from the alternate current (AC) outlet into which it is plugged. When an interruption occurs, the UPS automatically switches to direct current (DC) electricity from an onboard backup battery.
A UPS is plugged into a household (AC) power unit, and appliances can be plugged directly into outlets in the UPS unit. High-quality UPS systems protect from power surges and voltage drops better than surge protector strips. They provide short-term backup power to give homeowners enough time to properly shut down devices and avoid damage. Typically, entry-level UPS systems provide only a few minutes of backup power.
3) Smart Home Systems
Smart home technology, such as home energy management systems or smart thermostats, can help homeowners monitor and manage power consumption. Smart thermostats keep your home at an ideal temperature, reduce energy loss, and optimize temperatures with eco-mode. ENERGY STAR Smart Home Energy Management Systems (SHEMS) help homeowners simplify and reduce their energy consumption. When a power outage occurs, these systems can still be run on a backup generator and suggest energy-saving actions.
When the power goes out in a smart home, it isn’t too different from a traditional home. Most smart devices have backup batteries to last temporarily, but they will eventually stop working if they are not powered by a generator. Your HVAC system can be run with a suitable generator to ensure your home stays at a comfortable temperature during an outage.
4) Portable Power Stations
A portable power station is a battery-powered device that can power appliances using a 120-volt AC outlet. It typically weighs upwards of 20 pounds and provides between 200 and 5,000 watt-hours of electricity. Families in campers, small homes, or those needing temporary power solutions can rely on portable power stations to power small appliances, lights, phones, and laptops.
Portable power stations are exactly what they sound like—convenient, portable solutions for power on the go. They’re not designed to provide whole-home backup and aren’t a replacement for a generator, but they can be a great option for powering essential devices during short-term outages.
5) Powering Your House with an EV During an Outage
An electric vehicle (EV) may be able to help during a power outage. Certain EVs can supply power to a home using vehicle-to-home (V2H) charging capabilities. With bidirectional charging, EVs can reverse the power flow to send power to a house during an outage. Electrical professionals can install a V2H system to serve as a cost-effective alternative to purchasing a standby generator.
Only a few models, such as the Tesla Cybertruck and Ford F-150 Lightning, currently offer V2H charging. However, this feature is expected to be included in many upcoming EV models.
How to Choose the Best Power Solutions for Your Home
When choosing the right solutions for your needs, consider your region’s climate, budget, and home size. With the right preparations in place, you can stay comfortable and confident during power outages. Through Powering Pacific Northwest, you can connect with an electrical expert for routine maintenance and power outage solutions.
Connect With an Expert Residential Electrician Near You
Need routine maintenance or a backup generator installed to prepare for future outages? Powering Pacific Northwest (PPNW) electricians and contractors are licensed and bonded, highly experienced, and dedicated to your safety. Whether you need routine maintenance, installation assistance, or electrical troubleshooting, our electrical professionals can help.
Find a contractor today to ensure you and your home are prepared for the Pacific Northwest’s variable climate.
