Is a standby generator worth it? 8 signs your Atlanta home needs one

8 signs a standby generator is worth it

1. You work from home. No power means no Wi-Fi, no computer and no calls. A generator keeps your home office running, and your paycheck with it.

2. Someone depends on medical equipment. Oxygen, CPAP, a lift chair or medicine that has to stay cold. See our guide to backup power for medical equipment.

3. You have a basement with a sump pump. Storms that knock out the power also bring the rain. A sump pump with no power can't keep the water out.

4. You're on well water. No power means no well pump, which means no water for drinking, flushing or showers.

5. You care for older parents, babies or pets. Atlanta summers get dangerously hot, and an ice storm can make a house cold fast. Some family members can't just tough it out.

6. Your street loses power a lot. Lots of tall trees near the lines? Neighbors with outage stories? If your power goes out more than your friends' across town, you already know.

7. You travel. A generator keeps the fridge, freezer, heat and sump pump going while you're away. Many Generac generators also come with Mobile Link, so you can check on it from your phone.

8. You've lost a fridge full of food more than once. If you're restocking after every big storm, see our power outage food safety guide.

When it might not be worth it

We'd rather tell you now than sell you something you don't need.

• Your outages are rare and short, and nobody at home has special needs.
• You're planning to move soon, and backup power isn't a selling point you care about.
• You only need a few things running for a few hours. A portable generator, used safely outside and far from windows, may do the job.

What makes it easier

• Free site visit and written estimate. James, our Master Electrician, looks at your home and tells you honestly what fits.
• Sized to your home. We install seven Generac sizes, from 10 to 28 kW. Bigger isn't always better.
• Financing through Synchrony. See financing.
• 5-year extended warranty on the generator.

Questions

How much does a standby generator cost?

It depends on your home: the size you need, your fuel type, where it goes and what your panel and gas line need. We don't post prices because every home is different. The free site visit gets you a written estimate with everything spelled out.

Does a generator add value to my home?

It can be a nice feature to point out when you sell, especially after a rough storm season. We can't promise what it adds to a sale price, though, so we'd only buy one for how it helps you while you live there.