Last year’s Atlantic hurricane season turned out to be busy, destructive and deadly, ranking it as among the top 10 most active seasons on record.

As you know, hurricanes almost always lead to power outages. But you may not know that there are quite a few other reasons for a loss of power. This includes floods, aging infrastructure and earthquakes.

Data show that the U.S suffered 3,634 power outages in 2014, affecting more than 14 million people.  That’s 12% higher than 2013, and 285% more than in 1984.* Yet, despite this trend toward more outages, only 27 percent of American homeowners report having any source of backup power– despite the financial and emotional toll a power outage causes.**

Why aren’t more people investing in generators?  Most people say the main barrier is the initial, short-term expense. However, a recent study revealed that not having any backup power can be more expensive in the long term.  In fact, the average homeowner will be disrupted by 3.5 power interruptions in a two-year period. And just one of those power outages can cost the homeowner $1,250—in spoiled food, eating out, damage to electronics, lost wages and temporary relocation costs.***

That’s why a standby generator for your home is such a smart investment. While some of your neighbors remain in the dark when the power gets knocked out, a generator lets you enjoy your heating and cooling, lighting, refrigeration and other essentials, including sump pumps, security systems and medical equipment. And don’t forget about having the power to charge all the phones in the family!

Choosing a generator

If you’re ready to purchase a new generator, think about a propane-powered one first. Propane offers advantages that other fuel sources can’t match.

Propane doesn’t degrade over time, unlike diesel or gasoline. This makes propane the ideal stand-by power fuel. Propane generators also produce much fewer emissions and less noise than diesel or gasoline generators.

Permanently installed–similar to an outdoor A/C unit–and supplied by an aboveground or  underground tank, your propane generator will start automatically within seconds of the power going out.  Propane generators are available in a variety of capacities to fit the needs of any size home in New York.

To learn more about propane gas generators, please contact  New York propane company and they’ll be glad to help and give you expert advice.

Sources:

*Eaton’s 2014 Blackout Tracker Annual Report

** Propane Research and Education Council

***Power Outage Impact Research, B2B International, 2015