GENERATOR CARE BLOG POST:

Upgrade From Dangerous Portable Generators to a Safe and Efficient Standby Generator

When winter storms bring freezing temperatures, snow, and ice, power outages aren’t just inconvenient — they can quickly become dangerous. From frozen pipes and spoiled food to unsafe indoor heating and limited access to communication, being without power in severe weather can create serious risks for families.

Every year, we hear the same thing after the lights go out:

“We tried to make our portable generator work… but it was a hassle — and honestly, it felt unsafe.”

If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. And if you rely on a portable generator during outages, now is the perfect time to consider a safer, more reliable solution.

Residential Storm Special: Make the Upgrade to a Standby Generator

A standby generator is permanently installed, fully automatic, and designed to power your home safely and efficiently when the grid goes down. No hauling equipment out of the garage. No worrying about refueling in freezing temperatures. No running extension cords.

Instead, your standby generator turns on automatically, keeping the essentials (or even your whole home) powered through the storm.

The Problem With Portable Generators During Winter Storms

Portable generators can help in an emergency, but they often come with major drawbacks — especially in cold weather.

1) Serious Safety Risks

Portable generators must be placed outside and far from windows and doors. When they’re used improperly, they can create dangerous conditions such as:

  • Carbon monoxide exposure
  • Fire hazards
  • Backfeeding power, which can be deadly for utility workers and damaging to your home

Even when used correctly, they still require constant attention during a storm — when conditions are icy, visibility is low, and travel may be unsafe.

2) They’re Hard to Use When You Need Them Most

If you’ve ever tried to start a portable generator in a hurry during a storm, you know the drill:

  • moving it outdoors in freezing temps
  • fighting with cords and manual hookups
  • trying to keep fuel on hand
  • restarting or troubleshooting when it won’t run properly

That’s a lot to deal with when your priority should be keeping your family warm and safe.

3) Limited Power = Limited Comfort (and Higher Risk)

Portable generators typically don’t power much beyond a few items at a time. During winter, that can be a big issue if you need to keep:

  • the furnace running
  • sump pumps operating
  • refrigerators/freezers powered
  • medical equipment supported
  • pipes protected from freezing

Why Standby Generators Are the Best Option for Storm Season

Standby generators are built specifically to handle outage conditions safely and reliably.

Automatic Backup Power

When utility power goes out, your standby generator responds automatically — even if you aren’t home.

No waiting. No scrambling. No guesswork.

Safe, Clean, and Reliable Power

Standby generators connect directly to your home’s electrical system through a transfer switch, providing safer operation and helping avoid many of the common hazards portable generator owners face.

Fuel Source You Don’t Have to Haul or Store

Standby generators can run on natural gas or propane, eliminating the need to store gasoline or refuel in icy weather.

Power What Matters Most

Whether you want whole-home coverage or just the essentials, a standby generator can be sized to fit your needs — helping you stay comfortable and protected during extended outages.

Why Homeowners Are Upgrading Right Now

During storm season, we see a major increase in calls from homeowners who are:

  • tired of dealing with portable generator setup
  • worried about safety risks
  • looking for a solution they can depend on when conditions are bad
  • trying to protect their home from freeze-related damage

A standby generator doesn’t just help during outages — it helps you feel confident that your home is ready before the storm even arrives.

Residential Storm Special: Let’s Get You Ready

If you’re still relying on a portable generator, this winter is a great time to upgrade to something safer and far more reliable.

Our Residential Storm Special makes it easier to take the next step toward dependable backup power.

Home evaluation and generator sizing
Professional installation
Reliable performance when storms hit
Safer operation for your household

Schedule your standby generator consultation today so you can be ready before the next outage.

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