Almost every homeowner has been in the unfortunate situation of being stuck without power. And once you’ve been through it, you realize how important it is to be prepared.
That’s why we think every home should be equipped with a standby generator to provide much needed relief when things go dark.
Choosing between an in-ground or above-ground standby generator, however, might not be so easy.
That’s why we’ve outlined five factors to help ease the decision making process.
So, How Do I Decide?
Each home will have various factors at play that will ultimately determine which option is the better investment for long-term success. By considering the following factors and prioritizing your needs, you can make an informed decision that gives you peace of mind (and reliable back-up power)!
Initial & Maintenance
An in-ground standby generator is going to come with much higher initial costs because of the added up-front preparation. Trenches must be dug and dirt excavated to place the generator underground. Depending on the amount of site work required, you could be looking into the thousands.
Additionally, because it’s more difficult to get to, an in-ground standby generator is going to be more expensive to maintain, as well as fix if there is ever a major issue. But you can mitigate some of this risk by working with both products and a company that values top notch service, products, and potentially provides warranties.
Curb Appeal
Obviously an in-ground option is going to be buried, meaning it will have no affect on your home’s curb appeal. An above-ground standby generator, however, will be installed on a flat, typically concrete square similar to what would hold an HVAC unit.
Some homeowners think the extra investment is worth saving the carefully curated aesthetic of their home. For those not wanting to spend the big bucks, you can find inspiration or clever design options to disguise and blend the generator into your landscape.
Noise Pollution
Naturally, a buried standby generator is going to be virtually silent compared to one sitting above ground with nothing to absorb the sound. Even if the noise alone doesn’t bother you, you should also be considerate of neighbors and be sure to review any neighborhood policies regarding sound ordinances that might be present, such as in HOA covenants.
Outage Frequency
If you live in an area that’s prone to power outages, especially those related to ice and snow, it’s important to consider an in-ground option. Even if it is more expensive, the return on investment is going to be much higher in areas where the generator will need to be used frequently. Plus, these same elements can actually damage the generator itself.
Similarly, if you’re in an area that tends to have prolonged outages as opposed to brief periods, a reliable, in-ground system may be the better option. For those living in places where you rarely use a back-up generator, you can even consider a much cheaper, portable option to be stored away when not in use.
Specific Family Needs
If someone in your family has a very specific need, such as reliance on a medical device that requires power, an in-ground standby generator is probably the safest option to ensure peace of mind if catastrophe strikes.
Unlike portable generators that take time to set up and turn on, these in-ground standby generators will kick on almost instantaneously, and seconds are precious when you’re considering life saving equipment.
Talk to Wayne’s Trusted Electrical Pros
Every homeowner should have some form of standby generator – the main question is whether the in-ground investment is worth it or if a more affordable above-ground option will meet your needs. Once you weigh the factors above, the right choice usually becomes clear. But if you’d like expert guidance, Bratcher Electric in Wayne is here to help.
With trusted electrical services backed by more than 50 years of experience, our team can review your setup, recommend the best path forward, and professionally install a backup power system – so you’re not left in the cold and dark. Schedule a visit today!