Storm Readiness Without Breaking The Bank

Recent Storms Were a Wake‑Up Call Backup Power Doesn’t Have to Be Expensive

Over the past few weeks, powerful storms rolled through our area and left a lot of homeowners in the dark - literally. High winds, heavy rain, and downed lines caused widespread outages, and many families were caught without any form of backup power. For some, it was an inconvenience. For others, it meant spoiled food, flooded basements, lost work time, and no heat or cooling when they needed it most.

At Hilman Electric, we’ve been getting a steady stream of calls from homeowners asking the same question:

“Do I really need a full standby generator to avoid this next time?”

The short answer is no. There are several reliable, code‑compliant backup power solutions that cost far less than a whole‑house standby generator-and for many homes, they’re more than enough.

Why So Many Homes Were Unprepared

Most people don’t think about backup power until the lights go out. Recent storms showed us a few common issues:

• Power outages lasting longer than expected

• Sump pumps failing during heavy rain

• Refrigerators and freezers warming up

• No way to keep internet, medical devices, or basic lighting running

A full standby generator is one solution- but it’s not the only one, and it’s often overkill for what most homeowners actually need.

Cost‑Effective Backup Power Options

Here are some popular alternatives we install and service that provide real protection without the high price tag:

🔌 Portable Generator with Interlock

A portable generator paired with a properly installed generator interlock kit can safely power selected circuits in your home.

Why homeowners like it:

• Much lower cost than a standby generator

• Powers essentials like refrigerator, sump pump, furnace blower, outlets, and lights

• Safe, legal, and code‑compliant when installed correctly

This is one of the most popular solutions we recommend after storms like the recent ones.

🔋 Battery Backup Systems

Modern battery systems can keep critical loads running silently during an outage.

Best for:

• Internet and Wi‑Fi

• Lighting

• Medical equipment

• Short‑duration outages

They’re quiet, low‑maintenance, and ideal for homeowners who want backup power without fuel storage.

⚡ Dedicated Circuit Backups

Not every home needs full coverage. In many cases, protecting just one or two critical circuits makes a huge difference.

Examples include:

• Sump pump circuits

• Refrigerator/freezer circuits

• Home office or networking equipment

Targeted solutions keep costs down while protecting what matters most.

When a Standby Generator Does Make Sense

Whole‑house standby generators are excellent systems-especially for larger homes, long outages, or homeowners who want seamless, automatic coverage. But they’re a premium solution, not a requirement.

Our approach is simple: recommend what fits your home, your needs, and your budget — not a one‑size‑fits‑all answer.

Plan Before the Next Storm Hits

If the recent storms taught us anything, it’s that outages aren’t rare anymore-they’re part of the new normal. The good news is that preparing doesn’t have to mean a massive investment.

Whether you’re looking for:

• A portable generator setup

• A battery backup solution

• A standby generator quote

• Or just honest advice on what makes sense for your home

Hilman Electric is here to help.

📞 Contact us today to discuss affordable backup power options and make sure the next storm doesn’t leave you unprepared.

Stay safe. Stay powered.