5 Things in a Home That Can’t Lose Power for Long
You’re not stressing about your microwave or TV if your power goes out.
But you are worried about the $300 groceries you packed in the fridge.
It is essential to understand how long appliances like these will last in an outage and take preventative measures to prevent them from going out in the first place.
1. In 4 to 6 hours, your refrigerator will lose its cool
Refrigerator: Without power, a typical refrigerator keeps food at safe temperatures for about 4 to 6 hours if the door remains closed. After 4 to 6 hours, perishable items warm and can start to spoil. Be sure to check those items and discard when there is any sign of spoilage.
Freezer: A fully loaded freezer maintains its temperature for about 24 to 48 hours if it remains closed. However, the quality of frozen food starts to degrade after this time.
2. You need to have a backup power source if you have medical equipment
Mobility equipment, ventilators, and communication devices require electricity to keep your loved ones comfortable.
Lifespan varies significantly depending on the specific equipment and its backup power source.
Many medical devices have built-in battery backups or can be connected to external battery packs. These are battery-powered or chargeable generators and Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) systems.
In general, having a reliable backup power source is critical to ensure the continuous operation of life-sustaining medical equipment.
3. It only takes a few hours for your house to get too hot or too cold
Furnace or central heating: In most cases, the heating system will stop providing warmth immediately when the power goes out. Home temperature will start dropping, and it can become uncomfortable within hours, especially in cold weather.
Air conditioner: The cooling system will stop immediately, but this may not be as critical as heating in moderate climates. Stuffy rooms and attics will heat up quicker, which might make that one unlucky sibling all the more unhappy.
4. Within hours, your basement can flood without a working sump pump
A sump pump is crucial for homes with a basement or areas prone to flooding.
A backup sump pump or a battery backup system is essential when the power goes out.
Without backup power, the basement can start flooding within hours, depending on groundwater levels and weather conditions—and the last thing you want to deal with is a flooded basement on top of your power outage.
5. If you don’t have backup batteries, you won’t know when the next threat to your home security will strike
Security systems, including burglar alarms and surveillance cameras, rely on electricity.
In a power outage, they may lose functionality and leave you vulnerable to potential threats.
However, many modern security systems have backup batteries lasting several hours, ensuring continued protection.
The Importance of Preparedness
If you have and value this critical equipment, you must have a contingency plan for power outages.
Non-Perishable Food and Water
Non-perishable food items like
canned goods
dried fruits
nuts
granola bars
have a long shelf life and can sustain you and your family for extended outages without worrying about things going bad.
You should also store an ample supply of drinking water, about a gallon of water per person daily, in the event of more extended outages.
Check and replenish these supplies to ensure they remain safe and usable. Most non-perishables are safe indefinitely. The expiration dates only indicating when peak quality ends. Canned goods stay fresh for 5 years, while dried items are suitable for over 10.
Battery-Powered Medical Equipment
Battery-powered medical equipment performs the critical role of continuous care for specific individuals.
It is crucial always to have spare batteries and backup equipment with these systems.
Individuals with medical equipment should work with their healthcare providers to create emergency plans during an extended outage.
Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS)
UPS devices are battery-powered backup systems that provide short-term power during brief outages.
They protect sensitive electronics like
computers
modems
routers
from data loss or damage due to sudden power interruptions.
UPS devices come in various sizes and capacities to accommodate different equipment.
Backup Generators
Backup generators provide a reliable source of electricity during power outages.
There are both portable generators and whole-house standby generators, but portable generators are significantly more limited in their capacity.
Generators can power essential appliances, including:
refrigerators
heating and cooling systems
medical equipment
If you’re looking into a whole-house standby generator as part of your contingency plan, it is vital to have them properly installed and maintained by a professional to ensure they function when needed.
New London Electric installs Generac whole-home standby generators in the Chester County area so that you don’t have to worry about these 5 appliances going out when a power outage strikes.
Don’t Be Caught Unprepared Without a Whole-Home Standby Generator
We specialize in installing and maintaining Generac whole-house standby generators, so you never have to skip a beat regarding power outages. With a Generac generator, your critical appliances will be safeguarded against any halt in service from the grid.
We’ll walk you through the installation process and keep up with you throughout the year regarding your Generac generator’s annual maintenance.
Contact New London Electric for a free Generac generator consultation today if interested.
