As we all know, here in Central Oregon we deal with wildfires in the summer, random storms and freezing rain in the winter, high winds, and the occasional squirrel that hits the power line. Suddenly, the lights flicker and die. The hum of your refrigerator stops, the AC or furnace cuts out, and your Wi-Fi drops. If it’s smoky outside in the summer, you don’t have A/C and can’t open the windows. For most, this is the start of a stressful waiting game. But for homeowners with a standby generator, this “blackout” lasts only about 10 to 30 seconds before life returns to normal.
Investing in a home backup generator—specifically an industry leader like Generac—is one of the smartest ways to protect your property, your family’s comfort, and your peace of mind.
Why Every Homeowner Needs a Backup Power Plan
Power outages are more than just an inconvenience; they can be costly and even dangerous.
Prevent Food Spoilage
According to the FDA, perishable food can spoil in as little as four hours without power. A generator keeps your fridge and freezer running, saving hundreds of dollars in groceries.
Maintain Home Safety
If you rely on an electric pump for your well, exterior or interior security cameras, or medical devices like CPAP machines or oxygen concentrators, continuous power is a literal lifesaver.
Stay Comfortable in Extreme Temperatures
A whole-home unit can power your entire HVAC system, keeping your family safe from extreme temperature shifts during both summer heat and winter cold.
Protect Your Pipes from Freezing
In homes with cadet or baseboard heat, or those with an electric water heater, a generator keeps the heat on—preventing pipes from freezing and bursting, an emergency that can cost thousands in water damage.
The Generac Advantage: Why We Recommend the #1 Brand
Generac is the #1 selling brand of home backup generators in the U.S., and Alker Family Electric is Generac certified. Here’s what sets them apart:
Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS)
Generac units constantly monitor your utility power. The moment they sense a drop, the generator starts automatically and switches your home’s electrical load over—no action required on your part, even if you aren’t home.
Purpose-Built G-Force Engines
Unlike some competitors that use adapted off-the-shelf engines, Generac’s G-Force engines are specifically engineered to handle the heavy, long-term loads of a home generator.
Clean, Reliable Natural Gas or Propane Fuel
These units run on your home’s existing natural gas or liquid propane lines. No fumbling with gas cans in a storm, and no worrying about fuel going bad in storage.
Smart Monitoring with the Mobile Link™ App
Check your generator’s status, receive maintenance alerts, and confirm it’s running—all from your smartphone, anywhere in the world.
True Power™ Technology for Sensitive Electronics
Generac delivers high-quality power with less than 5% total harmonic distortion, making it safe to run modern laptops, smart TVs, and high-end appliances without risking damage.
A Generator Is an Investment That Adds Home Value
Beyond the immediate benefits during a storm, a permanently installed Generac generator can increase your home’s resale value by an estimated 3% to 5%. Many insurance companies also offer lower premiums for homes equipped with backup power systems, because it reduces the risk of claims for frozen pipes or water damage.
Don’t wait for this summer’s wildfire season to find out how much you need a backup plan. Contact Alker Family Electric today to discuss your generator options and find out if this solution is right for your home.