Living in Gippsland means experiencing the full force of Victoria’s weather — from scorching summer heatwaves to sudden winter storms that can leave entire communities without power. Last summer alone, many local residents faced extended blackouts during critical times, highlighting the importance of reliable backup power.
As your local electrical specialists, we’re answering the most common questions we receive about home backup generators to help you make an informed decision about protecting your home’s power supply.
Frequently Asked Questions About Home Backup Generators
Should I buy a backup generator for my home?
For Gippsland residents, a home backup generator is becoming less of a luxury and more of a necessity. Power outages don’t just mean lighting a few candles or sitting in the dark for a few hours. A blackout can lead to the food in your fridge spoiling, intense discomfort without air conditioning, interrupted work-from-home arrangements, and in some cases, compromised medical equipment. A home backup generator provides peace of mind and a continuous power supply when you need it most.
How much does a small backup generator cost?
Entry-level portable generators suitable for essential household items start from around $1,000-$1,500. Mid-range backup generators capable of powering most household appliances range from $2,000-$4,000, while whole-house backup solutions typically range from $5,000-$20,000, including installation. At McLennan Electrical, we offer a range of generators and solutions to suit your budget, helping to make this essential investment more manageable.
Is a backup generator a good investment for your home?
In Gippsland’s climate, a backup generator is absolutely a wise investment. Beyond the immediate benefit of keeping your lights on during blackouts, a quality home backup generator can:
- Protect valuable appliances from power surge damage
- Maintain your home security systems
- Prevent food spoilage
- Keep your air conditioning or heating running during extreme weather
- Maintain your home’s water supply if you’re on a pump system
- Add value to your property
Plus, if you opt for a portable backup generator, you can take it with you. Whether you’re going camping, have a loved one who needs power asap, or want to be able to keep your generator when you move, a portable backup generator is always a good investment.
What petrol backup generator is the best and most fuel-efficient?
Based on our extensive experience, we tend to recommend the Welling & Crossley range of backup generators for their exceptional reliability and fuel efficiency. With nearly 100 years of experience making high-quality generators, they’re a dependable brand for when you need peace of mind. Their silent inverter backup generators offer an impressive balance of power and efficiency, delivering extended run times on minimal fuel. Welling & Crossley’s advanced inverter technology creates stable electricity, which is best for powering laptops, smartphones and other sensitive electronics. Their backup generators are also notably quiet, making them perfect for residential areas.
What size backup generator do I need to power a 3-bedroom house?
For a typical 3-bedroom home, we recommend a backup generator with at least 6,000-9,000 watts capacity to be safe. This will comfortably run essential appliances like:
- Refrigerator and freezer
- Lights
- Air conditioning
- Water pump
- Basic electronics
However, every home’s needs are different. Our knowledgeable team can perform a detailed load calculation to ensure you get the right size for your specific requirements.
Can I have solar with battery backup and a generator?
Yes! In fact, we often recommend this hybrid approach for maximum energy security. Your system can be set up to:
- Use solar power as your primary energy source
- Switch to battery backup when solar isn’t available
- Activate your generator if both solar and battery are depleted
What about maintenance and running costs?
Modern backup generators are remarkably cost-effective to run, especially when used occasionally for backup power. Regular maintenance is crucial, though, and we recommend annual servicing to ensure your backup generator is ready when you need it.
Ready to Protect Your Home from Summer Blackouts?
Don’t wait until the next power outage to think about backup power. Our team at McLennan Electrical can assess your home’s power needs and recommend the perfect backup generator solution for your family.
Contact us today for a free consultation and quote. Call 03 5644 1044 or email info@melectrical.com.au to book your generator assessment. Remember, summer is our busiest season for backup generator installations, so book early to ensure you’re prepared for whatever weather comes our way.
McLennan Electrical – Your trusted electrical specialists in Gippsland.