It’s a smart idea to have a backup power source in case of extreme weather or frequent power outages in Texas. There are many types of backup power systems available, but they all serve the same purpose: to keep your lights on and your appliances running when the power goes out.
1. How Home Batteries Work
People are becoming more aware of the benefits of switching over to a home backup system like the LG RESU home battery. A home battery gives you the security and assurance of a backup generator with the convenience of not having to deal with fuel. The many advantages of batteries include being cleaner, quieter and more environmentally friendly. They also help you to save money on your utility bills. If you have to choose, are home batteries as efficient as fuel-powered generators?
Well, it depends. A backup battery system can only provide power to a home during outages, but there are limitations. While home batteries may be sufficient to meet the needs of some homeowners, others might have problems due to the battery’s limited electrical output. The battery’s capacity and your home’s energy requirements will determine whether you can use a battery to power your home.
Although they may serve the same function as backup generators in some ways, home battery backup systems work in a different way. Backup generators need fuel, which can be either natural gas, gasoline, diesel or propane. They receive this fuel through your home’s gas lines or by a separate gas line. This fuel is used for electricity generation, which powers your home with no assistance from the electric grid.
The home battery backup systems connect to the power grid directly. They do not create electricity; instead, they store energy from either the electric grid or solar power. The home battery creates a self-sustaining personal grid by storing energy and powers all appliances in the home during a TXU Energy power cut.
2. How Long Can A House Run On A Home Battery?
A home battery system is not as reliable as a fuel-powered backup generator. You may prefer to use fuel-powered generators if you live in an area with frequent power outages. If you live in an area that is susceptible to natural disasters, this may be a problem.
A home battery system might be enough to protect a homeowner’s home. A batter is more effective and simpler to maintain if you live in an area with frequent, but brief outages. Be sure to understand the expected life span of your home battery before you purchase it.
The battery’s capacity and house’s electrical output will determine how long a home’s battery can last. Capacity can be measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). It can range from 1 kWh to more than 10 kWh. For example, the Tesla Powerwall stores 13.5 kWh. The higher-end home batteries are typically capable of lasting 1 to 2 days depending on how much electricity is used. You can extend your battery’s life by reducing your energy consumption during outages in Texas.
3. How Much Does A Home Battery Backup System Cost And Which One Is The Best?
The relatively high upfront cost of a home battery backup system may deter some homeowners in Texas. A home battery backup system costs between $10,000 and $20,000 for a medium-sized house, while a fuel-powered generator can cost anywhere from $7,000 to $15,000 per year.
Although a home battery’s initial cost is higher than a traditional generator, there may be other factors that can offset that cost. Home batteries are easy to maintain after installation. Fuel-powered generators, on the other hand, require regular maintenance that can cost between $165 and $485 annually.
Sometimes, homeowners can also save money by using their home batteries. The price of utilities can vary depending on where you live. You can take advantage of this price variance by charging your home battery whenever utility prices are low. You will see a drop in your utility bills if prices rise.
It is therefore difficult to estimate the cost of installing a backup generator or a home battery system.
Finding The Right Match For Your Home
It is a worthwhile investment to install a backup generator. It will ensure that your family and you are safe during power outages for many years to come. It is important to understand the available options fully and how they will serve your energy needs before you decide on which type of backup system to use.
First, determine how much energy your household consumes each day. Calculate how much energy is required to turn on the appliances in an outage. You should also consider how long the power would be needed to run: Do you live in an area with frequent outages or one-off events? Is there a lot of natural disasters in your area?
The next step is to consider factors like cost, efficiency, personal preference, and others. Are you more comfortable running your generator with fuel? Or would you prefer to use a home battery that is generally more eco-friendly and less expensive to maintain?
Bottom Line
Fuel-powered standby generators, also known as whole-house generators, dominated the market for backup power supply. However, reports of the danger of carbon monoxide poisoning led many to look for alternative options. Battery backups are a safer and more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional generators.
