What Are Five Reasons to Install a Generator in Wisconsin? | Stand By Generator

Wisconsin winters can be brutal with heavy snow, ice storms, frigid temperatures, and occasional high winds can  often lead to power disruptions. At Hometown Heating, Air & Electric, we help homeowners in Cedarburg and southeastern Wisconsin stay prepared. Installing a backup generator ensures your family remains safe and comfortable when you need it. Here are the top five reasons to consider one, including the growing concern of rolling blackouts.

1. Severe Weather and Frequent Outages

Wisconsin’s sometimes harsh climate causes thousands of power outages annually. Blizzards, thunderstorms, and high winds can down lines, leaving homes without electricity for many days. A generator kicks in automatically, powering essentials like lights, heat, refrigerators, freezers, or whatever needs power. Avoid the risk of spoiled food, frozen pipes, and more by staying powered through the storm.

2. Protection Against Rolling Blackouts

Energy demands are rising in Wisconsin and in some cases, straining the grid. In recent years, utilities have warned of potential rolling blackouts during peak usage, like extreme cold snaps or heat waves. Historical threats in the late 1990s and 2022 concerns from manufacturers highlight the risk. A home generator provides uninterrupted power, shielding your household from these outages should they occur or as future demand increases.

3. Safeguarding Health and Safety

For families with medical needs, power loss is absolutely dangerous and can literally affect someone’s life. Generators keep vital life-support equipment, like CPAP machines or oxygen concentrators, running without interruption. They can also maintain heating systems to prevent hypothermia in sub-zero temperature environments.  In addition your entire generator setup stays efficient and reliable with regular maintenance.

4. Preserving Home Comfort and Convenience

Think about this for a moment. You have no hot water, electricity for your stove, charging devices, or internet during an outage. Generators come to the rescue. They help with appliances, sump pumps, and security systems, preventing potential flooding or unwanted break-ins. In rural Wisconsin areas, where repairs take longer, this backup is essential for daily life.

5. Increasing Property Value and Peace of Mind

A professionally installed generator can really add resale value to your home. Buyers seek energy-independent properties in outage-prone states like Wisconsin. A professionally installed standby generator can increase home value by 3-5%, according to Consumer Reports, with some estimates suggesting a return on investment (ROI) of up to 150% in high-demand areas. 

At Hometown Heating, Air & Electric, we specialize in generator installations tailored to Wisconsin’s needs. Contact us today for a free quote or schedule a generator maintenance to optimize your system.

Why Choose Professional Patio Light Installation Over DIY Methods

close up of professional patio light installation

As summer approaches, many homeowners start thinking about enhancing their outdoor living spaces. One of the most popular ways to do this is by installing outdoor patio lights. While it might be tempting to turn this into a DIY project, there are significant advantages to professional patio light installation.

At Hometown Heating, Air & Electric, we specialize in providing electrical services, ensuring your outdoor lighting is installed safely and effectively. In this blog post, we’ll cover four reasons to consider getting professional patio light installation rather than trying to do it yourself.

4 Reasons to Get Professional Patio Light Installation

Consider these four benefits of having professionals transform your backyard with outdoor patio lights:

Close up of professional patio light installation

1. Safety First

The primary reason to hire a professional for your outdoor patio lights is safety. Electrical work can be dangerous if not done correctly. Professionals at Hometown Heating, Air & Electric are trained to handle electrical installations safely, minimizing the risk of shocks, fires, and other hazards. They make sure all wiring is up to code and properly insulated, protecting your home and family.

2. High-Quality Service

Our team at Hometown Heating, Air & Electric takes pride in delivering high-quality service. We have the experience and expertise to get the job done right the first time. When you hire us, you can be confident your outdoor patio lights will not only look great but also function flawlessly.

3. Proper Installation and Repairs

One of the primary reasons we recommend professional patio light installation is that outdoor lighting systems are exposed to the elements, making them more susceptible to wear and tear. Professionals know how to properly install and secure these lights to withstand weather conditions. Additionally, if any issues arise, our team is equipped to handle repairs efficiently so your lights continue to operate properly.

4. Long-Term Savings

While DIY projects might seem cost-effective initially, they can lead to costly mistakes and repairs down the line. Professionals will set up your outdoor patio lights correctly, preventing potential problems that could arise from improper installation. Moreover, we have competitive prices to make the investment more manageable.

Signs You Need Professional Electrical Services

Even if you decide to take on some home improvement projects yourself, certain signs indicate it’s time to call a professional electrician, including the following:

  • Exposed wires
  • Flickering lights
  • Higher than usual utility bills
  • Smoke smell
  • Tripped electric breaker

If you notice any of these signs, it’s crucial to get in touch with us. These issues can signify underlying problems that require expert attention.

Why Choose Hometown Heating, Air & Electric for Professional Patio Light Installation?

Outdoor patio lights can transform your backyard into a welcoming retreat, perfect for entertaining guests or enjoying a quiet evening. They enhance the ambiance, improve safety by illuminating walkways, and can even increase the security of your home by deterring potential intruders. However, installing these lights involves intricate electrical work that should be handled by a professional.

At Hometown Heating, Air & Electric, we provide exceptional residential and commercial electrical services in Cedarburg and the surrounding areas. Our team of certified and licensed electricians is dedicated to ensuring your complete satisfaction. We prioritize honesty, transparency, and attention to detail in every project we undertake.

When you choose Hometown Heating, Air & Electric, you’re choosing a company that values long-term relationships and customer-centric service. Our extensive experience, coupled with our commitment to quality, makes us the ideal choice for all your electrical needs, including professional patio light installation.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about our electrical services. Let us help you create a beautiful and safe outdoor environment for you and your family to enjoy all summer long.

Understanding Carbon Monoxide Poisoning and the Vital Role of HVAC Maintenance

a Hometown Heating, Air & Electric HVAC van, representing how homeowners can protect their homes against carbon monoxide poisoning by regularly maintaining their HVAC system

Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is a silent menace that can infiltrate your home without warning, posing a grave threat to your family’s safety. Understanding the risks of CO poisoning is essential to prevent this potential hazard. HVAC maintenance plays a pivotal role in keeping your home CO-free, and we’re here to shed light on the importance of this critical aspect.

This post will define carbon monoxide poisoning, delve into the risks associated with it, and explain how HVAC maintenance can mitigate this potentially lethal threat.

How to Guard Your Home Against the Silent Threat of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Read on to learn how you can protect against your home from CO poisoning:

1. Understanding Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that can be produced in your home when fuels like natural gas, oil, wood, or propane are not burned completely. Common household appliances can become sources of CO when they are inadequately maintained or malfunction. Some examples of these appliances include the following:

  • Furnaces
  • Water heaters
  • Fireplaces
  • Gas stoves

The gas can escape into your living space, silently putting your family’s safety at risk.

2. Considering the Risks

The insidious nature of CO poisoning lies in its initial flu-like symptoms. Understanding what these symptoms may look like can be helpful in identifying a carbon monoxide leak. Some of the primary symptoms may include:

  • Headaches
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Confusion
  • Shortness of breath

Prolonged exposure to elevated CO levels can lead to severe health complications, and in extreme cases, it can be fatal. Tragically, the invisible nature of this gas often means that its presence goes undetected until it’s too late.

3. Preventing CO Poisoning

One of the most effective ways to safeguard your home and family from the dangers of CO poisoning is through regular HVAC maintenance. Our certified technicians can inspect and service your heating systems, ensuring they operate safely and efficiently. This includes checking for leaks, ensuring proper ventilation, and addressing any issues that could potentially release CO into your living space.

Additionally, installing carbon monoxide detectors is a crucial preventive measure. These devices emit an alarm when they detect elevated CO levels, serving as an early warning system for your safety.

To protect your loved ones from this silent threat, it’s imperative to schedule routine HVAC maintenance. At Hometown Heating, Air & Electric, we’re dedicated to keeping your heating systems in top condition and ensuring your home remains a safe, CO-free environment. Take proactive measures to protect your home and health, and don’t wait until disaster strikes.

If you have any questions about carbon monoxide poisoning and how to prevent it, please contact us. We’re ready to help!