When a northeaster rolls through Buffalo or anywhere else in our service area and knocks out the grid, every homeowner starts thinking the same thing, how long until the lights come back? Some keep flashlights handy. Others fire up their backup systems.
Two main options keep homes powered: battery backups and gas generators. Both can work, but they’re built for very different situations.
Home Power Systems installs whole-home standby generators for families across Central New York. If you’ve been trying to decide between a generator and a battery setup, here’s what you need to know before the next storm hits.
Understanding Backup Power Options for Your New York Home
Backup power does one simple thing: it keeps your house running when the utility power fails. Batteries store electricity for short-term use. Generators make it on the spot using fuel.
The best fit depends on your home, your habits, and how long you expect the outage to last. In Buffalo, where the weather cuts power several times a year, that usually means you need something reliable for days, not hours.
How Battery Backup Systems Work
Battery backups store electricity drawn from the grid or solar panels. When the power drops, the battery kicks in automatically and runs the lights, fridge, or maybe a few outlets. Once the charge runs out, it shuts down unless it’s recharged by solar or grid power.
They’re quiet and simple with no gas or exhaust but capacity is limited. Most can only handle smaller circuits for a short stretch. Great for brief outages, not a three-day snowstorm.
How Gas Generators Work
Gas generators use propane or natural gas to make electricity. Standby units are permanent systems that sit outside the house, ready to start the second the grid fails. They tie into your home’s panel and can run everything from the furnace to the refrigerator.
If there’s a steady fuel supply, they’ll keep going for as long as you need. That’s why most Buffalo-area homeowners choose them. Around here, outages can last a day or more, and you can’t recharge a battery with solar if the panels are covered in snow.
Key Differences Between Battery Backups and Gas Generators
- Fuel: batteries store power, generators create it with gas or propane.
- Run time: batteries quit when they’re drained; generators keep going with fuel.
- Noise: batteries are silent; generators hum but not loudly.
- Capacity: batteries run small loads; generators can handle the whole home.
- Setup: batteries work automatically; standby generators do too but need professional installation.
- Maintenance: batteries need little attention; generators need yearly service and testing.
Pros and Cons of Each Backup Power Option
Battery Backups
Pros:
- Silent, no exhaust
- Low maintenance
- Can pair with solar systems
- No fuel storage needed
Cons:
- Expensive for limited power
- Short runtime
- Doesn’t recharge easily in bad weather
Gas Generators
Pros:
- Powers the whole house
- Runs for days with fuel
- Lower upfront cost for the coverage
- Works through every kind of weather
Cons:
- Needs fuel and regular maintenance
- Makes some noise
- Produces emissions
Which System Fits Your Home
If your power only flickers off now and then, a battery system might do fine. But if you’ve watched your street go dark for days after a storm like the ones that hit Onondaga County nearly every winter, a gas generator is the better bet.
Battery systems are quiet and clean, but they’re limited. Generators handle heat, pumps, and appliances all at once. For most New York homes, a standby generator is the safer, more practical choice.
Home Power Systems helps homeowners pick and install generators that fit their homes and budgets. Once installed, they start automatically and keep everything running until the grid is back.
Why Home Power Systems Is the Trusted Choice
- Local experience across Central and Upstate New York
- Licensed installation and maintenance teams
- Honest estimates and clear communication
- Generators built for New York weather
- Fast service and dependable support
We’ve seen what heavy snow and high winds can do to power lines around Buffalo. That’s why we build systems you can count on no matter how bad the storm gets.
Backup Power FAQs
What’s the main difference between battery and gas backup?
Batteries store energy for short use. Generators create power as long as they have fuel.
Can a battery system run my furnace or sump pump?
Not for long. Those draw too much power.
Are gas generators loud?
Not really. Most new standby models sound about as loud as a central air unit.
How long can a standby generator run?
As long as fuel lasts. With natural gas or a full propane tank, it can power your home for days.
Do batteries work well in cold weather?
Performance drops in freezing conditions. Generators handle the cold better.
Do I need both?
Some homeowners use both. Batteries handle short outages quietly, and the generator takes over when it’s a long one.
Stay Ready for the Next Outage
Power cuts aren’t going anywhere. If you’re tired of waiting in the dark every winter, Home Power Systems can help. We’ll look at your home, talk through your options, and install a generator that fits your needs and your neighborhood.
Contact us to schedule an estimate or learn more about standby generator installation in Buffalo and across Central New York.
