Is your business prepared for a significant power outage? Do you have customer data or valuable inventory to protect? The right backup generator can save your business when your power goes out.
Power outages are unavoidable and often come out of nowhere. What’s more, they can cause massive headaches if you’re not prepared for them.
In short, the best backup generator is an investment that will protect your business and enable your employees to get more done.
Keep reading to learn how to choose the best backup generator for your business.
Benefits of a Backup Generator
There are multiple benefits of having a backup generator for your business. For example, if you have a good backup generator and there’s a power outage, you’ll still be able to:
Stay in Touch with Customers
When you’re running a business, you have to maintain communication with your customers.
Keep the Lights On
Even more important is keeping the lights on in the event of an emergency. A generator will keep your employees and customers safe from unseen hazards. Moreover, it will keep your security system online. Cameras and other features of a security system are essentially useless without power.
Safeguard Your Data
Speaking of security, if your data isn’t stored in the cloud but on a hard drive, you’ll need to ensure that it is safe in the event of a power outage. An emergency generator will keep your systems up and running, preventing the costly loss of information.
Continue Doing Business
Without a generator, you have to stop working when you experience a loss of power. This could result in a significant loss of income. However, the best generators allow you to keep working without skipping a beat. This is especially important for medical facilities.
Protect Your Inventory
Finally, if your business has to be temperature-controlled, you shouldn’t operate without a standby generator. If you do, you’re just asking for a power outage to pause production and wipe out your inventory.
How to Purchase the Best Backup Generator
So, now that you understand that investing in a generator is a smart move for your business, how do you go about choosing one?
First, you’ll need to determine which type of generator you’re looking for. There are several types, including portable, electric, propane, and synchronous generators, to name a few.
Also, there are a few other factors to consider.
Determine the Wattage
Before shopping for a backup generator, you will need to determine how much wattage you need to cover if the power goes out. However, this will vary depending on what type of business you own.
You can determine the wattage you need by looking at your utility bills over the last year. Most utility companies will record your highest wattage on your bill.
Decide on the Fuel Type
While the most popular generators run on diesel fuel, there are those powered by gasoline, natural gas, or propane. Further, there are dual fuel options to consider.
There is a cost associated with each type of fuel. Therefore, you will want to carefully consider which will be the most affordable backup generator for your business.
Check the Noise Level
Depending on your business, you might have to select a backup generator based on the amount of noise it does or doesn’t produce.
For instance, if you’re next to other businesses, you’ll need a quiet generator that doesn’t affect day-to-day operations.
However, if you run a larger, commercial business, the noise level might not be a factor you need to consider.
Consider the Cost
A large-capacity backup generator can cost anywhere from $7,000 to upwards of $30,000. However, don’t be wary of buying a generator because of the high price tag.
That’s because a backup generator can end up saving your business much more than it costs. In fact, your generator could potentially pay for itself after one outage caused by faulty power grids or extreme weather.
However, if you’re truly concerned about the cost, consider a business line of credit or a term loan.
RELATED ARTICLE: WHAT IS A BUSINESS LINE OF CREDIT AND HOW CAN IT BENEFIT YOUR BUSINESS?
Be Prepared
Every second you are without power costs you money. Therefore, don’t get stuck without power because you failed to look into the best backup generator for your business.
Looking for other ways to save money or advance your business? Check out the business ideas section of our blog for more.
