How Much Does Temporary Power Equipment in San Francisco Cost?

Popular Mechanics reports that in 2011, storms across the United States caused 21 million people to experience power interruptions of longer than 24 hours. With that in mind, keeping an emergency backup power system at hand is not a luxury; it’s a necessity that far too many people overlook.

When mulling over the idea of investing in an emergency power backup system, the first question most people will ask is, “Is it worth the cost?”

This is a reasonable concern given the uncertainty over whether you will in fact be affected by a major storm in the near future. But while power outages can be inconvenient, bear in mind that they can be deadly, too. Without electricity, water treatment plants can fail and leave you exposed to contaminated water, and without refrigeration, food sources like supermarkets will quickly run short of safe, unspoiled options.

Let’s examine 4 factors that affect the cost of an emergency power backup system:

1. Size

Take some time to discuss your needs with a power system professional. You’ll want enough power to accommodate the essentials during an emergency, but too much can become prohibitively expensive. Which items you need most will come down to your own requirements and the size of your family, and each appliance will require a very different power supply to start up and run, so choose wisely.

2. Installation

There are many forms of emergency backup power systems, from standby generators capable of kicking in the moment the lights go out, to smaller, portable models fitted with a power switch. There are upsides and downsides to each. Standby generators sit on a cement pad outside the home while mobile models require long extension cables.

3. Fuel

Most emergency power backup systems run on propane or natural gas. You will have to do the math based on your expected needs while without power, but Popular Mechanics estimates that a fully loaded 7kw unit consumes almost 140 cubic feet of natural gas per hour, and you can expect to use at least double that with a 22kw unit.

4. Running Costs

Both standby and portable home generators draw a great deal of power when installed and used properly, so you should take care to only use your backup power system in a genuine emergency.

Where to Rent or Buy a Backup Power System in San Francisco

If you need emergency power equipment in San Francisco, contact Allied Rental Co. Call 415-644-5792 to learn about our product line.