Are Home Backup Generators Worth It​?

July 11, 2025 | Nate Cord

When the power goes out at home, it’s amazing how quickly we realise just how much we rely on electricity – whether it’s keeping the fridge cold, charging devices, or simply turning on the lights.

That’s where home backup generators come in. These are systems that either manually or automatically kick in when your main power goes down in your house.

But whether they’re actually worth it really depends on your specific situation. For example, if you live in an area that regularly sees storms or power failures, a backup generator would be a fantastic choice. However, if outages are rare and short-lived where you are, investing in a permanent generator setup might not make much sense. In this case, other alternatives might be more suitable, like a portable power station or power bank.

4 Reasons Why a Home Backup Generator is Worth It

1. You’ll Always Have Reliable Backup Power

The obvious benefit of having a home backup generator is knowing you’ll always have reliable power when the power goes down.

Most permanent backup generators can be used with an automatic switch which, as the name suggests, will automatically turn on and supply backup power in the event of an outage. This means you won’t have to scramble to find candles or worry about everything in your fridge going off.

You can keep your heating or cooling running, your lights on, your devices charged, and – if you rely on them – even medical equipment powered.

Having a home backup generator turns a potentially stressful situation into a minor inconvenience, letting you carry on with life almost as normal.

2. They Can Increase Your Home Value

Another benefit, which many people don’t actually realise, is that a permanently installed backup generator can actually increase your home value. It is a selling point for many buyers as it signals that the home is well-prepared and secure, especially in areas where outages are common.

In some cases, estate agents will highlight the fact that the property has a permanent backup generator in the listing, right alongside features like a new roof or a newly renovated kitchen. It’s one of those extras that can make your home stand out in a competitive market.

3. They Help you Protect Finances Preventing Damage and Disruptions

Power cuts can be more than just inconvenient, for some, they can actually be expensive. This is why a home generator can help you avoid those hidden costs that add up quickly when the electricity goes out.

For example, keeping your fridge and freezer running means you won’t have to throw out hundreds of pounds’ worth of food. If a power cut happens during winter, keeping the heating on can also help you avoid frozen or burst pipes – repairs that can cost thousands.

Not to mention that if you work from home or run a home-based business, the cost of lost productivity can be even higher.

A backup generator helps ensure your Wi-Fi stays up, your computer stays on, and you can carry on working without any interruptions.

4. They Safeguard Critical Medical and Home Safety Systems

We touched on this briefly in point number 1, but we think this deserves its own point.

If you or someone in your home relies on electrically powered medical equipment, like oxygen machines, mobility devices, or home dialysis systems, then a power cut can quickly become a serious risk.

A backup generator, however, will give you complete peace of mind that these life-supporting systems stay on without interruption.

And it’s not just medical needs, either. Backup power also keeps essential safety systems running, like intruder alarms, security cameras, electric gates, and even smoke or carbon monoxide detectors that rely on mains power.

Browse our wide selection of home backup generators from a range of reliable brands such as Senci, Hyundai, Pramac and Warrior.

Instances Where a Home Backup Generator Might Not Be the Right Choice

While it’s clear that, for many people, a home backup generator is totally worth it, it’s also important to remember that it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution, and there are some instances where it might not actually be the right choice.

For example, if you live in an area where power cuts don’t happen very often and usually only last a few minutes or hours, the cost of installing a permanent generator might not be worth it. In these cases, it’s best to look at more simple alternatives like a portable generator, or battery backups for your smaller devices.

The Sherpa PEAK 600W Power Station is a great portable power station with an affordable price point.

Another instance where a backup generator might not be the right choice is if your property is small, or you live somewhere with strict rules about noise and emissions. This is because backup generators usually require outdoor space for installation, along with proper ventilation and compliance with local regulations.

Shop our wide range of portable generators and battery backup stations here. And if you’re still a bit uncertain about which type of power solution is right for you, feel free to give our experts a call on 01639 849847 or via our enquiry form.

All of our products are manufactured, tested and certified to industry standards, and come with a price promise – you won’t find prices cheaper anywhere on the web, but if you do, we’ll match them. In addition to this, all orders come with free mainland UK shipping and after sales support from our experts.