After the storms we’ve had here in New England, you may be considering buying a battery-backed generator or sump pump unit. The question is, which is better?
The answer is, it depends.
Generators:
Like any machine, it requires fuel. A generator must run outside and can be connected to your home’s electrical grid or you can install a separate extension cord in your home as needed. Ether Way Generator is designed to help provide emergency power to your entire home.
If all you have in your basement is an AC power sump pump for your protection, it is highly recommended that you get not only a generator, but a battery powered backup sump pump as well.
Backup battery:
A battery backup sump pump can run on battery power when your home’s power goes out. Batteries, depending on the style and model of the pump, can sometimes be chained together to extend the system’s battery backup time, but even that has its limits.
Backup batteries are designed to function as a backup system for an AC pump and as a backup system if the power goes out for short periods of time.
Homes experiencing normal power outages lasting more than 15 hours are suggested to have a battery backup sump pump, but also a generator.
By having both, you extend the life of your pump batteries, power your entire home, and maintain the protection provided by an AC-powered pump and a battery-powered pump.
Both have their limits if used alone, but used together, the generator can support the backup pump and your basement, and its battery backup pump can provide longer protection in the event of a blackout in your neighborhood.
What homeowners need to ask themselves: What are my priorities? What is my budget? What do I want for coverage / protection?
Take the time to think about your history of power outages. Maybe one generator is too much? A backup battery would work very well in your situation. On the other hand, it could be in a fairly remote area and a generator makes sense. Some homeowners experience the worst of both and should consider a generator and battery backup system as a solution to their basement waterproofing needs.
The first step in any decision regarding the maintenance of your dry basement is to have it professionally inspected. From there you can have pump styles and systems suggested and ask questions about the possible need for a battery backup generator and sump pump.
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