Power outages don’t just cause inconvenience — they cost money. For many homeowners, the damage from just one blackout can reach well into the thousands. A standby generator is more than a luxury — it’s a financial safety net.

Here’s how the numbers break down:

🔧 Sump Pump Failure = Flooded Basement

When the power goes out, your sump pump stops. In a major storm, that can mean a flooded basement.

• Average basement flood cleanup: $3,000–$10,000 (Source: HomeAdvisor, 2024)

• If you’ve finished your basement or store valuables there? Costs can soar past $25,000.

🥩 Food Spoilage = Hundreds Down the Drain

If your fridge and freezer lose power for more than 4 hours, you’re at risk of serious food loss.

• Refrigerator food loss: $250–$500 (Source: USDA, 2023; consumer surveys)

• Freezer with a whole cow (avg. 400–500 lbs of beef): $3,000–$4,500 (Based on $7–$10/lb market value of processed beef)

A generator protects your investment — whether it’s tonight’s dinner or a year’s worth of meat.

🔥 Frozen Pipes and HVAC Failure = Costly Repairs

No heat in winter? No AC in summer?

• Frozen/burst pipe damage: $5,000–$20,000 (Source: Insurance Information Institute, 2023)

• HVAC system restart & service after an outage: $300–$1,000+

A generator keeps your climate systems running — and your house safe.

💻 Work-From-Home Interruption = Lost Wages

If you work remotely, an outage could mean missed deadlines, lost income, and damaged equipment.

• Lost wages for 1 day: $200–$600+ (Varies by job and hours worked)

• Power surges damaging electronics: $500–$5,000+

💡 So, What’s the Cost of Protection?

• A fully installed standby generator: $5,000–$12,000 (Depending on size, brand, and fuel source)

• Portable generator setups: $500–$2,500 (Suburban offers a variety of options to put your own portable generator to work with a receptacle installation.)

But compared to:

• One flooded basement: $10,000

• One spoiled freezer: $3,500

• One set of burst pipes: $15,000

• One outage too many: Priceless

A generator might feel like an upfront investment — but it’s really a long-term savings plan. Just one bad storm could pay for it in full.

And no matter your home, priorities, or budget — there’s a solution. Whether you want to power your entire home or just the essentials, Suburban offers generator options that fit your lifestyle and wallet. From whole-home automatic standby systems to simple, safe receptacles that let you plug in a portable camping generator — we’ve got you covered.

➡️ Schedule a Free Generator Consultation Today Let’s keep your lights (and fridge) on — no matter what the forecast says.

➡️ Read more about Suburban’s solutions with Generac Generators