When homeowners consider buying a standby generator, the conversation usually revolves around the price tag of the unit. “Is it worth the investment?” is the most common question we hear.
However, the more important financial question is: “What is the cost of NOT having one?” and “What is the TRUE cost of a power outage?”
In Vermont, a winter power outage isn’t just an inconvenience that prevents you from watching Netflix. It is a threat to your home’s infrastructure. When you compare the price of a generator installation against the catastrophic costs of winter damage, the math becomes very clear.
The $15,000 Nightmare: Frozen Pipes
The single biggest financial risk during a winter outage is frozen pipes. When your furnace shuts off, the temperature inside your walls drops rapidly.
According to major insurance data, the average claim for water damage from frozen pipes is approximately $15,000 to $20,000.
- The Damage: It’s not just the plumbing. It’s the water pouring through your ceiling, ruining drywall, hardwood floors, carpets, and furniture.
- The Hassle: You could be displaced from your home for weeks while contractors tear out moldy sheetrock.
A standby generator keeps your furnace running seamlessly, maintaining safe temperatures and preventing this nightmare scenario entirely.
The Silent Basement Flood: Sump Pump Failure
For many Vermont homes, a sump pump is the only thing keeping the basement dry during a thaw or heavy rain.
- The Scenario: A winter storm brings wet, heavy snow followed by a temperature spike/rain. The power goes out. Your sump pump stops working.
- The Cost: Finishing a flooded basement can cost $30,000+, depending on the materials ruined. Even an unfinished basement can suffer foundation damage or mold issues that cost thousands to remediate.
The “Hidden” Costs of an Outage
Beyond the catastrophic damage, there are smaller costs that add up quickly during a multi-day outage:
- Hotel Stays: $200+ per night for a family.
- Spoiled Food: $300-$500 to replace a fully stocked fridge and freezer.
- Emergency Plumber Rates: If a pipe does burst, you are paying double or triple for emergency after-hours calls.
The Smart Investment: A Standby Generator
When you look at the potential $20,000+ loss from a single bad storm, a standby generator transforms from a “luxury” into a necessary insurance policy.
At Brook Field Service, we proudly recommend Briggs & Stratton generators for their durability and power density.
- More Power, Smaller Footprint: The Briggs & Stratton PowerProtect™ 26kW unit provides more power than almost any other air-cooled generator in its class, allowing you to back up your entire home (including high-demand appliances) without moving up to a massive liquid-cooled industrial unit.
- Reliability: Built to withstand the harsh Vermont climate, ensuring they start when the temperature drops.
Current Promo: Power Up with Briggs
Right now is the perfect time to secure your home. We are currently offering special incentives on Briggs & Stratton installations, like a free Automatic Transfer Switch and a FREE 10-Year Warranty with the purchase of a qualifying generator.
Don’t Gamble with Your Home
You insure your home against fire and theft. Why leave it vulnerable to the cold?
Investing in a standby generator is about protecting your assets. It ensures that a power outage remains a minor inconvenience, rather than a financial disaster.
Ready to do the math? Contact Brook Field Service today for a free consultation on a standby generator!
