The True Value: Costs Avoided vs. Initial Investment
When homeowners consider a standby generator ROI (Return on Investment), they often think of it as just another large expense. But in reality, a generator is a powerful financial asset that pays for itself—not only by keeping the lights on, but by saving you from costly and devastating emergencies.
In places like Vermont and Northern New England, where winter storms and extended outages are common, a generator protects your family, your property, and even your income. Here’s a breakdown of the true generator ROI.
1. Preventing Burst Pipes = Thousands Saved
When power goes out in freezing temperatures, heating systems shut down. In just a few hours, pipes can freeze and burst—leading to extensive water damage to walls, floors, and furniture.
- Average Cost of Burst Pipe Damage: $5,000–$10,000+ per incident
- Generator Benefit: A standby generator keeps the heat running, protecting your plumbing and saving you thousands in emergency repairs and insurance claims.
2. Avoiding Food Loss & Hotel Bills
During an extended outage, the costs of spoiled food and mandatory temporary relocation add up quickly.
- Food Loss: Fridges and freezers can only keep food cold for so long. Replacing hundreds of dollars of groceries is a common side effect of long outages.
- Forced Travel: When the power’s out for days, many families are forced to seek shelter elsewhere. Hotel stays and meals out can be an unexpected financial hit.
- Generator Benefit: Automatic backup keeps refrigeration going and allows your family to stay safely and comfortably at home, instantly avoiding hundreds of dollars in expenses.
3. Protecting Remote Work & Business Income
With more people working from home than ever, power isn’t just about comfort—it’s about your paycheck. A day without power can mean lost productivity, missed deadlines, and a significant hit to income.
- Average Lost Work Income in One Day: $200–$1,000+, depending on profession
- Generator Benefit: With reliable, steady power, you stay online, connected, and productive—ensuring your income stream is never interrupted.
4. Property Value and Peace of Mind
Beyond direct cost savings, a standby generator adds value to your property. Potential buyers in storm-prone areas see it as a major, non-negotiable upgrade.
When you weigh the certainty of avoiding these costs against the manageable payment of a generator, the generator ROI is clear: it’s the ultimate financial defense against New England winters.
At Brook Field Service, we specialize in generator installation, service, and cold-weather packages, ensuring your investment works flawlessly when you need it most.