Winter storms bring a host of challenges—ice, snow, and freezing rain can all cause power outages, frozen pipes, and damage to your property. While these events may not happen often, when they do, they can disrupt your ability to stay warm, safe, and keep your property running smoothly.
Winter Weather: Why You Need to Be Prepared
When a winter storm hits, power outages and frozen pipes are common risks. The lack of electricity can leave you without heat, running water, or essential appliances, while water damage from burst pipes or melting snow can cause lasting damage if not addressed quickly.
Power outages can last for hours or days, leaving you without essential systems like heating or refrigeration.
Frozen pipes and water damage from melting snow can create costly problems, especially if the water is left to accumulate.
Keeping your space warm, dry, and functional during an outage is essential. Renting the right equipment can help mitigate these risks and keep things running.
What Size Generator Do I Need?
Choosing the right generator size ensures that you can keep essential systems running during a storm. Here’s a guide to help you determine what size generator will meet your needs:
Basic Needs (5,000 - 7,500 watts)
- Refrigerator
- Lights
- Sump pump
- Cell phone chargers
- Essential outlets
- Small window A/C
Best for: Keeping critical items running during short outages. This size is great for those who only need to power the basics, like fridges, heaters, and lights.
Partial Home Backup (7,000 - 10,000 watts)
Major appliances
Smaller central A/C units
Washing machine, microwave, lights
Best for: Medium-sized properties with higher power needs. This size ensures that essential appliances like heating systems, refrigeration, and other key systems stay on during an extended outage.
Whole-Home Backup (10,000 - 20,000+ watts)
All essential systems
Central air conditioning
Multiple large appliances running simultaneously
Medical equipment or home offices
Choosing the Right Generator for Your Needs
Winter storms often bring extended power outages that can leave properties without essential systems like heat and refrigeration. Renting the right generator ensures that you stay warm, safe, and functional when the power goes out.
Honda EU2200i – A light-duty generator for powering small electronics like laptops, phones, and small appliances. Perfect for short power outages or just to keep the essentials running when you don’t need much power.
MultiQuip 6000W – Ideal for medium-sized properties that need to power essential appliances like your refrigerator, heating system, and lights. This generator is great for moderate power needs during longer outages.
Hustler 8500W – A mid-sized generator perfect for those who need to run more than just the basics—like larger heating systems and multiple appliances—during longer outages.
MultiQuip 9700W – A stronger generator for larger properties or those with central heating or multiple large appliances. It can handle higher power demands for a variety of needs during extended outages.
Airman 25kVA/20kW Towable Generator – For whole-property backup, this towable generator provides maximum power to keep your entire property running, including critical equipment and systems like medical devices or home offices.
Generator Safety: Powering Up with Confidence
Generators are a lifesaver during winter storms, but they come with important safety precautions. If not used properly, they can pose serious risks like carbon monoxide poisoning, fire hazards, and electrical shock. To keep things running smoothly (and safely), here are some simple generator safety tips:
- Never operate a generator indoors: Generators give off carbon monoxide (CO), a deadly, odorless gas. Always use your generator outside in a well-ventilated area—far away from doors, windows, and vents.
- Use a transfer switch: If you’re connecting your generator to your home’s electrical system, make sure to install a transfer switch. This prevents dangerous backfeeding that could harm utility workers or wreck your generator.
- Keep it dry: Don’t run your generator in wet conditions. Place it on a dry surface, use a generator cover, and always handle it with dry hands to avoid electric shock.
- Don’t overload your generator: Check your generator’s wattage capacity before plugging in. Overloading it can cause fires or damage to both your generator and appliances.
- Store fuel properly: Keep fuel in a cool, dry place, and follow manufacturer guidelines. Use approved containers and never store gasoline indoors.
- Turn it off before refueling: Let your generator cool down before refueling. Refueling while it’s still hot can cause dangerous fires.
- Keep kids and pets away: Generators have hot surfaces and moving parts. Always keep children and pets at a safe distance to avoid injury.
By following these safety guidelines, you can use your generator with confidence and minimize potential risks.
Generator Light Towers: Brighten Up Your Space
Winter storms often bring early sunsets and low visibility. Generator light towers provide bright, efficient lighting so you can stay safe and illuminated during the storm. They also help power other tools or equipment you may need to keep your property functional.
Trash Pumps: Mitigate Flooding and Water Damage
Water damage is a common concern during winter storms, especially after frozen pipes burst or snow begins to melt. Trash pumps are designed to clear debris-filled water quickly, preventing flooding and further damage to your property.
Stay Equipped, Stay Protected
Winter storms can be unpredictable, but with the right preparation, you can keep your property powered, warm, and dry. Renting generators, light towers, and trash pumps ensures you’re ready for whatever weather comes your way. Keep your critical systems running and your property protected with the right equipment rental.
