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A typical residential location, whether a single-family home, apartment or condominium, relies on electrical power for an increasing number of devices, appliances and systems that are crucial to homeowners – making them prime prospects for uninterruptible power supply (UPS) or backup power protection.
As the smart home market continues to expand, it is driving a growing need to be “always on” so residents can manage a multitude of functions from thermostats to lighting control while at home or even away via a smart phone. Modern homes also rely on power for everything from opening and closing blinds and garage doors as well as security systems. Of course, there are plenty of potential backup power applications even in older homes, whether it’s the entertainment system, major appliances, pumps or network equipment such as an Internet router. Regardless of the home environment, electricians can provide peace of mind and comfort to any home owner with power protection solutions.
Electricians as Trusted Backup Power Advisor
Electricians are in an ideal position to create awareness and interest in homeowners and tenants about how a UPS can protect their assets and supply reliable power even in the event of a utility power outage. The idea is to remind customers about all the devices around them that require power and help them decide which ones they deem critical enough to warrant backup power protection. These discussions should emphasize how backup power protection increases safety, security and comfort.
Homeowners may well be surprised at just how many potential applications may need backup power.
Top Residential Applications that May Need Backup Power
Window Blinds and Garage Doors
Many homes today have motorized window blinds that go up and down at the push of a button. Some also have shutters that cover their windows and doors, both for security and to protect against storm damage. Both qualify for backup power protection. It’s not at all unusual to lose power during a storm, so a UPS would ensure the homeowner can close the shutters during a storm, keeping everyone safe and protected. Likewise, it would enable them to open the shutters when the storm is over, even if the power is out.
Similarly, garage doors can be an issue. While some systems enable the user to disengage the motor and open and close the door manually, others are impossible to open and close without power. Imagine a resident being stuck with no way to open or close a garage door.
Home Electronics & Security Systems
Most every home now has some sort of entertainment system, whether it’s just a TV and audio system or a full-fledged home theater. Similarly, most have a router supplying an Internet connection, perhaps to one or more desktop PCs and many smart phones and tablets that also need charging. Many have come to really depend on these devices for work and communication. It makes sense, then, to ask residents how long they’d be comfortable being without the use these devices in the event of a power outage.
Home security systems may also warrant backup power protection. Many homes now have video surveillance systems that operate around the clock. If the resident is away from home when the power goes out, it’ll provide great peace of mind to know the system is still working.
Pumps
Residents may not think about power protection for different pump applications. Many homes with chronically wet basements have sump pumps that expel water from a collection basin, to keep the basement dry. Should the power fail during a storm, or even when lots of groundwater is present, that can result in one soggy basement and a lot of clean-up work for the resident.
Homes with swimming pools rely on pumps to circulate water to keep it clean. Also, residents that rely on well water require electric pumps, and perhaps an electric water softener or filtration system. All of these may be candidates for backup power protection; nobody wants to be without water.
Major Appliances
UPSs can protect major appliances such as refrigerators, freezers, washing machines, and dishwashers in a number of ways. One is to supply backup power in the event of an outage, but another is to protect the appliances from power surges, jitter and the like that occur routinely on power lines inside homes. A UPS will filter out such vagaries, delivering a consistent supply of clean power that will extend the life of these valuable appliances.
Medical Equipment
Lastly, a power outage could even be life threatening when critical medical devices are impacted. Home medical equipment such as respirators, tube feeding devices and medical beds would almost certainly require power protection for patient well-being. The same goes for pet-related systems, such as aquariums.
Get the Tools You Need to Deliver Reliable Backup Power Solutions
Homeowners go to great lengths to make their dwelling spaces comfortable, safe and secure, but power outages are a threat to all three. Electricians can help educate them on how a UPS will enable them to remain comfortable, safe and secure even during a power outage.
Explore UPS options to address most any residential power protection need, as well as smart home solutions that deliver convenience and peace of mind. Also, electricians can visit the Electrician Partner Portal site to access exclusive information that will help you win more residential business. Not yet registered as a partner? It’s not too late – click here to join us.
