How a Generator Can Protect Your Family During Severe Weather in SE Michigan

Homeowners in Oakland and Wayne counties happily bid goodbye to April and its powerful storms, tornado warnings, high winds, and related power outages. 

But even in May, we’re not out of the severe weather woods yet. 

The National Weather Service says tornado season peaks in June and that extreme storms spawning tornadoes occur between April and August in Southeast Michigan. That means there’s over three months left for storms to wreak havoc on our homes and electrical systems. 

The good news is that you can prepare for storm-related power outages by installing a standby generator in your Farmington Hills, MI, home with our help at Harriman Heating & Air Conditioning. 

Do I Really Need a Standby Generator?

Our homes need consistent, reliable electricity to power our HVAC systems, appliances, EV chargers, lights, safety and medical equipment, Wi-Fi, and more! When utility-supplied power goes out because of high winds or lightning strikes, you experience significant inconvenience that can last anywhere from minutes to days. 

Power outages can be costly and pose a health and safety threat, but they do not have to be inevitable. Our pros at Harriman Heating & Air Conditioning can help you ride out a power outage in style, even when electricity is out in your entire neighborhood. 

Let us assess your electrical needs and recommend a standby generator that will easily handle your home’s electrical load. The sooner we begin installation, the more likely you will be prepared for the next round of severe weather. 

How Does a Standby Generator Work?

An electrical outage does not affect your generator because it runs on natural gas or propane. 

When the power goes out, a transfer switch automatically connects your electrical panel to the generator. When the outage ends, the transfer switch reconnects your home to the grid.

The system works even if you are not at home. If you are home, you may not notice that the electricity is out, because the process happens seamlessly. 

Can I Install a Standby Generator Myself?

You may be able to fuel and start a portable generator, but installing a standby generator is not for do-it-yourselfers. 

Our Harriman Heating & Air Conditioning technicians know how to size the unit for your home’s electrical load, connect it to the electrical panel and gas line, and install a transfer switch. 

As Generac generator installers, we maintain, repair, and install standby generators. Installation is fairly straightforward. After obtaining relevant permits, we prepare a spot outside your home for a concrete pad. We place the generator on top of the pad and install the gas line, electrical connections, and the transfer switch. 

The process typically spans one or two days, with your power interrupted for a few hours. After we complete the installation, we walk you through maintenance requirements and other essential information about generator performance. 

What Are the Benefits of a Standby Generator?

Here are just a few ways a standby generator can make life bearable during and after severe weather: 

No Spoiled Food: Your refrigerated and frozen foods remain edible and safe from spoilage. There is no need for coolers and ice. 

Comfort Continues: Your heating and cooling system will continue to operate during an outage. You’ll gain peace of mind knowing your plumbing won’t freeze during a winter outage, and you’ll stay cool during a summer heat wave. 

Pumps Work: Your sump pump, which prevents basement flooding, and your well pump, which provides drinking water to your home, will continue working.

Health and Safety: You can safely refrigerate medicines and continue using medical equipment that requires electricity. You’ll also feel safer with your lights and security system on. 

No Work Disruption: If you work at home and rely on Wi-Fi for your job, a standby generator will help you stay connected during an outage. 

What Goes into the Cost of a Standby Generator?

The cost depends on the generator’s size, the number of appliances it will power, the complexity of the installation, and the extent of gas line work required.

The upfront cost of a standby generator is higher than that of a portable unit. Still, the value added to your home and the certainty of never losing a refrigerator full of food is priceless.

In fact, according to the Journal of Light Construction, you can recoup 95 percent of the cost of installing a standby generator. Its 2025 Cost vs. Value Report compares average costs for over two dozen remodeling projects with their resale value in 119 U.S. markets. Based on a national average cost of $13,534, generator installation was valued at $12,902 at resale. 

Prepare for the Next Storm in Farmington Hills, MI

Michigan weather can change on a dime. The best time to prepare for a power outage is before the clouds start to darken. Our expert team at Harriman Heating & Air Conditioning can assess your electrical system, recommend a standby generator for your household, and provide professional installation. Call us at 734-271-6200 or request service online.