Power outages in the Aiken area are not a matter of if but when. Summer thunderstorms, occasional ice storms, high winds, and aging infrastructure all contribute to outages that can last from a few hours to several days. The difference between a minor inconvenience and a genuine emergency comes down to preparation.
The good news is that preparing for power outages is straightforward and the investment pays for itself the first time the lights go out. From generator systems that keep your entire home running to simple steps that protect your electronics when power returns, here is a comprehensive guide for Aiken homeowners.
Generator Options: Portable, Standby, and Everything In Between
A generator is the most effective way to maintain power during an outage. The right generator for your home depends on what you need to power, how long you expect outages to last, and your budget. Understanding the main options helps you make an informed decision.
Portable generators: Portable generators are the most affordable entry point, typically costing $500 to $2,000 for units suitable for home backup use. A quality portable generator in the 5,000 to 7,500-watt range can power essential loads including a refrigerator, a few lights, phone chargers, and a window air conditioning unit or space heater.
The main limitations of portable generators are convenience and safety. They must be operated outdoors at least 20 feet from the home (carbon monoxide is a serious and potentially fatal risk), they require manual starting and fueling, and connecting them to your home's electrical system requires either running extension cords to individual appliances or having an electrician install a manual transfer switch or interlock kit.
Standby generators: Whole-house standby generators are permanently installed units that connect directly to your home's electrical system through an automatic transfer switch. When utility power fails, the transfer switch detects the outage and signals the generator to start automatically, typically restoring power within 10 to 30 seconds. When utility power returns, the transfer switch reconnects the home to the grid and shuts the generator down.
Standby generators run on natural gas or propane, eliminating the need to store and manage gasoline. They range from 10 kilowatts (enough for essential loads) to 22 kilowatts or more (enough to power an entire home including HVAC). Installed costs typically range from $5,000 to $15,000 depending on size and installation complexity. For Aiken homeowners who experience extended outages or who have medical equipment, home offices, or other critical needs, a standby generator provides unmatched peace of mind.
Interlock kits and transfer switches: If you choose a portable generator, you should never backfeed power into your home by plugging the generator into a wall outlet. This is illegal, violates the NEC, and can electrocute utility workers repairing power lines. Instead, have an electrician install a transfer switch or interlock kit that safely connects your generator to your home's panel while isolating it from the utility grid.
An interlock kit is a mechanical device that prevents the main breaker and generator breaker from being on simultaneously. It costs $200 to $500 installed and is the most affordable way to safely connect a portable generator to your home's electrical system. A manual transfer switch provides dedicated circuits for generator power and is easier to operate, typically costing $500 to $1,500 installed.
Battery Backup Systems: The Modern Alternative
Battery backup systems have emerged as a compelling alternative or complement to generators. Systems like the Tesla Powerwall, Enphase IQ Battery, and similar products store electricity in lithium-ion batteries that automatically provide power during outages. They are silent, produce no emissions, require no fuel, and start instantly when power fails.
How battery backup works: A battery backup system connects to your home's electrical panel through a dedicated subpanel or transfer switch. During normal operation, the battery charges from the grid (or from solar panels if you have them). When the grid fails, the system automatically switches to battery power and supplies your home with stored electricity.
A single battery unit (typically 10 to 15 kilowatt-hours of capacity) can power essential loads like a refrigerator, lights, internet router, and phone chargers for 8 to 12 hours. Multiple batteries can be stacked for greater capacity. If paired with solar panels, a battery system can potentially provide power indefinitely during an extended outage as long as the sun is shining enough to recharge the batteries each day.
Battery vs. generator considerations: Battery systems excel at handling short to moderate outages (4 to 24 hours) silently and automatically. Generators excel at extended outages (multiple days) where battery capacity would be exhausted. Many Aiken homeowners are choosing a hybrid approach, installing a battery system for immediate, seamless backup and a smaller generator for extended outages. The battery handles the first several hours (which covers the majority of outages), and the generator starts only if the outage extends beyond the battery's capacity.
Battery backup systems typically cost $10,000 to $20,000 installed for a single-battery system. While more expensive upfront than generators, they have no fuel costs, require virtually no maintenance, operate silently, and may qualify for the federal Investment Tax Credit if paired with solar panels.
Surge Protection After Power Restoration
One of the most overlooked aspects of power outage preparation is protecting your home from the power surge that often accompanies power restoration. When utility power returns after an outage, voltage spikes and transients can damage sensitive electronics, appliances, and HVAC equipment. Insurance claims for surge damage after power restoration are extremely common.
Whole-house surge protection: A whole-house surge protector installs at your main electrical panel and diverts voltage spikes to ground before they reach your home's wiring and connected devices. These devices cost $200 to $500 installed and protect everything in the home from utility-side surges including those from power restoration, lightning strikes on nearby power lines, and grid switching events.
Whole-house surge protectors are rated in kiloamps (kA) of surge current capacity. For Aiken homes, we recommend a minimum of 50 kA capacity, with 80 kA or higher for homes with expensive electronics, home theaters, or sensitive equipment. The device installs in or adjacent to your main panel and connects to a dedicated two-pole breaker.
Layered surge protection: Whole-house surge protection handles large surges at the panel, but a layered approach provides the best protection. Point-of-use surge protectors (quality surge power strips) at individual devices provide a second line of defense for your most sensitive equipment. Look for surge protectors with UL 1449 listing, a joule rating of 2,000 or higher, and indicator lights that show the protection is active (surge protectors can be sacrificed during a large surge and no longer provide protection).
For HVAC systems, which are particularly vulnerable to surge damage and expensive to repair, dedicated HVAC surge protectors install at the outdoor condenser unit and protect the compressor and control board. These cost $100 to $200 installed and can prevent thousands of dollars in HVAC repairs from a single surge event.
Your Power Outage Emergency Kit
Beyond electrical preparations, every Aiken household should maintain a power outage emergency kit. Having supplies gathered and accessible before an outage means you are ready to respond calmly rather than scrambling in the dark.
Essential items for your power outage kit:
- Flashlights and lanterns: LED battery-powered flashlights and lanterns for each family member. Avoid candles during power outages as they are a leading cause of house fires. Rechargeable flashlights that stay plugged in and activate automatically during a power failure are ideal for hallways and bedrooms.
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio: During widespread outages, cell towers may lose power within hours. A battery-powered weather radio keeps you connected to emergency information when internet and cell service fail.
- Portable phone chargers: Keep two or three portable USB battery banks charged and ready. A 20,000 mAh power bank can charge a smartphone five or six times and costs under $30.
- Water supply: Store one gallon per person per day for at least three days. If you have a well with an electric pump, you have no water during a power outage unless you have generator or battery backup.
- Non-perishable food: Three days of food that requires no cooking or refrigeration. If you have a gas stove, you can cook during a power outage (light the burner with a match if the electronic ignition does not work without power).
- Medications: A three-day supply of essential medications stored with your emergency kit. If any medications require refrigeration, have a plan for keeping them cold (a quality cooler with ice packs provides 24 to 48 hours).
- Cash: ATMs and card readers do not work during widespread outages. Keep a modest amount of cash on hand for emergency purchases.
Aiken Storm Season Tips: Preparing Before the Weather Hits
The Aiken area's primary power outage risks come from summer thunderstorms (May through September), occasional tropical storm remnants (August through October), and winter ice storms (December through February). Each season brings different threats, but preparation follows the same principles.
Before storm season: Have your electrical system inspected to identify and correct any issues that could be worsened by an outage or surge. Ensure your main panel is in good condition with tight connections that will not arc during voltage fluctuations. Test your generator (if you have one) by running it under load for 30 minutes to verify it starts reliably and produces proper voltage. Replace the fuel stabilizer in stored gasoline and check oil levels.
Trim trees and branches near your power service line. The overhead service drop from the utility pole to your home is your responsibility to keep clear of vegetation. Branches rubbing against or falling on service lines are the most common cause of individual home outages during storms. If branches are near power lines, call your utility company or a professional tree service rather than attempting to trim near energized lines yourself.
When a storm is approaching: Charge all portable devices and battery packs. Set your refrigerator and freezer to their coldest settings (a full freezer at the coldest setting can keep food frozen for 48 hours if the door stays closed). Fill bathtubs with water for flushing toilets if you are on a well. Move vehicles into the garage to protect from hail and falling debris. Unplug sensitive electronics that are not on surge protectors to protect them from power restoration surges.
During an outage: Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible. A closed refrigerator keeps food safe for about four hours. A closed full freezer keeps food safe for about 48 hours (24 hours if half full). Turn off or unplug major appliances and electronics to prevent damage when power is restored. Leave one light switched on so you know when power returns. If using a portable generator, never operate it indoors, in a garage, or near windows or vents.
When to Call an Electrician After a Power Outage
Most power outages resolve without any electrical damage to your home. But certain signs after power restoration indicate you should call a licensed electrician before continuing to use your electrical system normally.
Call an electrician immediately if: You smell burning or notice scorch marks near outlets, switches, or your electrical panel. Circuit breakers trip repeatedly after power is restored. Lights flicker or dim persistently after power returns (brief flickering immediately after restoration is normal but should stop within minutes). Any outlet or switch feels warm to the touch. You hear buzzing, crackling, or popping from your panel or any electrical device. An appliance that was working before the outage no longer works or behaves erratically.
These symptoms may indicate surge damage to wiring, devices, or your electrical panel. Continuing to use a damaged electrical system risks fire and further equipment damage. A qualified electrician can diagnose the issue, identify damaged components, and make repairs before the problem escalates.
Proactive post-outage inspection: After any extended outage (more than 24 hours) or any outage involving a lightning strike to your property or nearby, consider having a professional electrical inspection. Surge damage can be hidden inside walls, in your panel, or within equipment and may not show symptoms immediately. An inspection provides peace of mind and catches problems before they become dangerous.
Unity Power & Light helps Aiken homeowners prepare for power outages with generator installations, transfer switches, whole-house surge protection, and battery backup systems. We also provide emergency service after outages when electrical problems need immediate attention. Contact us to discuss your power outage preparation needs and ensure your family stays safe and comfortable when the power goes out.