Installing Battery Backup for Home: A Guide

Reasons to get Home Battery Backups 

Let’s face it: power outages are annoying. No matter if it’s the weather damaging the power lines, or some other failure on the grid, losing power is the worst—especially if you need to turn on lights, grab without food, or even charge your phone! You should really consider home battery backups. Home battery backups are just like having safety nets, but specifically for the power system of your home. Instead of running around trying to grab your flashlights, or worrying about your devices during a power outage, battery backups turn on automatically when the grid turns off. You are also able to have your devices set off and running without any extra effort on your part! If you even have solar panels, they automatically grab energy during the day, so you don’t have to rely on the grid when it’s cloudy either!

Things To Consider Before Purchase of Home Battery Backup

Your power needs are the first thing to tackle before zeroing in on a battery backup plan for your home. Consider all the must-haves for your backup power plan. Tell me if a refrigerator, some lights, phone chargers, or small heaters are things you might use. If you like to use all or most of the above-mentioned devices, all these devices are going to take some amount of power, so balance that to a backup battery’s capacity, which in most scenarios is in kWh. Once you use the devices, take a look at the types of devices offered, and think about which of those batteries you need. If opponents elect Li-ion batteries, for the sole reason that they have better longevity, charge quickly, and are far safer than more archaic batteries. They also excel in the retention of charge & much more than that. Do take your use case into consideration. Do you need the batteries for portable use or more home fixes? Portable batteries are great for take along needs or small tasks, but fixed, wall mounted batteries are your solution if you intend on home use for the long haul. Most battery chargers and systems have certifications like CE and UN38.3 so you are rest assured they are reliable and safe. Testimonials are where most users showcase their love for the system’s power.

How To Install a Home Battery Backup System

Here’s the secret: a home battery backup doesn’t have to be a complex beast. You just have to make sure to follow the steps. First, start with finding a suitable location for the battery. For fixed systems, select a cool spot such as a utility room or garage and avoid areas with direct sunlight or heat. For portable systems, the primary requirement is a flat, stable surface on the floor and within easy reach to an outlet. The next step involves solar panels or the home’s electrical system, which will require a skilled electrician. Do not attempt to connect the battery on your own, as the DIY route is a potential safety hazard. Your next task is to face the test your electrician prepares to assess their own work. The primary task is to simulate a blackout and make sure the battery activates as soon as the system shuts down. Most batteries, especially modern ones with WiFi capability, simply need to be monitored for damage and proper charging, so the maintenance becomes easy.

Maintaining your home battery backup takes minimal effort and goes a long way in ensuring its longevity. Start by checking the battery on a monthly basis. Look for any damage and confirm that connections are nice and tight, and clean. If the battery shows any signs of dust, wipe with a cloth. If your battery is LiFePO4, it is critical not to overcharge it. Most of today’s batteries include a BMS (Battery Management System) that prevents overcharging, but it is wise to refrain from leaving the battery plugged for long periods of time. In addition to overcharging, it is also wise to maintain a battery’s temperature. Placing it in extremely hot or cold environments lessens the battery’s longevity. If, for instance, it’s in a garage that gets extremely cold during winter, try adding the battery to mitigate the insulation loss. If your battery is under warranty, it is always smart to keep the manufacturer’s maintenance policy to avoid cancellation and to fully use the warranty, so keep proper maintenance. Covering a battery is a good strategy since it allows the user to optimize the battery’s longevity.

Should you run into any issues, feel free to contact the support team— they are more than willing to help the issues from worsening if any problems arise.