Do You Need a Battery Backup?

I mentioned recently that I have a generator for big power outages. However, I hate to haul it out, fire it up and then have the lights come right back on! So, I decided that I needed an additional back up for power outages – a backup power pack that is basically a sealed battery, an inverter and several outlets all in one convenient package.

Photo of Duracell Power Pack Via Amazon.com

Now, this power pack is not a substitute for a generator. It won’t power my furnace or my fridge during a power outage. (Although some of the more powerful packs claim that they can do so for short periods of time.) What it does do is provide power for a small television and a lamp for about four hours. I have a separate battery backup/power surge protector system for the computers and one of them also has the phone plugged into it. Entertainment and light for the kids and a way for me to work for a few hours is really all we need during most power outages.

Next, I’m going to work on a way to recharge the batteries without plugging them in to my wall outlet. I haven’t completely made up my mind, but there does seem to be a pretty good buy at Costco during June – a Coleman 60 watt solar backup power kit for $299.99.

Do you use a battery backup system?