The Cost of a Power Outage vs. the Cost of a Generator

Many homeowners in Barrie and across Simcoe County hesitate when it comes to buying a generator—often because of the upfront cost. But what’s often overlooked is the much higher cost of doing nothing when the power goes out.

Whether it’s a summer storm, a downed power line, or a heatwave that pushes the grid past its limit, blackouts can be both disruptive and expensive. In fact, a single prolonged outage can cost more than a generator itself.

Here’s how the numbers add up—and why investing in backup power with Sparks Generators is a smart move.

What Does a Power Outage Really Cost?

While the power might only be out for a few hours, the impact can last much longer. Here are just a few examples of how outages affect your home and wallet:

1. Spoiled Food

Most fridges can only keep food cold for about 4 hours without power. Freezers might last up to 24–48 hours, but that's it.Estimated cost: $250–$500 in spoiled groceries per outage.

2. Flooded Basements

If your sump pump stops working during a storm, water can back up fast. Basement flooding damages flooring, drywall, furniture, and can lead to mold.Estimated cost: $3,000–$15,000 in water damage repairs.

3. Frozen Pipes or Heat Loss (in winter outages)

Losing your heating system during a winter outage can cause pipes to freeze and burst.Estimated cost: $5,000+ in plumbing repairs and water damage.

4. Hotel Stays or Emergency Travel

Many families are forced to leave their homes during long outages to find heat, air conditioning, or basic comfort.Estimated cost: $300–$1,000 depending on the length of the outage.

5. Missed Work or Business Disruption

If you work from home or run a home-based business, no power means lost time, missed deadlines, and sometimes lost income.Estimated cost: Varies—could be hundreds or even thousands in lost productivity.

6. Electronics and Appliance Damage

When the power flickers on and off, it can fry sensitive electronics like TVs, computers, or even your HVAC system.Estimated cost: $500–$5,000 in replacements and repairs.

The Cost of a Generator: A One-Time Investment in Protection

At Sparks Generators, we provide affordable backup power systems that are tailored to your home’s needs—and your budget.

What does a generator cost?

• Portable Generator: $1,000–$3,000 (plus extension cords and manual setup)

• Home Standby Generator: $6,000–$12,000 (installed, with automatic transfer switch)

We exclusively install Generac generators, the most trusted brand in backup power. These systems are built for long-term use, low maintenance, and reliable performance in Ontario’s tough weather.

When professionally installed and maintained, your generator can provide decades of protection for your home and family.

Why It’s Worth It

Rather than spending money repeatedly on cleanup, temporary fixes, or emergency housing, a generator is a one-time investment that pays for itself by preventing these expenses in the first place.

And unlike insurance, which only helps after damage is done, a generator prevents the damage from happening at all.

Peace of Mind You Can Count On

At Sparks Generators, we’ve helped hundreds of homeowners in Barrie and surrounding areas prepare for the unexpected. We handle everything from sizing and installation to maintenance and repairs—so your generator works when you need it most.

With extreme weather and grid strain becoming more common, now is the time to protect your home, your comfort, and your wallet. Contact us today for a free consultation.