With the Philippines getting its fair share of bad weather all year round, damages to a condo unit or a townhouse are inevitable. Be it scorching weather, thunderstorms, or frequent typhoons, trees are bound to fall, and Filipinos are never free of mother earth’s wrath. Given that, it can be quite a hassle to experience a sudden power outage when living in a high-rise tower or a house in the suburbs. On that note, this is where indoor generators for condos sound pretty great, as they can serve as a lifeline to specific emergencies. With everything mentioned, you might be searching for the most suitable power-storing engine for your lifestyle. After all, it can be a little risky and tricky to find the perfect generator to use nowadays since there are many options in the market. But fret not! This article will help you better understand indoor generator prices for condos; plus, it will tackle a few pros and cons of using a generator in a condo in the Philippines to help you decide.
How Do Generators work in a Condo?
Most high-rise buildings often have a central generator to offer alternate power to their tenants. However, these gasoline-powered generators are kept outside buildings and away from vents, windows, or other openings that might put everyone in the tower at risk. For instance, using gasoline or propane-powered generators comes with the risk of fire and carbon monoxide poisoning. On that note, if you are planning to acquire a portable generator, consult with your condo company or board of associations regarding their policy of indoor generators for condos. Doing so will save you from an impulsive splurge on power-storing devices since a small generator’s price can also hurt your pockets.
Can a Generator be Installed in a Condo?
You might now be thinking of how important it is to have backup power when living in a condo in the Philippines. But to answer your question, “can a generator be installed in a condo?” generally depends on which type of generator you are using, and it falls on whether your condo company/association board allows it. To illustrate, conventional or inverter generators are prohibited in condos and apartments. However, using an engine that produces non-toxic emissions or noises can be possible, such as a portable power station, battery generator, or solar generator.
Notably, conventional and inverter generators are associated with using gasoline or propane. Given that, they are prohibited from being used indoors as they produce carbon monoxide, which is a deadly gas. In addition, these types of generators often make undesirable noises that might be a burden to dwelling neighbors. Given that, if you want to install generators legally, opt for non-toxic options like battery-powered or solar ones. A small generator’s price here in the Philippines ranges from Php 8,000 to Php 21,000 (solar), depending on the brand and storage capacity.
Pros and Cons of Using a Generator in a Condo
Now that we have already covered the usage of generators in a condo in the Philippines let us review the pros and cons!
Pros
Portable
Most generators are portable and can be carried around on your travels. Notably, these may come in handy if your family decides to go on an adventure like camping, fishing, and the like! With that said, you will no longer have to worry about light and safety despite sleeping in the woods.
You will have peace of mind.
Since unexpected power outages are inevitable in the Philippines, having a backup generator provides peace of mind. After all, there is nothing better than having a sense of security at home, and an alternate source of power can undoubtedly give you a breath of relief.
Worthy investment
Although purchasing a generator up-front can be costly, it will save you some money in the long run! For instance, using a solar-powered generator can help lower your electricity bill significantly. Moreover, the cost of repairs and replacements of appliances can be a hassle once a sudden power outage damages them in your area.
Never saying goodbye to essential services.
In line with having security and peace of mind, essential services will always be available to you despite the power outage. For instance, you are assured of having internet, lighting, cooling, heating, and communication, all essential when facing an emergency. With that said, you can live in peace knowing that you will never lose crucial services thanks to a backup generator.
Also Read: The Power of Genset in Brownouts and Blackouts
Cons
Some are noisy and disruptive.
One of the major disadvantages of owning a conventional or inverter generator is the noise it makes when in use. These noises can be disruptive to neighbors and might not even let you get a goodnight’s sleep. Given that, living in a confined space and using a generator might not be the best combination.
Not all types of generators are allowed in condos.
As mentioned earlier, only non-toxic generators can be used inside a condo in the Philippines. Notably, this is only allowed if you have a clear go-signal from the board regarding owning a portable generator, thus adding to its disadvantage. You will only get to choose between battery-powered and solar generators, which can be quite costly.
Storage
If you live in a studio unit without a balcony, you will most likely need a proper area to store your generator. These alternate power sources must be kept outside or away from people to avoid unexpected damages and repairs. Given that, you must first determine where to store the generator before buying one.
Upfront cost
Indeed, most generators are not pocket-friendly. Although there are affordable ones, those with a high capacity for storing energy come at a higher price. If you want to use generators efficiently, you will likely be pulling out a large sum of money upfront.
Owning a generator can also be useful when living in a condo in the Philippines. Indeed, it is better to be safe than sorry - thus, if you want peace of mind, investing in a backup generator might be the answer. But in line with ensuring your safety, Vista Residences offers a 24-hour security service on all their high-rise towers. Given that, if there may be emergencies, they have you covered! But aside from prioritizing your safety, Vista Residences also values your convenience as their condos are strategically located near entertainment centers, universities, and other essential institutions. Contact them at (+63) 999 886 4262 or (+63)917 582 5167, and live in your dream home now!
