Portable Power for Renters During Emergencies
Renters are uniquely vulnerable during power outages, as they have no direct control over their own electricity supply. Homeowners can install automatic backup generators or whole-home systems, but rental properties are limited in terms of emergency preparation.
Thankfully, portable power stations are a flexible and non-permanent solution that help maintain safety and comfort during emergencies without the need for installation.
Why Renters Need Portable Power During Outages
Whether it’s a hurricane, snowstorm, or heatwave coming your way, having an emergency plan is critical. But renters are limited because they can’t modify their property with hardwired backup systems.
City dwellers are also limited in their preparation because they often don’t have the outdoor space or clearance to operate portable gas generators safely. And apartments are notorious for having limited indoor space, making storage difficult for solutions that require a large footprint.
But without backup power, you run the risk of spoiled food in refrigerators, inoperable critical medical devices, and dead communication devices. There must be a way to maintain power and the comfort that comes with it in the face of an emergency.
How Portable Power Stations Run Devices and Homes in Emergencies
Portable power stations (PPS) allow you to work around the limitations of apartment living while still enjoying the benefits of power when the grid goes out. If you invest in a PPS with ample output and capacity, you can have enough energy to keep refrigerators running, your lights on, and small appliances like fans or space heaters operating.
It can also become a lifeline, allowing you to charge your phones and communication devices to contact loved ones or emergency services.
Many PPS are scalable, allowing you to add extra batteries over time as your power needs increase. Some PPS can even integrate with balcony home solar systems for extended runtime.
They’re small, compact, lightweight, and portable enough to take with you from apartment to apartment. For those living in communal buildings, a portable power station is the key to maintaining peace of mind during blackouts.
What Renters Should Look for in a Portable Power Station
Knowing what to look for when shopping for a PPS allows you to hone in on what’s important and avoid paying for features or capacity that you won’t need. Here’s what to keep in mind as you make your buying decision.
Weight and Portability
What’s the layout of your apartment building? Is it a walkup? Consider the size and navigability of the stairway access when living in a multi-story building. Features like carrying handles or wheels can make transportation easier.
The key is balancing your capacity needs with a manageable weight. Choose a compact design that meets your essential energy needs and stores easily in your apartment.
For many people, apartments are temporary living spaces for a few years at a time. Remember that your PPS should be movable whenever you need to relocate to a new rental.
DELTA 3 Classic Portable Power Station
Runtimes, Capacity, and Wattage
Here’s how to ensure your PPS meets your energy consumption needs. First, determine which appliances and devices you want to run during a blackout with your PPS. If you can prioritize only essential equipment, you’ll be able to save more in cost and weight/size.
Then, determine the total wattage (considering any surge power needs to avoid frying the system) of each item. Multiply each item’s wattage by the desired run time. Add up the total capacity needs in kWh to determine your PPS minimum capacity.
Pro Tip: Leave a bit of extra capacity in case you add devices or appliances down the road.
A larger PPS capacity means a longer runtime, so if your area experiences extended outages, you may want to invest in a greater capacity to avoid being left with a dead PPS while the grid is still down. The EcoFlow DELTA 3 Classic offers versatile capacity for most renters, so it’s a good place to start. You can always find options with varying capacities to suit your needs.
Another thing to consider is recharge time and options. For example, if you can recharge it easily and quickly with your car, you can manage a smaller capacity. Or, if you have a balcony or rooftop space, you can look for a PPS that can recharge using solar power.
Noise Level and Indoor Use
As a renter, you have to be considerate of your neighbors. Silent operation is essential for apartment living.
The beauty of a portable power station is that it runs without noise and produces no exhaust fumes, making it safe for indoor use without ventilation concerns.
If you need to use the backup power during a nighttime outage, there’s no risk of disturbing your neighbors. It’s also quiet enough for use in your own bedroom at night, a significant advantage for those with medical devices, such as CPAP machines.
Frequently Asked Questions
How To Generate Electricity in an Emergency?
Portable power stations are one of the best ways to generate electricity in an emergency, especially if you rent your home. You can recharge them using wall outlets before outages occur, and many models offer additional charging options, such as solar or car recharging, during extended outages.
Is It Worth Getting a Portable Power Station?
If maintaining your safety, avoiding food loss, and providing peace of mind are important to you, then investing in a portable power station is a worthwhile consideration. It’s a reusable investment that can serve you in multiple emergencies for years to come and is easy to transport between rental properties as needed. It also eliminates the need for fuel storage and is safe to operate in indoor environments.
EcoFlow Portable Power Stations Provide Emergency Energy for Renters
EcoFlow’s portable power stations can solve renter-specific challenges during emergencies. They don’t require any installation or landlord permission and align well with a rental lifestyle thanks to their compact and lightweight nature. They are safe and quiet for indoor operation and serve as a long-term investment in emergency safety and preparation. Explore the EcoFlow DELTA 3 Classic and other models in our line of PPS and find the best solution for you.