I like to keep my home at a cool and comfortable 68 degrees year-round, but this preference would be fine if I lived near the Pacific Ocean or in a small home. Instead, I find myself battling the brutal climate of Kansas City, with its frigid winters and sweltering summers.

The solution? A smart whole-home battery backup system from Anker, which cost $7,200 to install. My best napkin math suggests it would pay for itself in about five years, making it cheaper than moving to San Diego (and avoiding the California burritos).

Moreover, my power company’s time-of-use billing structure offers significant discounts. The “Nights & Weekends Max Plan” drops overnight rates as low as 2 cents per kilowatt-hour, while summer afternoon rates can spike up to 36 cents.

The Solix E10 system from Anker will store up to 12 kilowatt-hours and uses lithium iron phosphate batteries, providing a longer lifespan and lower risk of catching fire. It’s rated to operate safely from -3 to 130 degrees, making my limestone basement an ideal location.