Lets talk generators

[webstertroy]

Well cold is on its way and so is my new baby in January. I have 1550sft house and already have a small 4000 watt gen. I am looking at upgrading to a 11k watt and looking at a wen brand at home depot. My budget is around 900 to 1k. I will be wanting to run several heaters and window units if needed along with lights fans tvs and all the regular stuff. Thanks for any input.

[Low Fence]

In that price range I’d buy the biggest predator from harbor freight that fits the budget

[Low Fence]

Looks like they have a 9000w for around $880. I’ve been around a bunch of them the last few years and all have been dependable

[BrianL]

Is gas heat an option or pellet stove? Natural gas or LP. No need to double the output and fuel use if you don't need it

[webstertroy]

Is gas heat an option or pellet stove? Natural gas or LP. No need to double the output and fuel use if you don't need it

I have a propane shop heater lol

[Chase4556]

Something like a 11k you mentioned will probably be able to run your HVAC and give you the heat you would normally use. Probably have left over power to still run other ancillary devices as well. Just kill your water heater if it’s electric and don’t turn on the dryer if it’s electric.

edit: to answer your question on brands. Most of the generators use a Honda clone motor and come from the same few factories in China. Wen vs any others is probably about the same. I agree with going and finding the most powerful predator that is in your budget and going with it.

[Stolle]

I bought a duromax 13000 last year. I converted it to NG and installed an interlock in the breaker box. It will run everything I need including the AC(w/ soft start).

[Pipeweld]

I have an 10500 peak, and 8500 run. It runs everything that you are talking about plus the refrigerator, and upright freezer. No problems. The only thing I wish it had was the dual fuel option.

[twistedmidnite]

I bought a duromax 13000 last year. I converted it to NG and installed an interlock in the breaker box. It will run everything I need including the AC(w/ soft start).

I did the same, I just back feed my panel with a 50 Amp breaker. Like he said, it'll run my whole house, central ac and heat included. It ran for 9 days back in June when we had that bad storm damage. Running everything like usual it burned about $40 a day in gas.

[32drawlength]

not looking to hijack your thread…Just fyi for anyone looking for a generator, I have a 5000w that I’m going to be listing a this weekend

[Joe H]

Look at the dual fuel westinghouse at Sam's. The one I have has been very good.

[BlessedVeteran0305]

Look at the dual fuel westinghouse at Sam's. The one I have has been very good.

Bought a 12,500 watt at the beginning of this year from Lowes for 799 and it has been perfect for running the travel trailer.

[Bard]

Whatever brand you decide on, just remember to add fuel stabilizer to the tank and run it for a bit to get that into the carb.

[60 Deluxe]

Whatever you end up choosing, put the proper switchgear in. The little interlock systems have limitations to just a few circuits. You have to choose what you consider to be critical. In my situation, it was the freezer, refrigerator, water well, and one light circuit. Having a true transfer switch will eliminate that and allow you to pick and switch whatever circuits are needed when needed. We lived with an interlock system for years. The best that I can say for it is that it was better than nothing as it did keep the food from spoiling and gave us cold water to use. It certainly wasn't a good system for a protracted outage. :You can do quite a lot with 11,000 KW, but you had better triple your budget if you want meaningful results. The switchgear alone will cost more than what you are budgeting.

[Jackal]

Keep an eye on homedepot.com they have been running some really good deals on generators. Not quite as good as the tiller deal but they are still priced way cheaper than other places.