Generator help ?

[Big Lee]

I saw this at Costco today. Thought about this post.

[60 Deluxe]

Buy once, cry once. Get a permanent installation and a crossover switch that will automatically switch to the generator when the power fails. Considering the cost of buying an adequate portable generator, you are half way to having a really nice setup. I have two portables. We found ourselves sitting in the dark and getting uncomfortable rather than going out in the weather to drag out a portable and get it hooked up and running. Most of our power outages have been short in duration. After snowmageddon my mindset changed. I spent over thirteen thousand dollars to put in a real back up generator realizing that pipes freezing and bursting would cost me much more than that. Now, about the only thing we notice when the power fails is the internet router taking a few minutes to reboot. I could have gone cheaper, but I wanted a diesel engine on mine.

[Traildust]

That big Westinghouse will run everything. You may need to cycle your water well if running your ac full time, but it will probably be fine.

[CaptainDave]

I saw this at Costco today. Thought about this post.

I've had this generator for 2 years and have been pleased for what it's for. I'm in the city and have Natural gas service so I had a quick disconnect plumbed into my natural gas meter. It's nice not having to run out looking for fuel during a mass power outage as these generators will suck down some petrol. I purchased a portable AC unit for ~$300 at Home Depot that is rated for 800 SF. It will get our master bedroom into the mid-70's at night and it will keep the family room comfortable during the day. Running the portable AC, deep freeze, fans, Internet modem, etc. was not an issue. It was good enough for 5 days without power following Beryl. Sure, a whole home setup would be more ideal, but I was quoted over $12,000 for that over two years ago. I'm in for just over $1,000 on my setup. My FIL has similar, however, he had an electrician put in a transfer switch and dedicated power. A bit more money (think he paid around $1,500 to have done), but not having to deal with extension cords and such was worth it to him. We just don't loose power enough for me to justify the whole home generator and even homes with those had some issues after Beryl considering the extended outages spanning multiple days. Those hours add up.