re: Using portable AC units during long power outages (Laura experiences?)

Most patio drops are a half inch pipe and probably not sufficient to run the generator. You can definitely run central units on portables, but I would check the THD ratings and get one of these soft starts Soft Start. It’s a 4 stage ramp up process for the compressor.

I think I’ve zeroed in on the Pulsar 12k surge generator as it provides the wattage and fuel efficiency to make it sensible. I just got one quote for a standby, seems the dealers are adding $5k for installation compared to what I can buy the generator and transfer switch online for. Not sure that’s worth it when I probably average maybe 24 hours of power loss a year.