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Generator Advice
Posted on 4/28/21 at 10:57 pm
Posted on 4/28/21 at 10:57 pm
After this past storm season and being without power on multiple extended occasions, I find myself looking to purchase a generator for my home. I am not looking for a whole home generator (young, not in our forever home), but rather something to maybe run a couple house hold items during an extended outage. Things like tv/internet, fridge, and maybe some fans and lighting.
Doing some light reading, I’ve gotten a bit of a grasp on wattages and load. With that being said, I figured I’d come here and ask those with experience. Does anyone have any recommendations on wattage and brand when looking at just running the essentials, such as mentioned above? Any dos and don’ts? I realize it all varies by appliance etc. but just looking for some general direction, especially on brand/quality. Any advice appreciated
Doing some light reading, I’ve gotten a bit of a grasp on wattages and load. With that being said, I figured I’d come here and ask those with experience. Does anyone have any recommendations on wattage and brand when looking at just running the essentials, such as mentioned above? Any dos and don’ts? I realize it all varies by appliance etc. but just looking for some general direction, especially on brand/quality. Any advice appreciated
15
Posted on 4/29/21 at 5:29 am to Koonu
A 5500- 6500 W should be plenty for that.
Posted on 4/29/21 at 5:37 am to Koonu
Inverter generator with CO shutoff and a couple of CO monitors to put in the house (which you should already have).
They get expensive and to get something with 220 capabilities might end up being overkill for what you really need. Especially if you are trying to be budget friendly while accepting a certain amount of inconvenience.
The price of a dedicated generator hookup might not be palatable, but eases the use of the generator since you won't need extension cords, connectors, temp lights/lamps.
Anyone look at that new Predator 9500 inverter generator? harbor freight
I'm on the fence about whether it can start my heatpump or else I would jump at it.
They get expensive and to get something with 220 capabilities might end up being overkill for what you really need. Especially if you are trying to be budget friendly while accepting a certain amount of inconvenience.
The price of a dedicated generator hookup might not be palatable, but eases the use of the generator since you won't need extension cords, connectors, temp lights/lamps.
Anyone look at that new Predator 9500 inverter generator? harbor freight
I'm on the fence about whether it can start my heatpump or else I would jump at it.
Posted on 4/29/21 at 5:44 am to Koonu
I went simple and got a Honda 2000i. Not the cheapest option but I got it for the reliability, efficiency, and low noise level. And I plan to take it on the road with me after I retire and get a truck camper.
It did well for me for the three days without power after Michael. TV, computer, refrigerator, chest freezer, half the lights in the house (LEDs) - no problem. I could have run a very small window unit, but it was nice and cool after Michael.
You can buy a metering device to measure the electricity use of your electrical devices - plug your fridge (for example) into the device which plugs into the wall socket. I tried the microwave - that was not going to happen - everything else was manageable.
It did well for me for the three days without power after Michael. TV, computer, refrigerator, chest freezer, half the lights in the house (LEDs) - no problem. I could have run a very small window unit, but it was nice and cool after Michael.
You can buy a metering device to measure the electricity use of your electrical devices - plug your fridge (for example) into the device which plugs into the wall socket. I tried the microwave - that was not going to happen - everything else was manageable.
Posted on 4/29/21 at 7:04 am to Koonu
I would go with a 6500 for that. It will easily run all of that with capacity left over for a couple window units. All while not being a gas hog like a 9000-10000 generator. Generac is always a decent price for that size with a good track record. I think around 800.
If you really don't think window unit or two will be in your future, just do the honda 2000.
If you really don't think window unit or two will be in your future, just do the honda 2000.
This post was edited on 4/29/21 at 7:05 am
Posted on 4/29/21 at 8:19 am to Koonu
I bought this Generac 6500 COsense LINK early last year.
Powered the following at the same time for about 12 hours on 1 tank of fuel:
3 deep freezers
2 refrigerators
a 10000 btu window unit
water heater
5-6 lights
2 TVs with Xboxes
1 small box fan
phone chargers
had to unplug the window unit for wife's blow dryer
follow the break-in regards to the oil changes and maintenance and it shouldn't give you trouble
Powered the following at the same time for about 12 hours on 1 tank of fuel:
3 deep freezers
2 refrigerators
a 10000 btu window unit
water heater
5-6 lights
2 TVs with Xboxes
1 small box fan
phone chargers
had to unplug the window unit for wife's blow dryer
follow the break-in regards to the oil changes and maintenance and it shouldn't give you trouble
Posted on 4/29/21 at 8:31 am to Koonu
1. Get a generator transfer switch installed. This is worth the cost. Make sure the generator has a 30 amp outlet to connect to the transfer switch if you intend to go that route.
2. Choose your generator based first on your wattage needs and second on fuel efficiency. When you need it, there's a good chance that everyone else will be competing with you for fuel and the gas stations may not have power. Make sure you can run the generator for at least 3 days and have the fuel on hand to do so for approaching storms.
3. That said, a 3500 watt generator will do what you described (i.e. no air conditioner, stove, microwave or water heater) and is usually pretty good on fuel usage.
2. Choose your generator based first on your wattage needs and second on fuel efficiency. When you need it, there's a good chance that everyone else will be competing with you for fuel and the gas stations may not have power. Make sure you can run the generator for at least 3 days and have the fuel on hand to do so for approaching storms.
3. That said, a 3500 watt generator will do what you described (i.e. no air conditioner, stove, microwave or water heater) and is usually pretty good on fuel usage.
Posted on 4/29/21 at 9:31 am to Koonu
I have a 5500watt Storm Defender w/ Briggs engine that was used twice for $350 if anyone is interested.
Posted on 4/29/21 at 9:37 am to Koonu
Have y’all looked into THD* of generators and how that can harm electronics ?
*total harmonic distortion
*total harmonic distortion
This post was edited on 4/29/21 at 9:42 am
Posted on 4/29/21 at 10:43 am to Koonu
My window 5000 btu window ac uses 400 watts. With LED light using almost nothing I can run fridge, window ac, TV easily with 3500 watts. Bigger isn't always better when it takes more gas.
Posted on 4/29/21 at 11:37 am to Koonu
If you're not planning on being in your house but a few years, no reason to buy a 10-15k generator with a automatic switch.
I have 2 Honda 2000 watt generators.
I don't have to use them often but they have been used many times.
On those two, I easily ran 2 big refrigerators and chest freezer, TV, internet, etc
I have 2 Honda 2000 watt generators.
I don't have to use them often but they have been used many times.
On those two, I easily ran 2 big refrigerators and chest freezer, TV, internet, etc
Posted on 4/29/21 at 11:53 am to Koonu
Have Generac 6500 that runs 2- 7500 btu window units, refrigerator and freezer, Direct TV, and Lights.
bought a tri-fuel conversion from US Carburation and run it on Natural Gas. Works great!
bought a tri-fuel conversion from US Carburation and run it on Natural Gas. Works great!
Posted on 4/29/21 at 1:15 pm to Koonu
I had the same inquiry a few weeks ago.
I ended up purchasing a 12,500 Westinghouse at Home Depot. Total cost, including tax and delivery was just over $1,100.
Make sure you add up what you will have plugged in to ensure it powers what you need. Also, get a dual or triple fuel. Gasoline may be a tough thing to get if the power goes out for a long time. Propane does not go bad, and you should have a few tanks for crawfish boils on hand anyway. I bought a 40 pound tank as well.
Good luck!
I ended up purchasing a 12,500 Westinghouse at Home Depot. Total cost, including tax and delivery was just over $1,100.
Make sure you add up what you will have plugged in to ensure it powers what you need. Also, get a dual or triple fuel. Gasoline may be a tough thing to get if the power goes out for a long time. Propane does not go bad, and you should have a few tanks for crawfish boils on hand anyway. I bought a 40 pound tank as well.
Good luck!
Posted on 4/29/21 at 7:37 pm to Koonu
LINK
Spend the extra money for a Honda. I’ve had an older model of the linked generator for about 12 years. Only maintenance done has been changing the oil and cleaning the air filter. I always run fuel out of the carb when done using. Always starts on the first pull.
Spend the extra money for a Honda. I’ve had an older model of the linked generator for about 12 years. Only maintenance done has been changing the oil and cleaning the air filter. I always run fuel out of the carb when done using. Always starts on the first pull.
Posted on 4/30/21 at 8:39 am to Koonu
FYI you can take your Generac with you when you leave. My folks did that for their new house. You just have to have a concrete pad built at the new location.
Posted on 5/10/21 at 2:29 pm to Koonu
Ive been having a Honda 2000 for close to 20 years, never let me down. It runs TV, computer, fridge, freezer, couple lights, and a small AC window unit, if you cut off an item or two. Full tank runs for 8 hours, can't hear it from inside, weighs 65 lbs.
I have a 6kw unit for my well water pump, if it goes out, never used it in 16 years. Of course a major catastrophe may require more power, but its never happened to me and I've been here my entire life. Don't buy cheap, stock up with gasoline, that's the real issue.
I have a 6kw unit for my well water pump, if it goes out, never used it in 16 years. Of course a major catastrophe may require more power, but its never happened to me and I've been here my entire life. Don't buy cheap, stock up with gasoline, that's the real issue.
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