Standby Generators (appliances, how much, houses)

[nyc_sport]

We are among those without power and no fix in sight since our house is a mile from any road with downed wires that serve only 4 houses. So, it is time to think about a broader solution. We have relatively routine power losses (North Fork), but usually for short periods. Now, I am very concerned about what would happen without power for a week in the middle of the winter.

For those with standby generators, can you share some experience about models, sizes, uses, etc.? In particular, I would like to minimize annoying my neighbors, and I am most concerned with powering heat/refrigerator/well pump. But, having done some research, I have seen "relatively small" generators that can power the entire system by shifting loads, which is an interesting idea. Also, this is a weekend house, and I wonder whether any of these things can be set to cycle on and off so that it only keeps the heat on (oil fired forced air) and the refrigerator cold when we are away? And, I would like to locate the generator (propane powered) behind a distant detached garage 200 feet or so away from the house (near where the 500 gallon propane tank now is). Any issues with doing so or views on the (gulp) relative cost of doing so?

Thanks for any insight!

[Interlude]

Check out this link for good info-

Honda Power Equipment - Honda Generators - Wattage estimation guide

A relatively cheap and fuel effecient 2000w generator is plenty for the essentials - fridge, oil or gas fired HW heater (just need enough for the motor - if you have electric HW then you need something bigger), TV/Internet as long as you manage power appropriately. If you don't want to deal with that, then buy bigger but you'll have to pay for that convenience both at the time of purchase and in gas expenses.

You're not going to see automatic start/stop in a lower-end model. If you really want to go all-out, you'd get a large standby generator powered by your gas line or by a large LP tank. Equipped with an electronic auto transfer switch so that it disconnects your house from the dead grid and powers up the generator automatically in the event of an outage. You're looking at at least few thousand for about 15-20k watts (that's for a cheapie system, better brands are significantly more), plus the cost of the switch (probably another thousand) and labor to tie it into your electrical system.

[noupf]

Originally Posted by nyc_sport

We are among those without power and no fix in sight since our house is a mile from any road with downed wires that serve only 4 houses. So, it is time to think about a broader solution. We have relatively routine power losses (North Fork), but usually for short periods. Now, I am very concerned about what would happen without power for a week in the middle of the winter.

For those with standby generators, can you share some experience about models, sizes, uses, etc.? In particular, I would like to minimize annoying my neighbors, and I am most concerned with powering heat/refrigerator/well pump. But, having done some research, I have seen "relatively small" generators that can power the entire system by shifting loads, which is an interesting idea. Also, this is a weekend house, and I wonder whether any of these things can be set to cycle on and off so that it only keeps the heat on (oil fired forced air) and the refrigerator cold when we are away? And, I would like to locate the generator (propane powered) behind a distant detached garage 200 feet or so away from the house (near where the 500 gallon propane tank now is). Any issues with doing so or views on the (gulp) relative cost of doing so?

Thanks for any insight!

For what you want done.......you are talking about some real money being spent. To place a generator that far away, have it tied into your homes fuse box and such isnt a small project. You need an electrican and depending on the town, permeits to have a dedicated generator linked to your home. If you were to do a project like this on your own and do it wrong, you could back feed electrity into the power grid and subsequently shock a line worker or worse, kill someone. Also, you could light your home up like the 4th of july.

However, as for the size you would need to do what you are asking..... I'd estimate that you will require a generator of 6500-7500 watts or more. Be carefull, some generateors advertise peak watts....not contstant. Constant is what you need, peak is for when something big "powers on" and pulls a big chunk of power at the onset and then levels out.

Now, what most people do is get a basic portable generator in the range of 3000-4500 watts and when the power goes out, run an extension cord into your home and power the things you really need ( fridge, lights, portable heater or wall a/c.....depending on season. ) I have a 4000 peak, 3500 constant and it does just fine when we use it. Powers the fridge, freezer and some lights with no issues. If I had to hook up any more appliances than that and i would want something bigger.

[OhBeeHave]

We have an older Honda which puts out 6500 watts. It was enough to run a refrigerator, chest freezer, 5 lights, 2 ceiling fans, 2 TVs, 1 blue ray, telephone battery back up and oil furnace for hot water there is an outlet dedicated to a large window mount AC but we didn't need it. We have it tied into the fuse box with an exterior generator plug in. The tie in has fuses and switches -- house, off, generator. It's simple to use and a much less expensive alternative to getting a whole house unit.

[VA Yankee]

A 10kw should provide adequate power if needed. Both big boxs have a model that is well under 5000, Electrician costs are the unkown, figure 1-1500 depending on the complexity. With the propane models you won't need to refill every 10 hours but I would look at fuel use per hour so you can better judge how much it will use.

As a weekend house automatic features would be a big plus. Strongly evaluate what do you really need seeing it won't be occupied? It would appear to be fridge, freezer?, hot water, heat. The last 2 would only be a concern in winter.

[qlty]

I would also look into a unit that can run on Natural gas or propane so you don't have to store gasoline or having not be able to get it after a storm.