Propane portable generators for storm (Greenlawn, Pulaski: power lines, house, refrigerator)

[sportsfan1970]

This obvious is coming a little late but I figured I would ask. My development has the power lines underground however our feeder lines are above ground off of Pulaski in Greenlawn. During Irene we didn't lose power but then had power go off and on in the next few days I assume as LIPA cut power to cut trees or enable other areas.

I am not expecting us to lose power for an extended period but in the event we do I have read propane generators make a lot of sense because they run cleaner and therefore last longer. Secondly the previous owners of my house hooked up muliple propane tanks to the house for cooking and fireplace as well as our pool heater. In the event we lose power I would like to start looking for a propane generator on Wednesday.

Are there any recommendations? At the very least I would want to be able to power my refrigerator plus at least some lights and tv. I have no idea how large of a generator I would need to do that. I am not looking to get something that can be hooked into my box to power the house. Just something to get by for a few days with some light and keep the refrigerator going. I wouldn't mind something a little larger so in the future if something were to happen say in the winter heaters could be hooked up.

[pidge1114]

well you're just a tad late looking for generators. if you do find someone to sell, expect to pay a premium.

[jmorgans]

I've been looking into this too, in my case to run off the natural gas lines running to my house. Very few portable generators will run on propane or natural gas out of the box. However, you can buy kits to modify them to do so, or some places sell them already equipped. Here's one I've been considering:

Yamaha Propane and Natural Gas Generators

[bubbathedog]

For extended-run, whole house coverage, nothing beats a natural gas generator. But get ready to pay, since a nice 5.5 Kwh Onan will run you close to $10k, without plumbing and electrical. It needs to be baffled and exhausted, possibly cooled, then certified.

Monthly testing and annual re-certification will also be required.

But nothing will hit you like the Nat'l Grid bill. Even though nat gas is trading at historic lows, Natl Grid will make sure you pay, pay, pay.