Any suggestions on home generators?

[rmattox]

A few years ago, we lost power during a winter storm. Ended up with burst pipes and other problems. I've been reading about home generators. Most commonly used appear to be those that run on gasoline, but there are more expensive models that hook up directly to natural gas or a propane tank.

I like the idea of the one with a permanent natural gas hook up for a couple of reasons. First, we've never had a loss of n g. Second, I wouldn't have to worry about keeping a supply of gasoline around. I realize they are more expensive.

Any experience with home generators? Suggestions will be appreciated.

 

[joecat]

I bought a generator during the ice storm in 2003. It is a gasoline Toro. I haven't used it since but I keep it on my deck during winter just in case. It worked really well when I needed it.

 

[domino79]

Go to southern states.

 

[Chuckinden]

A few years ago, we lost power during a winter storm. Ended up with burst pipes and other problems. I've been reading about home generators. Most commonly used appear to be those that run on gasoline, but there are more expensive models that hook up directly to natural gas or a propane tank.

I like the idea of the one with a permanent natural gas hook up for a couple of reasons. First, we've never had a loss of n g. Second, I wouldn't have to worry about keeping a supply of gasoline around. I realize they are more expensive.

Any experience with home generators? Suggestions will be appreciated.

I don't know where you live, but if I really thought I needed one, I would pay the money for one that is professionally installed and automatically shuts on and off.

It's hard to justify the cost of having one, but that one time you need it, it would be there and keep . That being said, I live in Southern Ky and only one time lost power for a couple days back in the late 90's. I quickly shut off the water and drained the lines, took my refridgerator stuff outside on my upper deck with no damage.

What concerns me is we have been going to Florida for the winter the last few years and I worry about not being here if the power shuts off. That is why I have researched them. Here is one that I am thinking of. http://www.lowes.com/pd_494338-24212-6258_1z0x2n8__?productId=4774799&pl=1

 

[55wildcat]

I don't know where you live, but if I really thought I needed one, I would pay the money for one that is professionally installed and automatically shuts on and off.

It's hard to justify the cost of having one, but that one time you need it, it would be there and keep . That being said, I live in Southern Ky and only one time lost power for a couple days back in the late 90's. I quickly shut off the water and drained the lines, took my refridgerator stuff outside on my upper deck with no damage.

What concerns me is we have been going to Florida for the winter the last few years and I worry about not being here if the power shuts off. That is why I have researched them. Here is one that I am thinking of. http://www.lowes.com/pd_494338-24212-6258_1z0x2n8__?productId=4774799&pl=1

Good point Chuck. I built my house in 2003 and never thought much about power outages until we lost it for 5 days a few years back. I since installed a transfer box and bought a portable generator, that way just one hook up and flip the switch to power what you need. Needless to say I have not needed it since then but it is here in case, that being said if I do ever build another house I will have the big standby generator installed. It does save a little on installation if you do it while home is being built. My portable is 7000 starting watts/ 8750 running watts. will run all I need ( key word being need ) including furnace. NO a/c Starting watts and running watts depends on what you are wanting to run..total cost on all my stuff (I installed myself) was about 1800.00

 

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