Grid Down - Home Backup Generators

[IdaCat]

Since our country is going to **** under the new green radicals in charge and confidence in basic infrastructure is eroding, I'm considering a backup home generator. It's prudent to have one regardless, especially if you live in an area with cold winters like me.

I've lived here in Idaho 27 years and can recall only one winter power outage long enough to be very uncomfortable. But I've got small grandchildren to help care for now.

Aside from the remote threat of a Yellowstone eruption, the only natural disasters we have here is having to breathe smoke from Cali and Oregon wildfires every summer.

I'm looking first at installed automatic units powered by natural gas. Still learning about it. I like this option since I already have NG service and I don't want to hassle with maintaining storage of another fuel or eff with a portable unit. Maybe not a unit sized to handle full peak KW usage, but not minimal. I know it's not going to be cheap.

I just started my investigation. Called the natural gas company, Intermountain Gas, to check the stability of that service during a grid down. They just called back and said that their NG is supplied by the Wiliams pipeline. They said it's generators and compressors are all powered by natural gas and the gas would continue to flow to my home regardless of lack of electrical power anywhere along their pipelines. Even for months, if you can believe them. Also said a lot of people are installing NG generators lately.

I've read that some liberal big cities have environmental regulations and their pipelines are powered by electricity, so I guess NG would not be a solution for them.

I'm just starting this investigation. Like to hear what you think and what you've done, if anything.

 

[Bill Derington]

I looked into a 22kw generac prior to the current supply clusterf*ck and at that time the unit and installation was in the 10000 range.
That was enough to run my entire house which included an electric water heater, we had gas heat.

 

[anthonys735]

I looked into a 22kw generac prior to the current supply clusterf*ck and at that time the unit and installation was in the 10000 range.
That was enough to run my entire house which included an electric water heater, we had gas heat.

They're not there now if you can even find them. Supply chain going to hell right after the Texas ice storm power grid disaster a few years ago has them a mess.

 

[Nightwish84]

He can't even ask for advice on a home generator like a normal person without getting political. This guy would blame liberals if his pillow wasn't soft enough at night.

 

[AustinTXCat]

Paging @warrior-cat . You guys and gals up in Sooner Land have dealt with extended power outages nearly every winter over the past few years, if I'm not mistaken. I believe y'all are well-prepared in this respect.

 

[DSmith21]

I have a 5,500 watt Generac gas powered generator. It is enough to power most everything in my house except A/C units. Make sure to have a licensed electrician install a transfer switch so that you don't fry the linemen who are working to restore power. My transfer switch allows me to power 12 circuits in my home. The downside of a gas powered generator is that it needs to be serviced once a year like a lawnmower and you also need to put stabilizer in the fuel so that it won't go bad.

 

[ukgrad83]

He can't even ask for advice on a home generator like a normal person without getting political. This guy would blame liberals if his pillow wasn't soft enough at night.

GFY

 

[IdaCat]

I haven't yet calculated how many watts I need. Just started looking into it. My first question about NG availability was answered today. Sounds like the way to go.

I can live without AC if I have to. Those cold winter months are the primary concern. The blower on my gas furnace shouldn't take much juice. Minimum additional I need is fridge, electric hot water heater, microwave, and a few lights. I would like to go for more power than that. Still need to speak with a dealer/contractor about it. I will have it professionally installed.

Looked online and saw a lot of different sized units in stock at various places, so hopefully supply chain issues won't be a problem. Not a huge rush. If I do it, I want to get it done by the late fall.

 

[BigBlueDave_rivals76951]

I have a 5,500 watt Generac gas powered generator. It is enough to power most everything in my house except A/C units. Make sure to have a licensed electrician install a transfer switch so that you don't fry the linemen who are working to restore power. My transfer switch allows me to power 12 circuits in my home. The downside of a gas powered generator is that it needs to be serviced once a year like a lawnmower and you also need to put stabilizer in the fuel so that it won't go bad.

They make gasoline to natural gas conversion kits for most models.


The 2009 ice storm gas lines were awful. People were on edge. It wouldn't take much now for that kind of situation to get out of hand.

It's just better to take that nonsense out of the picture and use the fuel that's already at the house.

 

[JDHoss]

He can't even ask for advice on a home generator like a normal person without getting political. This guy would blame liberals if his pillow wasn't soft enough at night.

At least he's entertaining. Ida always wants to remind everyone that he's the craziest dude in the room.

 

[Nightwish84]

At least he's entertaining. Ida always wants to remind everyone that he's the craziest dude in the room.

No doubt. I was just having fun with him.

 

[hmt5000]

I'd do propane generator over gas. Propane is easier to keep and stores longer. Usually cheaper than gas.

I also have some solar panels I bought but haven't yet installed. Gonna have to wait until my vacation week to get those up. I got 5 to learn on and will add another 15 the rest of the year hopefully.

 

[BGCATFAN2012]

I'd do propane generator over gas. Propane is easier to keep and stores longer. Usually cheaper than gas.

I also have some solar panels I bought but haven't yet installed. Gonna have to wait until my vacation week to get those up. I got 5 to learn on and will add another 15 the rest of the year hopefully.

What's the story on the solar? Is it reasonable and how do u figure on what ur household should use and the cost of a standard start if someone was considering them?

 

[IdaCat]

I understand that propane generates a little more power than NG. The NG option would be better for me since I've already got the service and the stability of availability sounds excellent. Don't have to worry about refills. Still looking to hear any downsides to NG.

 

[IdaCat]

At least he's entertaining. Ida always wants to remind everyone that he's the craziest dude in the room.

If you don't have anything of substance to add to the thread and only want to throw insults at me then gtfo.

 

[hmt5000]

What's the story on the solar? Is it reasonable and how do u figure on what ur household should use and the cost of a standard start if someone was considering them?

It's expensive but I bought it so I could at least keep the sump pump working and a freezer running for the long haul. For a few hours or a few days propane generators are fine but if we had a week or 2 week outage then all my meat ruins and basement floods.

I spent about $2500 for the 5 panels, inverter, some electronic stuff for charging batteries more efficient and all the hardware to mount and hook it up. What I read suggested to use batteries to prevent spikes in power supply as that might shutdown your inverter or burn it up faster.

You probably need to spend in the $10000 range to be able to run several things at once and that would just be maybe an hour after the sun goes down for power.

Batteries are higher than hell and i haven't got that yet but it's probably going to be around $1000 for 2 lithium batteries I like.

I have a buddy that has 30 panels and pays zero on his electric and has got refunds a few times. He's over $14000 though and did all the installation himself and he doesn't have batteries yet either.

You want 250watt or higher panels. The closer to 400 watt the better from what I've read.

 

[Chuckinden]

We have very few long term power outages where I live, but did lose power for 3 days in 2021.

I researched everything I could find on backup systems. Generac was the best, but the expense far outweighed the need.

I ended up buying a large NG heater that I can hook to my gas supply.

 

[JDHoss]

If you don't have anything of substance to add to the thread and only want to throw insults at me then gtfo.

There, there. Dry those tears. Our community has three large Kohler natural gas powered generators to provide service for the 512 duplex units. It's been a great investment by our HOA.

 

[Crums Bald Spot]

If you don't have anything of substance to add to the thread and only want to throw insults at me then gtfo.

JD's fat arse gets easily triggered and Night is all about his soy boy feels.

 

[Beatle Bum]

He can't even ask for advice on a home generator like a normal person without getting political. This guy would blame liberals if his pillow wasn't soft enough at night.

Someone ^* needs to grow some skin. Let’s talk generators or find another thread.

 

[Beatle Bum]

I have a 5,500 watt Generac gas powered generator. It is enough to power most everything in my house except A/C units. Make sure to have a licensed electrician install a transfer switch so that you don't fry the linemen who are working to restore power. My transfer switch allows me to power 12 circuits in my home. The downside of a gas powered generator is that it needs to be serviced once a year like a lawnmower and you also need to put stabilizer in the fuel so that it won't go bad.

Do you have an ongoing service agreement with Generac? If you had to do it again, would you do it differently?

 

[Beatle Bum]

It's expensive but I bought it so I could at least keep the sump pump working and a freezer running for the long haul. For a few hours or a few days propane generators are fine but if we had a week or 2 week outage then all my meat ruins and basement floods.

I spent about $2500 for the 5 panels, inverter, some electronic stuff for charging batteries more efficient and all the hardware to mount and hook it up. What I read suggested to use batteries to prevent spikes in power supply as that might shutdown your inverter or burn it up faster.

You probably need to spend in the $10000 range to be able to run several things at once and that would just be maybe an hour after the sun goes down for power.

Batteries are higher than hell and i haven't got that yet but it's probably going to be around $1000 for 2 lithium batteries I like.

I have a buddy that has 30 panels and pays zero on his electric and has got refunds a few times. He's over $14000 though and did all the installation himself and he doesn't have batteries yet either.

You want 250watt or higher panels. The closer to 400 watt the better from what I've read.

Was listening to a guy in Cali who installed solar. In the past, utilities would pay for your excesses that you contributed back to the system. Now, Cali is just giving you a credit for your own future consumption, should you ever need it. Of course, the likelihood of you needing all, or any, of that credit is low if you are technically off their production grid. In essence, the power company benefits financially from your purchase and you really don’t get a return. So, this guy has decided to hook more electronic gadgets to his property to use the power he is generating.

It might be best to share solar with your neighbor than to feed the power authority, if they are not going to reimburse you as a partner.

 

[anthonys735]

With 2 fridges and 1 deep freeze full of meet, in a neighborhood that has all overhead lines, doesn't take long to justify the expense.

The best is when you lose power, you're one the only houses on the street with lights on, and the generator is loud as hell. So not only are you a real dick for having all your lights on but you keep everyone awake with the noise. Be sure to offer the close neighbors an extension cord.

 

[DSmith21]

Do you have an ongoing service agreement with Generac? If you had to do it again, would you do it differently?

No service agreement, I just bought a gasoline powered generator at Home Depot. I live in a neighborhood with a bunch of old trees around the power lines. We lose power 1-2 times a year usually for less than 24 hours at a time. The gasoline generator was the cheaper way to go. If I did it again, I would probably spend the extra for a natural gas model so that I wouldn't have to worry about getting more fuel during an outage.

 

[lex cath]

We had one installed at moms but it was taken by the last hurricane

 

[BigBlueDave_rivals76951]

Now, Cali is just giving you a credit for your own future consumption,

I had that opinion before I talked to a few guys in our local board.

If I have a product to sell, any product, and my only buyer is a middle man, the most I am going to receive is wholesale.

They are carrying all of the risks. They build and maintain all of the transmission lines and deliver power directly to the end user.

The solar panel homeowners are wanting retail in a wholesale environment.

The power company isn’t making any money buying power retail from one home owner and selling it retail to another homeowner. All the while, all of the other expenses roll on.

It didn’t matter when the number of individuals participating were few. It was an incentive to generate interest. Chickens eventually come home to roost.

 

[HymanKaplan_rivals48997]

Just Suicide cord a generator into your 220 outlet. Make sure you turn off the main breaker so you don't fry a lineman though.

 

[Beatle Bum]

I had that opinion before I talked to a few guys in our local board.

If I have a product to sell, any product, and my only buyer is a middle man, the most I am going to receive is wholesale.

They are carrying all of the risks. They build and maintain all of the transmission lines and deliver power directly to the end user.

The solar panel homeowners are wanting retail in a wholesale environment.

The power company isn’t making any money buying power retail from one home owner and selling it retail to another homeowner. All the while, all of the other expenses roll on.

It didn’t matter when the number of individuals participating were few. It was an incentive to generate interest. Chickens eventually come home to roost.

Why couldn’t they buy at some wholesale rate from the homeowner and sell it at a retail rate to the neighbor? People would take $.50 on the dollar rather than get a credit.

 

[cdbearde_rivals384606]

Since our country is going to **** under the new green radicals in charge and confidence in basic infrastructure is eroding, I'm considering a backup home generator. It's prudent to have one regardless, especially if you live in an area with cold winters like me.

I've lived here in Idaho 27 years and can recall only one winter power outage long enough to be very uncomfortable. But I've got small grandchildren to help care for now.

Aside from the remote threat of a Yellowstone eruption, the only natural disasters we have here is having to breathe smoke from Cali and Oregon wildfires every summer.

I'm looking first at installed automatic units powered by natural gas. Still learning about it. I like this option since I already have NG service and I don't want to hassle with maintaining storage of another fuel or eff with a portable unit. Maybe not a unit sized to handle full peak KW usage, but not minimal. I know it's not going to be cheap.

I just started my investigation. Called the natural gas company, Intermountain Gas, to check the stability of that service during a grid down. They just called back and said that their NG is supplied by the Wiliams pipeline. They said it's generators and compressors are all powered by natural gas and the gas would continue to flow to my home regardless of lack of electrical power anywhere along their pipelines. Even for months, if you can believe them. Also said a lot of people are installing NG generators lately.

I've read that some liberal big cities have environmental regulations and their pipelines are powered by electricity, so I guess NG would not be a solution for them.

I'm just starting this investigation. Like to hear what you think and what you've done, if anything.

If you don't mind, I would like to know what you ended up doing.
My sister and I live close to where the tornado came thru Western Kentucky, Mayfield, (Graves and Marshall counties) and I bought us generators, 12500 and 13000 watts to run our houses. I have NG and have thought about how much more convenient a whole house automatic home generator would be, home or not you are covered.
If you did, just wondering cost and availability, I understand you can't talk about dependability yet.

 

[IdaCat]

If you don't mind, I would like to know what you ended up doing.
My sister and I live close to where the tornado came thru Western Kentucky, Mayfield, (Graves and Marshall counties) and I bought us generators, 12500 and 13000 watts to run our houses. I have NG and have thought about how much more convenient a whole house automatic home generator would be, home or not you are covered.
If you did, just wondering cost and availability, I understand you can't talk about dependability yet.

I've got a contractor coming out to discuss it and give me a bid next week. I'll let you know what I learn.

 

[cdbearde_rivals384606]

I've got a contractor coming out to discuss it and give me a bid next week. I'll let you know what I learn.

Thank you, sir, I will apricate it.

 

[IdaCat]

Through my local Lowes, I arranged for a home consultation visit for the purchase and install of a Home backup generator. My booking was about 2 months out from when I called.

They came yesterday, inspected my home and gave me a bid. A 18KW Generac system fully installed with transfer switch, inline surge protector, wiring, permits, and all the other recommended gadgets came to right at $17K. For a 24KW model it would be about 1K more and I wouldn't have to worry about overpowering it. Said the units were in stock and either could be installed in early Sept. Takes 3 days to complete the installation.

The generators aren't the primary expense. The install is. They said 2 years ago it could all be done for < than 12K for the 24KW model and all the gadgets, but of course we're all being *** raped now.

There's not a lot of vendors in my area and I want to keep it local. I can afford it, but damn that's a lot of money. Looking at smaller options to just handle critical needs next.

 

[anthonys735]

Through my local Lowes, I arranged for a home consultation visit for the purchase and install of a Home backup generator. My booking was about 2 months out from when I called.

They came yesterday, inspected my home and gave me a bid. A 18KW Generac system fully installed with transfer switch, inline surge protector, wiring, permits, and all the other recommended gadgets came to right at $17K. For a 24KW model it would be about 1K more and I wouldn't have to worry about overpowering it. Said the units were in stock and either could be installed in early Sept. Takes 3 days to complete the installation.

The generators aren't the primary expense. The install is. They said 2 years ago it could all be done for < than 12K for the 24KW model and all the gadgets, but of course we're all being *** raped now.

There's not a lot of vendors in my area and I want to keep it local. I can afford it, but damn that's a lot of money. Looking at smaller options to just handle critical needs next.

That's pretty close to where we're at on them. Just about 2k more for a normal install.

Texas ice storm plus supply chain issues really drove demand through the roof.

The generator is a pretty big portion of the expense unless you need a lot of updating to your current panel.

Still though, we lose power at least 3-4 times per year with 3 stocked freezers. So 4-5 years and it's paid for itself. I went with the 24.


Btw, I would HEAVILY vet any HD/Lowes contractors. Some horror stories from those folks.

 

[JDHoss]

I mean @JDHoss brags about his grand kids being vaccinated so you can’t ask for much from him in the way of intelligence.

I can't take credit for it. Their family physicians recommended it. It does please me though, that you seem to be upset about it.

 

[BallerBegok]

I can't take credit for it. Their family physicians recommended it. It does please me though, that you seem to be upset about it.

So their family physicians are complete clowns. Not good.

 

[BallerBegok]

I can't take credit for it. Their family physicians recommended it. It does please me though, that you seem to be upset about it.

"Hi. I'm a doctor. Even though I'm not related to you, I want you to get your kids to take this fast-tracked vaccination. I am not sure what's in it, but Biden recommends it. Well, Biden said he in no way would take a Trump vaccine but changed his tune on the Trump vaccine because it was good for business at the time he recommended it. I'll be dead or down the road by the time your kids have to deal with any long term effects. LOL! Snort!"

 

[warrior-cat]

Paging @warrior-cat . You guys and gals up in Sooner Land have dealt with extended power outages nearly every winter over the past few years, if I'm not mistaken. I believe y'all are well-prepared in this respect.

Yeah, we have problems often and I have got three generators. One operates off of propane, one off of gasoline, and one that operates on both. Have enough storage of both fuels to last me a couple of weeks or more.

 

[warrior-cat]

No service agreement, I just bought a gasoline powered generator at Home Depot. I live in a neighborhood with a bunch of old trees around the power lines. We lose power 1-2 times a year usually for less than 24 hours at a time. The gasoline generator was the cheaper way to go. If I did it again, I would probably spend the extra for a natural gas model so that I wouldn't have to worry about getting more fuel during an outage.

Every neighbor around me has at least one or two generators. As Austin alluded to, we have power outages frequently during the winter here and storm season.

 

[Kooky Kats]

With 2 fridges and 1 deep freeze full of meet, in a neighborhood that has all overhead lines, doesn't take long to justify the expense.

The best is when you lose power, you're one the only houses on the street with lights on, and the generator is loud as hell. So not only are you a real dick for having all your lights on but you keep everyone awake with the noise. Be sure to offer the close neighbors an extension cord.

Or some meat.

 

[Mdnerd]

He can't even ask for advice on a home generator like a normal person without getting political. This guy would blame liberals if his pillow wasn't soft enough at night.

Truth hits hard huh…