Preparing for Next Time

[Mags]

Pros and Cons
https://www.consumerreports.org/home-ga ... 104840654/

[markiver54]

Pros and Cons
https://www.consumerreports.org/home-ga ... 104840654/

Mags, thank you very much for this excellent article! It will definitely help me make a decision.

[Headhog]

Being in a rural area our power drops out several times a year. Sometime for just a short few minutes and sometime for several hours. We installed a whole house Generac generator about 4 years ago and it runs on propane. Which also supplies back-up heat if its too cold for the heat pump to function. Before that we had a portable 10 KW unit that had to moved into position, connected, house power disconnected and it only served essential circuits. That generator ran on gasoline which was a big downside. Had to store enough gasoline for several days operation and keep it fresh (stabilizer). One big snow fall our power didn't go down until there was about 9 inches on the ground. Getting the generator in place convinced me to get a whole house until. Very happy I did.

Paul

[BrokenolMarine]

This. ∆∆∆∆∆

Those first few years in the new farmhouse in VA, we made it through the frequent power outages with that large portable. Hooking it into that proper panel, and refueling as needed. This included that terrible Christmas winter storm that had power company workers from several states assisting VA Power in the two and a half week task of restoration to all customers.

Going out every four hours to shut down, cool, and refuel that genny was not only a pain in the butt, but at times was dangerous. Down the brick stairs, across the walk, gravel drive to my shop, and back, all freshly covered in freezing rain. The walk there and back had a high pucker factor. We were, however, grateful to have had the power at all when so many did not.

After the refi allowed us to install the generac, the fully automatic coverage was wonderful. Especially if I was away on duty when we lost power. Didn't have to worry about the family.