home generators for back up?

[Splaker]

Hey folks,

I live in a 1750 sq ft bungalow (with basement, double that). I am considering a generator for backup power during power outages. How large of a unit should I be considering in terms of maximum watts to operate my gas furnace, appliances such as a stove, microwave, fridge/freezer (including a small deep freezer) and my well pump?

what brands should I look at for reliability ease of use and fairly quiet operation?

Thanks!!

[pinepointer]

If you don't try running an electric stove, clothes dryer or a/c then 5000w continuous rating could work. You can get sizing guides on-line from manufacturer's sites. I assume you are thinking of a portable - if so you will need at transfer switch. Easiest to use with a portable is the Generlink which goes on your meter box.
Fuel is an issue with portables using gasoline. You can never seem to stockpile enough and when it's a big blackout you can't get any from gas stations.
If you have natural gas supply I recommend getting a permanent automatic generator. More $ but quieter, worry-free. That's what I switched to last year. Big enough to run everything in the house is 15,0000 W.

[JBen]

Kind of in the same boat Splaker. I think I want one just for emergency b/u, but first need to determine what I would want it for.

Seasonally:
Winter months Id likely be most concerned about heat and water pump.
Summer months Id be concerned about the freezer/fridge and water pump.
Shoulders less concerned about all except the pump.

If I we were without power for 3+ days in winter I could generate heat in the house by other means, whether thats the Propane stove, or a secondary heat source (adding a wood/propane fireplace). Not ideal but should be able to keep pipes from freezing. And if in summer "worst" case would be the loss of some frozen food.

The one thing I can't do a lot about is the pump so am thinking I might see if I can get and add a propane genny (maybe solar).

[Splaker]

Permanent isn't really necessary. We lost power yesterday for 15 hours. That is the most I can recall since the ice storm of 2013. Rarely do we lose power for more than 3 hours. House got a bit chilly be we survived! The problem is water. Can't flush.. heat could also be a big issue if we lost power for more than 10 hours during really cold periods. We haven't had a winter this year so it wasn't too bad... Btw, we have a natural gas range so electric stove isn't an issue...

[JBen]

When I'm ready Im going to look hard at a Propane Genny. Im thinking it just needs to be able to run the pump, fridge. Depends on whether or not we pull the trigger on a secondary heat source by adding Propane fireplace ($5,000). There are some solar options out there as well and if we go that that route would just want a Genny ( or battery bank) that capable of running just the pump/fridge for a few days.

[73hunter]

5k is plenty big, I have a 3k for emergency backup and it will run the furnace, fridge and freezer but admittedly we are on city water. Glad to have it but we've only needed it 2 or 3 times in 5 years, it was a $300 Champion from TSC. Generlink is a good idea but I think it requires your genny to be placed close to your meter ? Not great for everybody as they become hot items in an extended outage....

[pinepointer]

5k is plenty big, I have a 3k for emergency backup and it will run the furnace, fridge and freezer but admittedly we are on city water. Glad to have it but we've only needed it 2 or 3 times in 5 years, it was a $300 Champion from TSC. Generlink is a good idea but I think it requires your genny to be placed close to your meter ? Not great for everybody as they become hot items in an extended outage....

Security is an issue no matter what transfer switch you use to connect your portable. The noise will broadcast it's presence to everyone. Use a good lock and chain/cable.
You can get propane generators by Champion. Propane doesn't go stale like gasoline. If you just want a stand-by for 24 hours or less then a few 20lb tanks will get you by.
In any case be careful about exhaust fumes getting into your house - don't run it in an attached garage. For insurance coverage and safety's sake have transfer switch installed by licenced electrician.

[impact]

There is lots you can do with a 3,000 watt generator to survive for a few days. If you simply hook up a 120 volt cord to your furnace if on natural gas or propane you will have plenty of heat. It only takes a few amps of electricity. It will also run your sump pump and a few lights. All you need is a couple of 100 feet extension cords and power bars.

Cooking? You can do just about anything on a bar-b-q.

Most outages occur in colder temperatures so your food should keep. If not put it in plastic bins on the back deck. If it is summer than plug in your fridge instead of the furnace. Water is available for flushing toilets, cooking and drinking. Everyone has a 30 gallon reservoir called a hot water tank. Simply put a pail under the lower faucet and your good for a few days. You can even enjoy a sponge bath if you really feel like one...lol

Biggest problem with generators is gas consumption and ensuring that your stockpile on hand is kept fresh. With the few power outages we get in Ontario it is a challenge and like someone mentioned a nearby supply may not be available if it is a region wide event.

Years of camping, deer and moose camps have thought me that you can survive quite comfortably with very little electricity.

[JBen]

We had an outage in late December that lasted 8 hours. From 4pm until Midnight, outside temp was right around zero. By the time we went to sleep the house had dropped from 71 to 67. So not "too bad".

yep, years of camping....
I had my small 150 watt solar generator out and running two 3 watt led lanterns within minutes. Also kept our phones charged.
The camp stove made our tea and dinner (though we could have just as easily cooked on the propane stove).
Etc

We've since added a couple water containers to the cold cellar. The lack of water for those hours was very fortunate, made us realize it's the one thing we can't do a lot about.

Being on a propane furnace gives us a couple options. We have two, 500g tanks so would have "lots", for the furnace/stove. The lowest they've gotten before top up is 20%. So am thinking a "smallish" Propane Generator could fire the furnace, water pumps and sumps.plus I always have two 20g for the BBQ.

Thanks guys, will check the TSC when the time comes.

[Fisherman]

Don't forget if you're going to hook up the stove you'll need a genny that does both 240 and 120. Some deep well pumps also run on 240.