Generator and propane tank sizing feedback needed

[RNeumann]

Makes perfect sense for where you are. Freeze damage is a VERY remote possibility here.

Has little to do with freezing. My transfer switch now requires power loss and the thermostat to start the gen. If I'm away it won't start unless certain programmable perimeters are met. It would be a waste for the gen to automatically start and run for hours or days if I'm not around.
However, it's nice to know the gen will start and run daily, weekly etc (if programmed that way) to keep the refer cold and or keep the house from freezing or ?????

 

[rbstern]

and or keep the house from freezing or ?????

Does that not count as freezing?

 

[RNeumann]

Does that not count as freezing?

Your ignorance and arrogance is beyond belief! You started the post and asked the question. I provided my experience- actual experience- this is what I get? You want to take a few words out of a multi paragraph post and try to spin it? It certainly takes all kinds........

 

[rbstern]

Your ignorance and arrogance is beyond belief! You started the post and asked the question. I provided my experience- actual experience- this is what I get? You want to take a few words out of a multi paragraph post and try to spin it? It certainly takes all kinds........

Whoa! I think you mistook my meaning. The little icon I pasted is supposed to mean "confused." As in...I am confused by your answer. You described your thermostat control solution as having little to do with freezing, but you described keeping the house from freezing as one of the reasons for the solution. I figured there might be two meanings to freezing (something to do with the generator vs. the house). I was looking for clarification.

So, yes, I am guilty of ignorance, because I clearly didn't know what you meant with your freezing reference. But arrogant? For seeking clarification? Geez, I hope not.

No offense was intended. I do appreciate your comments in response to my original post.

 

[mmancuso13]

Don't forget which ever way you go that typically tank loads are 80% of the tank size. So a 500G holds 400G more or less (it all depends on the placement of the tank vent which can vary slightly tank to tank).

Based on everything you have mentioned I think you would be better off with a fixed auto transfer type system. It will be a one and done install, the cabinets do a fair job at sound suppression and best of all the misses does not ever have to do anything in the event of a power outage. The only down sides have been mentioned - more up front cost.

Because you described a situation where your homes annual propane usage is not too large you could always elect to put in one large tank (500 or preferably a 1000G - buried or above ground) and run everything off the single tank.

I have 2 1000G tanks - one for the house and one for the Gen and the advantage (also previously mentioned) is the ability to fill propane just once a year when summer prices are low.

My tanks are purchased but I have not had any issues purchasing propane form whomever is cheapest. Many companies will try the old, "we have to come out and pressure test the tanks before we fill them" to which I reply not on my $ you don't. It's mostly a crock, all they need to do is check the tank dates to make sure they are within the revert window.

Anyway good luck whichever way you go!

 

[mmancuso13]

Hey just my two cents on the rant above me... maybe the OP did not get the concept of your integrated exercise control (time and temp) but I doubt he meant any disrespect in his response. All is well, have a drink and relax!

 

[rbstern]

Don't forget which ever way you go that typically tank loads are 80% of the tank size. So a 500G holds 400G more or less (it all depends on the placement of the tank vent which can vary slightly tank to tank).

Based on everything you have mentioned I think you would be better off with a fixed auto transfer type system. It will be a one and done install, the cabinets do a fair job at sound suppression and best of all the misses does not ever have to do anything in the event of a power outage. The only down sides have been mentioned - more up front cost.

Because you described a situation where your homes annual propane usage is not too large you could always elect to put in one large tank (500 or preferably a 1000G - buried or above ground) and run everything off the single tank.

I have 2 1000G tanks - one for the house and one for the Gen and the advantage (also previously mentioned) is the ability to fill propane just once a year when summer prices are low.

My tanks are purchased but I have not had any issues purchasing propane form whomever is cheapest. Many companies will try the old, "we have to come out and pressure test the tanks before we fill them" to which I reply not on my $ you don't. It's mostly a crock, all they need to do is check the tank dates to make sure they are within the revert window.

Anyway good luck whichever way you go!

Thanks for the extensive comments. I am leaning toward what you suggest.

With that much propane on hand, do you worry about a propane mishap? Not so much fire/explosion, but a leak that could lose a thousand or two bucks worth of propane?

 

[mmancuso13]

No worries on that, code typically requires buried lines to the Home for both above ground or buried tanks) and once the tank is installed and the lines pressure tested you will not have any issues.

Also a typo above the tanks ha e a recert time window not a revert window...

 

[rbstern]

No worries on that, code typically requires buried lines to the Home for both above ground or buried tanks) and once the tank is installed and the lines pressure tested you will not have any issues.

Also a typo above the tanks ha e a recert time window not a revert window...

I was thinking more about a fixture, like a BBQ grill with a propane feed coming from the house to the outside. Case in point, the wind grabbed my BBQ grill one day, threw it across the deck. It took up the slack of the 6' flexible hookup hose and yanked hard on the copper line coming from the house, bending it. The line has a valve in it, and it was closed, but the bend was below the valve. Fortunately, it' didn't split the copper. The copper line is now more securely fastened to the house, and I am more cautious about securing the grill during a storm.

Nobody was there at the time. Had the line split, whatever was in the propane tank would have vented to the open air.

 

[mmancuso13]

That is true! If you use any portable devices with propane you should make sure they are not too portable! Maybe an eye bolt to he deck or wall and a bike chain to show the grill who's the boss...