Need advice on whole-house generators

   / Need advice on whole-house generators #61  
We purchased a 6500 watt portable gas generator (B&S engine) for construction of the house. Over the last ten years, we have had two multi-day outages - 1 for three days due to a wind storm and one for 18 days due to an ice storm. I learned that during the ice storm, the little generator was plenty for our normal needs, with the following caveats:
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3. We have an electric water heater, and the little generator couldn't run that.

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You must have a really healthy water heater. Mine went out a few years ago, so I replaced the 4400 watt unit with a 3600 watt unit. My 4400/5000 watt generator would run either one. It would also run the well pump, but not both at once. I would turn on the water heater to heat a tank of water, then turn off the water heater and turn on the pump to get hot water.

Generally it was easier to heat water on the wood stove.
 
   / Need advice on whole-house generators #62  
We installed a 17kw generac whole house(propane)generator for about $4850.Best choice we ever made,just ask the wife.LOL.I am also speaking from experience since as I have been a electric lineman for 35 plus years and have spoke with MANY folks who have lost power.My wife and I are both in our middle 50,s and like the automatic gen. setup.coobie
 
   / Need advice on whole-house generators #63  
Along those same lines, be aware that there are both air-cooled and liquid-cooled propane generators.

The air-cooled units are about 1/2 the price of the liquid-cooled units, but only have about 1/10th the lifetime. According to many generator salesmen I've talked to, air-cooled units often only run around 300 hours before major work is needed. (almost as much a new unit costs)

So do take into consideration how often the power goes out, and if you need a unit that will give you more hours to meet the years of use you expect.

Example 1: Power goes out for 8 hours a year, 300hours generator life = 37.5 years of service. Not a bad investment for $5000.

Example 2: Power goes out for 30 hours a year, 300hours generator life = 10 years of service. Not as good an investment for $5000. Maybe the $10000 liquid-cooled generator would be a better choice.

Example 3: Power goes out for 50 hours a year, 300hours generator life = 6 years of service. Not a good investment for $5000. I'd definitely buy the $10000 liquid-cooled generator.


HH
Just remember Salesman are always a trusted group.LOL.How many air cooled engines are in lawn mowers that run 1000-2000 hours ?Just a thought?coobie.
 
   / Need advice on whole-house generators #64  
=How many air cooled engines are in lawn mowers that run 1000-2000 hours ?Just a thought?coobie.

Most lawnmower engines that run to 1-2000 hours are pressure lubricated engines with filters, not splash lubricated engines. Also, they only run 8-10 hours/day (max), not 24x7.

Aaron Z
 
   / Need advice on whole-house generators #65  
Most lawnmower engines that run to 1-2000 hours are pressure lubricated engines with filters, not splash lubricated engines. Also, they only run 8-10 hours/day (max), not 24x7.

Aaron Z

Even more important, they rarely run at full rated horsepower. Running an engine under full load is where it gets really hot, and that's where air cooled engines break down. Most generators with air cooled engines are small and often undersized, leading to their quick breakdown and poor reputation.
 
   / Need advice on whole-house generators #66  
I had a Bobcat portable welder with an 8KW generator on board. It wasn't fuel efficent when it came to using as a generator, but I really liked having it. A friend offered me more than it cost after I used it for 10 years, as part of another deal, so it went away.
I replaced it with a 10KW generator head that was custom built as a copy to Steiner's generators that they sell. Since the Steiner is a diesel lawn mower, my generator went from gas to diesel storage requirements. Since I drive a truck for a living, own a diesel p/u, and keep additional diesel in my tractors, I figure if I can syphone it, I have the storage problem solved. I even made arrangements with my previous employer whose truck was in the driveway, that in the event of a long term power outage, I could syphone diesel from their tanks as long as I was willing to pay or replace it. That would be done on the honor system, but since I brought it up in advance, they agreed to allow their truck to be part of my diesel storage solution. This reminds me that maybe I need to talk to my new employers to get their approval.
David from jax
 
   / Need advice on whole-house generators #67  
I think all the whole house generators are pressure lubricated now. I know our old LP 8kw was as well as our new NG 20kw . As far as load goes, I've never seen any time when our former 8kw was ever under a constant load for an extended time. One thing would turn on but something else would turn off. I don't see an issue here unless you have to have something running all the time that is a big draw.

Lights are like an afterthought any more with all the energy saving type on the market today. Microwaves are something to pay attention to. Ours draws 1200 watts. We also have a well and septic pump to contend with.

This may seem like a little over kill, but my wife is a lot calmer now when she hears of approaching storms You know the old saying "when mama is happy, everyone is happy" LOL
 
   / Need advice on whole-house generators #68  
I haven't read this thread in its entirety, so forgive me if it's been mentioned, but it seems that the appropriate type of generator for one's needs varies on what those needs are. Yeah - I just stated the obvious. Lifestyle expectations are also important: I've often spent a couple of weeks moose hunting in a cabin with a hand pump and wood stove and have been completely comfortable. My wife - not so much.

Suburban, occasional, short-term outage, no well pump: gas portable or small NG or LPG unit.

Rural, infrequent, short-term outage, well pump: large gas portable, portable diesel, LPG.

Rural, frequent, long-term outage, well pump: LPG, stationary diesel.

Doomsday prepper: alternate water source, auxiliary power generation (wind, solar) + stationary diesel or old technology/easy repair Lister-style. You just can't beat diesel fuel for availability / portability - a big plus when the roads are closed and you might not see a delivery vehicle for a week.
 
   / Need advice on whole-house generators #69  
This may seem like a little over kill, but my wife is a lot calmer now when she hears of approaching storms You know the old saying "when mama is happy, everyone is happy" LOL
That's exactly why I bought my gas generator. SWMBO was constantly lighting candles and I envisioned the house burning down.
 

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