Northeast Ohio recently was hit by a bad storm, I have heard all sorts of estimates when the power will return, 1, 3, or even 5 days. In the almost 3 years that I lived we have had power outages, but nothing that was over a few hours, I think 8 hours being the longest (prior to this latest outage). However I am 100% remote employee and my wife is as well, so having some security would be nice, but I am not sure we are at the cost justification. Based on the estimator of electricity to run computers, refrigerator, heater, and small appliances we would need Surge Watts 10190-13002 and Rated Watts 7990- 9527, we would need more if we wanted to run central air. Our home is just under 2,000 SQ ft ranch. My research says that standby that runs on natural gas would be $5,000 to $7,000 range and installation ranges from $2,500 to $4,000, with also a estimated $300+ in yearly maintenance. While the power is currently off, according to our internet provider that is still on, I am wondering how rare that is? because while a generator would have some advantages if I can't work I will likely be doing what I am now which was searching for a business or a library to setup camp.
Another thought and perhaps cheaper path would be a inverter or portable generator with some softstart system/automatic system. The advantage would be I can use it for camping or racing purposes when not in use. However I don't trust myself and would seek a professional for setting up the softstart system/automatic system. In addition to making sure that fuel was in the tank, this latest storm hit so fast I am not sure I would have been prepared.
So in Florida with all the hurricanes we tend to loose power about once a year. For us when the power is out our internet goes with it initially. We bought a 30amp 7500W running 9500W peak portable generator from a family friend who upgraded to a whole house system. We also had a transfer switch put in recently so we do not have to deal with running extension cords through the entire house to power stuff. While the portable generator wont run everything it will get us power to almost every outlet in the house meaning we dont have to worry about the refrigerator and chest freezer. No AC with this setup but it will power all the ceiling fans and the big central house fan to move air around. The friends that have the whole house system really like it though and basically see no change when the power goes out other than a brief interruption when the generator kicks on.
My wife and I have batted this one around before. Her opening line is always "now that we're getting older..." and I'm like "I ain't old." Something Generac around 15kW for around $10k. Sure, it'd be nice to have, but we can go years without a major outage. Hard to spend that money when the sun's shining.
I bought a portable after the multiple storms that went through FL in 04. Put oil in it and ran it for the first time in 2018.
We had moved five times.
I bought a portable after the multiple storms that went through FL in 04. Put oil in it and ran it for the first time in 2018.
We had moved five times.
I bought a portable after the multiple storms that went through FL in 04. Put oil in it and ran it for the first time in 2018.
We had moved five times.
I bought a portable after the multiple storms that went through FL in 04. Put oil in it and ran it for the first time in 2018.
We had moved five times. I was glad to have it when I needed it.
