[Gordo2]

My parents put in a propane unit about 3 years ago. They live in NW Ohio and deal with hot summers and brutal winters and wanted something to keep the heat & A/C going in the event of a power outage.

Last year when we had the crazy storm that flew through the midwest and hit the east coast ("Dorachio 2012") they lost power for a week and a half.

They were gone when the storm hit and I was traveling to their place 2 days after the storm. When I got there, the generator was up and running, powering everything in the house (A/C, fridge, etc - the powered clocks weren't even reset). Meanwhile the temps were in the the mid to high 90's with high humidity - no problem, the generator hummed a bit louder when the A/C kicked on.

My parents arrived the day later and ended up getting my family together at their place the next day - oven, microwave, people in and out of the house, no problem. The power came back on a week and a half later; only noticeable because the generator shut down.

After it shut down, my dad called the company to see if they should come and check it/do any maintenance. They said they would, but really didn't need to.

I think he paid ~$10k including installation (don't recall the manufacturer, it was connected to a 500 gal buried propane tank).

When I get into a "permanent" home (and a bit older when it becomes less roughing it and more threatening) - I will definitely buy one.

Good luck,
Gordo