Whole house generators

[Cairo94507]

In CA, with all the "rolling brownouts" this was a no brainer. We have a Generac and it operates seamlessly when we lose power. The peace of mind is worth it.

CA is and has been for quite some time a completely dysfunctional state with liberal elected officials ruining all aspects of life for working people who contribute to society. Now, if you are one of the "takers" CA is the panacea and they come from all over the world to squat here.

[stomachmonkey]

Why ya gotta PARF **** up?

Woulda been fine with just this alone.

Originally Posted by Cairo94507

In CA, with all the "rolling brownouts" this was a no brainer. We have a Generac and it operates seamlessly when we lose power. The peace of mind is worth it.

The last part offers nothing of value to this thread.

[red-beard]

Originally Posted by stomachmonkey

Red, would you weigh in on multi fuel options?

I've considered a whole home as well but the issue, as you know from two years ago, NG is apparently not as reliable in Texass as we've thought it is.

All of the NG units can operate on propane.

BUT BUT BUT BUT BUT

You have to change the orifice for it to work. On the larger units, this is a valve and can be changed easily. On the smaller units, you have to remove or re-install the smaller propane orifice.

IF you run on NG with propane orifice, you will run lean and might burn up a piston! If you run propane on a NG orifice, you will "flood" the system running rich. It might run (poorly) and produce lots of carbon buildup.

[red-beard]

Originally Posted by greglepore

Are you a dealer for the soft start units? Ballpark cost?

I've got a 15 yo 12kw unit, will run it another couple years, but really want 20k ish.

About $245-$250

These guys have the cheapest

https://shop.gentekpower.com/collections/sure-start-ac-soft-starters-hyper-engineering-generac-parts

Other distributors

Hyper Engineering | Distribution

[GH85Carrera]

My neighbor installed the Generac unit about 8 or 9 years ago. He retired from the local power company. In all that time it has run a total of less than 30 minutes when the power is out.

I thank him all the time for putting in a power outrage prevention device for the neighborhood. I hear his unit fire up on occasion to do the automatic self test and maintenance. As long as he has it, we should be safe from power problems.

Our electricity is all underground in this area. There is a large retirement and old folks home a 1/4 mile up the road. I suspect they are on a priority level of "get the power back on ASAP", like hospitals and emergency responders from the local power company.

Bottom line in the 24 years we have lived here we have only had a few occasions of no power for more than a few minutes. As much as I want a neat gizmo like a whole house generator, I just can't see it as a good investment.

[red-beard]

The last time the generator ran was the freeze-magedon here in Texas. It ran for 30 hours straight to keep us going. It saved all of my pool equipment as well as provided a warm house for myself and my parents.

We live in a hurricane rich environment. About every 5 years, we'll get a hurricane. We do not have to worry about flooding, but we do have to worry about wind. And wind can take down power lines. Not just small local ones, but the big ones.

This is all about your comfort level.

[astrochex]

We’ve had our Generac Guardian 22kw for 4 years. Installation was $8600 including the slab and electrical.

[Baz]

^^^ Thanks for getting back to us with those details, Paul.

And to everyone else who posted here.

I'm not convinced I *need* one as much as would like to have for for *comfort and convenience*.

A huge advantage for me in the portable generator category was getting this dual fuel (gasoline or propane) 4400 Watt unit with electric start two years ago. It has wheels and a tow handle and is no where near as noisy as any I've used in the past. I only paid $500 for it so not bad for it's features and benefits.

The one I bought is no longer available but here's another one with similar features for about the same money.

My other comment is I think these would be great for an elderly person or couple - like someone's parents for those whose children don't live close enough to help out when needed. My Mom lives here in NSB so that really helps. Otherwise I'd be figuring out how to get her one.

I don't think natural gas is available in her neighborhood which means a big old propane tank would have to be brought in and buried. No way it would be allowed above ground in her *fancy* neighborhood...lol....

[Baz]

Originally Posted by Baz

^^^ Thanks for getting back to us with those details, Paul.

And to everyone else who posted here.

I'm not convinced I *need* one as much as would like to have for for *comfort and convenience*.

A huge advantage for me in the portable generator category was getting this dual fuel (gasoline or propane) 4400 Watt unit with electric start two years ago. It has wheels and a tow handle and is no where near as noisy as any I've used in the past. I only paid $500 for it so not bad for it's features and benefits.

The one I bought is no longer available but here's another one with similar features for about the same money.

My other comment is I think these would be great for an elderly person or couple - like someone's parents for those whose children don't live close enough to help out when needed. My Mom lives here in NSB so that really helps. Otherwise I'd be figuring out how to get her one.

I don't think natural gas is available in her neighborhood which means a big old propane tank would have to be brought in and buried. No way it would be allowed above ground in her *fancy* neighborhood...lol....

================

Quick update in case it's of interest......I just noticed you can still get a Ranier generator like the one I bought, as described above!

Pretty much the same cost too...only $449!

So this morning I bought another one - just to keep as a back up to my original which still works great and is still in fantastic condition. I truly believe in backups and contingencies when it comes to handling emergencies!

Here's the Amazon link:
CLICK

[Zeke]

Many models are linkable in tandem. Any idea as to whether you can link these two?

[Bugsinrugs]

I prefer a portable generator. Finally has a transfer switch installed which is a luxury for sure. Running extension cords all over the house sucked! In our area we lose power usually from snowstorms. Last winter people were running out of propane because the gas company wouldn’t drive on unplowed roads. I just get in my four wheel drive truck and take the gas cans and I’m good for 5days. Out of power for 11 days last winter.

[Baz]

Originally Posted by Zeke

Many models are linkable in tandem. Any idea as to whether you can link these two?

Not sure. I just bought this second one for a backup. I only need one just to keep the fridge going.....run my window AC unit.....TV and DVD player.......lights at night. My washer runs on 110 so I can run that as well, if need be. BTDT!

Originally Posted by Bugsinrugs

I prefer a portable generator. Finally has a transfer switch installed which is a luxury for sure. Running extension cords all over the house sucked! In our area we lose power usually from snowstorms. Last winter people were running out of propane because the gas company wouldn’t drive on unplowed roads. I just get in my four wheel drive truck and take the gas cans and I’m good for 5days. Out of power for 11 days last winter.

Ours only during hurricane season.......and that doesn't mean every year even.

The transfer switch is a great idea.

I've never run out of fuel. I usually keep around 15 gallons in smaller fuel cans and then if need be I can siphon out of any of my vehicles or just use some of my propane tanks. Usually the power is back on before that's necessary.

[Zeke]

If you can, never put gas in the new one and do the break in period and change the oil as required. Use nothing but propane and it will never give you carb problems. My dual fuel needs to become a tri fuel in that it sits 4 feet from a natural gas cock. That is done with a 100 dollar plate in front of the carb.

Gas is for a real emergency that outlasts your propane supply.

[Baz]

Originally Posted by Zeke

If you can, never put gas in the new one and do the break in period and change the oil as required. Use nothing but propane and it will never give you carb problems. My dual fuel needs to become a tri fuel in that it sits 4 feet from a natural gas cock. That is done with a 100 dollar plate in front of the carb.

Gas is for a real emergency that outlasts your propane supply.

Good advice.

Hopefully it will sit in it's box and never be needed!