We are looking to buy an emergency generator for our house. I think we need something in the 5000W range.
Does anyone have any recommendations? Is there a reliable/knowledgeable dealer in the San Diego area?
I am thinking that a propane generator might be more convenient than a gasoline one because of the ease of storing the fuel. (I would just rotate the tanks though with my BBQ so the fuel wouldn’t sit for long anyway.)
For a few lights, some electronics, and a fridge (what’s really needed in SD unless you’re on a farm with well water), I’d go with a reputable 1500-2000W portable and a good-quality, long extension cable. i.e. 12 or 10 ga copper wire.
Do you keep gasoline around for yard tools? It can also be siphoned from a car if you keep the tank full — that way it will be fresh.
I’ve been considering the “portable” 2000W generators myself from Honda and Yamaha for the longest time…if funds ever permit…
I figure they can both be connected together for 4000W and they are movable if you had to evacuate anywhere (like one for you and the missus). They are also quieter (like 53dB) or something so they won’t be as annoying in a crowded “city” environment.
You could also bring them on camping trips for off-grid electronic use, etc (they seem popular for that).
Costco sells one that uses a Yamaha engine that you can also daisy chain, but isn’t as name brand…
Wouldn’t mind other suggestions as well.
Downsides I see is they can be stolen easily since they can be grabbed by hand.
If you wanted to power everything at home, you can google how some people hook up a generator to their home circuit and flip a switch, etc to power the whole house. Once you get one big enough, you might as well get bigger since I don’t think they are that different in price and noise levels. Also, a lot of times they are rated at 50% use so you may need more than you expect. Connecting a fridge alone probably surges to 2000W.
No idea on propane since I don’t see much about them in my old searches.
Connecting a fridge alone probably surges to 2000W.
You’d be surprised — fridges don’t use a lot of power (there’s probably a startup surge). They’re well-insulated, so they don’t actually need a lot of energy to keep cool, and the space is much smaller than an air-conditioned room or whatever.
+1 on the Honda and Yamaha generators. They’re reliable and quiet. If you wait till you need one and run out and buy a Harbor Freight piece of shit, you’re not gonna be happy.
.
