Posted: 3/17/2008 1:11:28 PM EDT
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I am looking for a good generator and dont know really where to start. I am probably going to go gas powered, because it I can stock pile gas along with gas for the cars. The other posibility is propane. However I know even less about propane generators. This will be to run my freezer, a few lights, and a air condition\heater depending on the weather. Idealy I would like to stay under $500 but I am not sure if that is possible. What do you guys think. Where is a good place to start? |
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This question comes up alot. Maybe I should stop being lazy and make up something to propose as a sticky about generators. Kind of a first step to answer basic stuff. Hmmmmm..... Anyway, I'll try to help with the basics Granola. First things first. Figure out exactly how much wattage you will need. This is your most important step. You mention a freezer, lights, and air conditioner/heater. You need to figure out what your appliances use as far as starting and running wattage. The best way to do this is a Kill-A-Watt meter available lots of places for about $30-$40. A basic guess by me would say your average freezer needs about 700 running watts and 1500+ watts for startup. Multiply the light bulb wattage by how many you plan to use..... for example 60 watt bulbs X # of bulbs. I have no idea what a a/c unit takes to run but MY propane furnace motor takes 410 watts running and @850 watts startup. When you get the total of all the wattage needed you will have 2 numbers--- A total running wattage for everything and a total startup wattage number. This will determine the size of generator you need. Get a generator that has a running wattage rating to handle more wattage than you are using in order to allow for the startup wattage needed. Startup wattage is important, but every electrical item you have is unlikely to start up all at once. Just make sure you have enough wattage reserve on the generator to cover the startup need. Remember it is better to make an error on the too large size of a gen set than an error of too small of one. When you figure out the size generator you need, next determine what type of fuel you want to run. All fuel choices have a trade off. Gasoline is harder to store safely and doesn't last as long. Propane will last forever but unless you already have a big tank to store it in, it is not cost effective for storage. Diesel generators are more expensive but diesel will last for years properly treated and if you heat with oil you have a ready fuel source. You specifically asked about propane. Any generator that will run on gasoline can be easily converted to run on propane/natural gas(NG) for $200 or less. It is relatively easy to DIY convert one. You can even do tri-fuel so you can run on gasoline, propane and NG. While you are considering what fuel to run it is a good time to determine exactly how much fuel you will need. Most generators have specs about fuel usage so determine the total length of time you expect to need to run the genny and figure out the quantity of fuel you will need to store. Over multiple weeks you can run through LOTS of fuel! My neighbor chose a diesel setup because he has a fuel oil heater and lots of diesel always stored. I chose a tri-fuel setup because I heat with propane and have a 1000 gallon tank. Some other things to consider: Noise level. Inverter gen sets are typically quieter than regular style, but also usually more expensive. Is stealth necessary? Do you have a electrical transfer switch or do you plan on just using extension cords? A transfer switch is handier and safer, but you could definitely "get by" in a pinch with extension cords. IMHO, I think $500 is a low figure. You likely will spend more than that depending on your requirements especially if you want a "good generator" like you posted. Hondas and Yamahas are not exactly cheap. All told, you could easily spend double or triple that amount.... easily.. Edit to add that you also should consider if you need only 115 volt power or also 230 volts. |
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The Honda EU1000 is a dandy little unit: EU1000 Clean enough to run electronics like coms radio sets. |
That is lots of good info. I am up for spending up to a 1,000 I just wanted to ask if anyone knew about incase there was a magical generator I did not know about. More than likely will be gas. I dont think I can put a bit enough propane tank in the ground right now for a generator, however there is a place right down the street that sells propane for very cheap. I guess I need to plan out a bit more. |
That little Honda is a great unit. Very light and very quiet. If memory serves, Honda makes larger size inverter gennys in 2000W and 3000W also. |
| Just as a FYI in case you don't read the survival forum. great price on a smaller genny |
It's a good unit but won't do what he wants. A rough estimate for you is that you probably need 5500 running watts and 6250 surge watts. You definately need to figure your consumption needs. I have a generator that can run 5750 running and about 6800 surge. It's just barely enough when I'm running my hot water heater (4500 watts). It can easily handle everything else. |
| The need for genset power and AC just don't go work together unless you have gas to spare. Gensets are either for back up power or full time power. Don't expect a costco special to power you for more than a few days nonstop gulping a couple of gallons an hour. They will die. Use them for a couple of hours a day to power freezers and such... |