Generators for houses

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05-24-2011, 02:29 PM
quinn14

Generators for houses

Well, my power just came back on after 21hrs of being off. I actually turned into Jackie Gleason and made my refridgerator an "ice box" and stuffed all my freezer stuff into coolers. This seems to happen too much to not have a generator. I don't want some schlep at Home Depot or Lowes giving me their sales pitch. I want actual user preferences.

So, does anyone have one? I really only need to run my fridge and deep freezer. Oh, and after this morning, I found that I need to be able to run my wife's hairdryer. I don't know anything about them. If anyone could steer me in the right direction I would appreciate it. Size, model, cost, where you bought it,...........
05-25-2011, 08:53 PM
RYou

Re: Generators for houses

Talk to your electric company. They sell and install and will you find the right size. I do a lot of my electrical but that is one I won't touch. Unless properly hooked it can send current out the line and zap someone on the pole making a repair.

Note - They are loud and will likely keep you awake overnight.
05-26-2011, 12:44 AM
kr1963

Re: Generators for houses

Out in Nevada I have a Honda. It is basically like running a lawn mower all the time. A tank of gas last me 10 hours. 5 gallons. RYou is right LOUD...plus the fumes. I put it out int he drive way or in the back yard.

Btw in Nevada, you can build your own "power plant" & sell it back to the Nevada Energy. Someone I know someone up in Pahrump has Solar Panels all over & the is virtual sunshine there. They don't use all their energy & sell back the extra to NVE.
05-26-2011, 10:19 AM
quinn14

Re: Generators for houses

Thanks. Do you all know around what price I will be looking at? I don't want to get one for $500 when there is one of same quality for $300. I really wouldn't know if I was getting ripped off and I hate not knowing that.
05-26-2011, 09:07 PM
RYou

Re: Generators for houses

Quote:

Originally Posted by kr1963

Out in Nevada I have a Honda. It is basically like running a lawn mower all the time. A tank of gas last me 10 hours. 5 gallons. RYou is right LOUD...plus the fumes. I put it out int he drive way or in the back yard.

Btw in Nevada, you can build your own "power plant" & sell it back to the Nevada Energy. Someone I know someone up in Pahrump has Solar Panels all over & the is virtual sunshine there. They don't use all their energy & sell back the extra to NVE.

Here in NJ 100% generated gets credited to your account with the power company then they charge you for the difference between what you generate and what you consume.
05-26-2011, 09:57 PM
kr1963

Re: Generators for houses

Quote:

Originally Posted by quinn14

Thanks. Do you all know around what price I will be looking at? I don't want to get one for $500 when there is one of same quality for $300. I really wouldn't know if I was getting ripped off and I hate not knowing that.

I bought mine 5 years ago for $1500. It is a bit of a beast that was built into a metal pipe frame to transport from city to city. I am sure you can do a search on the net for something cheaper.