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Replies: 47
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All-Pro [782]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Generator
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Oct 1, 2024, 11:40 PM
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I appreciate the collective wisdom here on important things. As I shop for a generator, battery...gas...to what amount of house should I look to power and for how long? I assume a freezer a fwe rooms?
Thank you
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Ring of Honor [22728]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Ive been using a 4500 watt duel fuel inverter champion.
2
Oct 1, 2024, 11:55 PM
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I have a more powerful one (6500) but it’s not an inverter (which dials down based on demand) and I don’t have a transfer case (safe connection to my house subpanel) so I prefer being able to plug my freezer and fridge together into one outlet and use another to switch between my entertainment center, office computer, air fryer, battery bank, lamps at night, etc.
Doing this from 7:30am-midnight (i shut it off and bring it in overnight) has me only burning about 4 gallons a day.
If you want to run AC, Dryer, stove etc you will want that transfer case so you can switch on and off breakers to your house. I’d want at least 6500watts for that.
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Tiger Spirit [10003]
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Re: Generator
1
Oct 1, 2024, 11:56 PM
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Run normal household with AC and appliances can typically run on a 21kw generator. Even that you will have to manage hotwater heater, oven, dryer, etc but you can live comfortably. If you just want to survive managing your use for a fee days, you can make a 5000-8500w do anything you need. I have a 3500 with a 5500 ramp up and I can live but a I keep a window ac unit ready in garage. I wont run oven or dryer, but I have a grill and can run lights, fridge, 2 freezers, and window unit on my 3500.
21k would basically let you live normal except you need a 300gal propane tank to last more than a wk of full use.
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All-Pro [782]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Re: Generator
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Oct 2, 2024, 12:05 AM
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Thanks guys. I need an engineer and electrician too since I am an idiot on these things!
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Tiger Spirit [10003]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Re: Generator
1
Oct 2, 2024, 12:55 AM
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Good electrician can figure it out for you.
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National Champion [7411]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Re: Generator
Oct 2, 2024, 9:41 AM
[ in reply to Re: Generator ] |
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It’s not that hard. There are charts to figure how many kw you need based on the number of items you want to run. You also need to know how many watts startup each item has. Well pumps can take a lot on startup.
Wiring one into a panel box isn’t that hard or doesn’t require special harnesses if you have the correct gauge wires and simple electrical knowledge. I’ve always picked a 240v breaker and hot wired the generator straight in. But, I was a builder for 20 years and know general wiring rules.
A little legwork with reading and research will get you where you want to be. I lived on the coast for twenty years and spent more than my fair share without power.
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All-American [590]
TigerPulse: 98%
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Re: Generator
1
Oct 2, 2024, 12:02 AM
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I like dual fuel as you can use propane. So no gas or dry gas when not in use or draining stuff. I like propane and always have my gas grill tank handy if emergency comes and do not need to worry about gas.
Best is to see around house what you essentially want on. Add up watts of a refrigerator or additional freezer or computer stuff or tv. Total watts help you estimate how much to buy. Caution on things like refrigerators or freezers for example pay attention to starting watts. They typically require more at startup and once on required watts really drops. So only start one at a time. Online charts estimate appliances watts for you. Refrigerator may need 2000 watts to start but then drops to needing like 600. For generator to last you only want to run it like 59-75%max not good to run at max 100% watts so buy a little more. One propane tank will get you through a night and then some. Been happy just using propane for fuel and these are popular as you can typically bring along with RV type adventures. But best thing is to really list out what you want to power and add up watts needed.
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Dynasty Maker [3184]
TigerPulse: 100%
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I just do the essentials. Fridge, tv, a few lamps and coffee maker. Where you
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Oct 2, 2024, 12:08 AM
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at? A place in West Union (my cuz) is taking orders on Dewalts. I bought my Powerstroke from Home Depot a few years ago. Keep it maintained, crank it, plug some stuff into it and good to go. I thought about getting a Generac for whole home but that would end up being $20K deal.
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All-Pro [782]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Re: I just do the essentials. Fridge, tv, a few lamps and coffee maker. Where you
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Oct 2, 2024, 12:16 AM
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Roswell. GA. Wow $20,000? WAS THINKING couple thousand...prior to any research of course!
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Top TigerNet [31984]
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Installation for a standby generator is more than half the cost.
1
Oct 2, 2024, 12:21 AM
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probably more along the lines of 60-70%.
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Dynasty Maker [3184]
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Tiger Spirit [10003]
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Re: I just do the essentials. Fridge, tv, a few lamps and coffee maker. Where you
1
Oct 2, 2024, 1:01 AM
[ in reply to Re: I just do the essentials. Fridge, tv, a few lamps and coffee maker. Where you ] |
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$20k is high. 21kw Generac is usually whole house and $12k should be about avg. I put one in for friend 2yrs ago, materials and labor was around $9200 and he gave me $1000. He did have the propane tank already but we had to run new gas lines and long run of cable.
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Orange Immortal [66910]
TigerPulse: 100%
60
Posts: 89759
Joined: 2001
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Legend [6804]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Re: I'm pricing them now...
Oct 2, 2024, 1:53 PM
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Yep. Getting ready to sign a $14k contract for a 20kw Kohler. Don’t forget to figure cost of tank and propane. That’s extra.
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Orange Immortal [66910]
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Mine will run on natural gas. Just tap into the existing line.
Oct 2, 2024, 2:50 PM
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I'm leaning heavily toward the Kohler as well. Largely because it is the most quite on the market (by far).
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Orange Phenom [14511]
TigerPulse: 100%
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I have a Kohler
Oct 2, 2024, 2:53 PM
[ in reply to I'm pricing them now... ] |
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Much more quiet than the Generac. Our next door neighbor has a Generac.
I have had it for 5+ years now. It is great. It actually flipped on today.....some idiot down the street cut a tree and it took down lines....
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Dynasty Maker [3184]
TigerPulse: 100%
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It's like any other motor. Got to keep the oil changed
1
Oct 2, 2024, 12:21 AM
[ in reply to I just do the essentials. Fridge, tv, a few lamps and coffee maker. Where you ] |
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Keep stablizer in it or drain it. I only use mine during the every 3 year hurricane... BUT I think we'll get the bad ### ice storm. That is a different animal. It gets cold and u have to deal with carbon monoxide from interior heat sources.... you need box fans to push heat. I got a whole emergency kit because I don't _____ around... I'm gonna be warm, cool, and eat. Go Tigers
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Dynasty Maker [3184]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Get outdoor cooking stuff on Amazon. Propane burners...
1
Oct 2, 2024, 12:24 AM
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#### now, we need to start talking about ammo. Have a few guns and have friends that have more.
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Asst Coach [846]
TigerPulse: 89%
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Are you planning to shoot at the next hurricane?
1
Oct 2, 2024, 7:38 AM
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How are guns related to this?
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National Champion [7503]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Re: Are you planning to shoot at the next hurricane?
Oct 2, 2024, 9:32 AM
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Probably to protect your family and the things you've stored from people who didn't prepare and are willing to take it from you.
Just a guess.
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Ring of Honor [22728]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Thats not a good sign if you need to ask.
1
Oct 2, 2024, 9:52 AM
[ in reply to Are you planning to shoot at the next hurricane? ] |
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There are generators being stolen in Greenville. I know this firsthand. The more desperate people get, the more likely they are to take your stuff. You are better off understanding that about reality. If you have a family, you are morally obligated to be capable of protecting them.
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Orange Immortal [66910]
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Joined: 2001
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Legend [6757]
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Re: Generator
1
Oct 2, 2024, 12:10 AM
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If you only run your refrigerator/freezer one cooling cycle every 4 hours, it will keep food plenty safe and significantly cut the time running and fuel used.
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Dynasty Maker [3184]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Main thing is... Trying not to sound crazy, but seen
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Oct 2, 2024, 12:34 AM
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Crazy over last 25 years... When you go to the grocery store during easy times, buy green beans, peas, butter beans, canned meats, and just don't think about it. Put it up. Learn to grow a garden. It's not hard but talk to old folks. First garden doesnt usually do good. They know stuff.
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MVP [548]
TigerPulse: 99%
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Re: Generator
1
Oct 2, 2024, 1:39 AM
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I told myself if I ever get a 2nd home it would have a generator after 9 days of no power in the great ice storm of 2004? Only use it about 3 times a year for 4 to 8 hours during the summer. This week best money I have ever spent. 4500 22K had a guy i do business with installed it for 1K. Most expensive part was the 1000 gal tank for 5K this was all in 2005 i believe. I use it for fireplace grill and Gen. It has run since 4am Friday with me giving it 45 minute breaks about every 24 hours. At about 55% fuel left. Have no idea what that would cost today.
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Varsity [135]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Re: Generator
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Oct 2, 2024, 7:03 AM
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I have 22k generac and payed about the same 4 years ago. I heard they have gone up in price. Well worth the money. Powers whole house
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Valley Legend [12792]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Joined: 2010
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Re: Generator
Oct 2, 2024, 8:47 AM
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22k doesn't seem bad when you think about people think nothing about financing almost 3 times that on an automobile these days.
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Varsity [135]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Re: Generator
Oct 2, 2024, 7:49 PM
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Not 22 thousand dollars. lol. 5500. 22kw is what I meant. Sorry
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Walk-On [77]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Re: Generator
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Oct 2, 2024, 7:22 AM
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I have a 11kw Honda, and a transfer switch on the house. I can't run the whole house at once, but I can run the lights, ac, and stove (not oven) at the same time (with water heater cut off). After the 2 hurricanes back to back we had in the late 90's going days without ac made me decide to get it. we were miserable without ac, but even so I know I was blessed compared to what others have endured or are enduring now.
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CU Medallion [18881]
TigerPulse: 100%
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IMPORTANT - Heads Up about Portable Generators
3
Oct 2, 2024, 7:44 AM
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And you may already know this, but, If you run a portable generator and simply plug into you house without having a switch to keep the power from back feeding to the power line, you can cause life threatening situation for those working on power lines.
You really need a switch to break that power flow and keep it confined to your house only.
ALSO, to prevent damage to appliances and/or generator, turn all of your breakers off - then only turn on the ones that you need and generator can handle
Message was edited by: HuntClub®
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Associate AD [1099]
TigerPulse: 100%
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What Ive learned
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Oct 2, 2024, 8:23 AM
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I have several generators for home and business use. My tailgating generator is a Honda 2200. Excellent for just about anything you would want at a tailgate or overnight camping trip. It will power a full size fridge, but just barely. The 6500 watt would be plenty to keep things running in your house if you’re willing to plug in a few things at a time.
Noise is a big factor. The Hondas are VERY quiet compared to other brands, and this is a deal breaker for a lot of people, including me!
I don’t know much about the whole house option, except that they are expensive.
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Top TigerNet [32237]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Joined: 2003
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my honda 2000 easily runs my full size fridge.
Oct 2, 2024, 9:37 AM
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these new fridges are pretty efficient.
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Game Day Hero [4347]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Re: my honda 2000 easily runs my full size fridge.
Oct 2, 2024, 11:11 AM
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On refrigerators it's always the startup amps.
I bought a battery that was rated above the rated startup amps for a 6 year old refrigerator and it went into error mode, so either the refrigerator or the battery specs were lies.
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Game Day Hero [4483]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Re: Generator
Oct 2, 2024, 8:40 AM
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To protect utility workers down the line, I had an electrician place a separate plug for the generator at the main panel with a shunt to make it impossible to backfeed the generator power back down the line.
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Paw Warrior [4670]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Re: Generator
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Oct 2, 2024, 9:02 AM
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I’ve read all the comments here and I too am not an expert at juggling appliances during what hours? I just bit the bullet a few years ago and called Generac. Best decision by far. I built a home in an older subdivision about 15 years ago. Gas lines already existed although we only were using it for a fireplace occasionally in the early fall or late spring. They had a great plan to puchase with 12-15 months with no interest. I looked at only essential appliances then compared the whole house. Not as much difference as you would think. No regrets! My neighbor said after I first installed it, that we very rarely lose power in the neighborhood. We lost power for about 6 hours in the middle of the summer due to a car hitting a pole and knocking out power from a substation. That happened about 10 days after installation. The Generac professionals made some changes that were necessary in my electrical panel and that was it.
I’ve got power……now I need to work on internet and TV. Cable is not my friend!
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Top TigerNet [32237]
TigerPulse: 100%
55
Posts: 35242
Joined: 2003
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yeah.. the cable companies need power and they use the same poles.
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Oct 2, 2024, 9:40 AM
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you can try verizon or t-mobile's 5g internet .
my dad lives in the woods and has to use wireless internet. He has Verizon and it sucks.
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Game Changer [1925]
TigerPulse: 100%
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My only option is StarLink
Oct 2, 2024, 11:10 AM
[ in reply to Re: Generator ] |
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And it’s worked the entire time. May check on it as a backup. Simple install and can buy a month at the time.
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MVP [548]
TigerPulse: 99%
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Re: Generator
Oct 2, 2024, 10:44 PM
[ in reply to Re: Generator ] |
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Elon has the internet answer.
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110%er [3719]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Re: Generator
Oct 2, 2024, 9:13 AM
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I bought a GENERAC years ago. Completely automatic. Runs on natural gas. Best purhase I ever made housewise.
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Clemson Conqueror [11148]
TigerPulse: 100%
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I know this isn't gonna be popular but if you're willing to invest as much as
Oct 2, 2024, 9:24 AM
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$20K on a whole home generator you might wanna research solar with battery backup. In order to completely go off grid and generate all the power you need you'll probably have to spend 50% more. If you're looking to just have basic necessities during emergencies you can get in the same price range; especially with the federal subsidies that are currently available.
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Ring of Honor [22728]
TigerPulse: 100%
53
Posts: 23834
Joined: 2003
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These battery banks can be quickly charged by portable solar panels. They are
Oct 2, 2024, 9:56 AM
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great for storing and having mobile, silent, indoor power untethered to cords.
https://a.co/d/bZb9Uas
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Varsity [135]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Top TigerNet [32237]
TigerPulse: 100%
55
Posts: 35242
Joined: 2003
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you don't need a massive, gas guzzzling generator to run a few of the essentials
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Oct 2, 2024, 9:33 AM
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i'm using my honda 2000 watt generator that i use for tailgating. it has just about a 1 gallon tank.
I run my fridge, 60 inch tv, a fan, the satellite box, an AV receiver, and a droplight on it. I can go just about 8-10 hrs per tank .
If i only run the fridge.. i can easily hit 10 hrs. I only have a 2.5 gallon gas tank i use for the lawn mower and such so i run by the gas station every day to fil it up.
i change the oil once a year right before football season. I always run the gas out of it when i store it.
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Ring of Honor [22728]
TigerPulse: 100%
53
Posts: 23834
Joined: 2003
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Also, if new, dont forget the break-in period. Change oil after 1st 5-10 hrs
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Oct 2, 2024, 9:59 AM
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Then change like normal after every 100-200 whatever.
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Top TigerNet [30289]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Joined: 2008
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Re: Generator
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Oct 2, 2024, 11:26 AM
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I have a 22kw Generac that runs on a propane tank. I purchased it after Hurricane Matthew and haven't regretted it since.
HTH
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Dynasty Maker [3197]
TigerPulse: 92%
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Re: Generator
Oct 2, 2024, 3:11 PM
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Curious - how often do you “need” a whole house generator? I guess it is much dependent on your location and how quickly power is generally restored from an outage. To each his own, but not sure I’d invest $20K for prepping for another “generational” event. Over the past 20 plus years, our power has only gone out maybe 8-10 times and probably averaged being out 2 hours. Not worth it for me.
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Tiger Spirit [9400]
TigerPulse: 100%
44
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Joined: 2000
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110%er [4046]
TigerPulse: 60%
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Re: Generator
1
Oct 2, 2024, 3:45 PM
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I have had one over a decade and best investment I ever made.
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Replies: 47
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