a question about generators

[Winston]

lazydays wrote:
Btw, since the honda generator would have to sit outside the house, how would you secure it so it doesn't disappear?

Hippos are even more aggressive, but you'd need a pool nearby.


Seriously, a bike or kayak lock connected to something big.

[Filliam H. Muffman]

It really is too bad you could not run the radiator from the generator into the house. Gasoline engines generally waste 70% of the heat in the fuel they burn. For some reason the idea of running one to power an electric space heater makes me think of selling refrigerators to Eskimos.

I have thought about a generator for my apartment because PG&E seems to cut out about three times a year. Only to run the refrigerator, microwave, computer and DSL to stream movies (only the last two at once).

[Ombligo]

You may want to consider adapting the generator for natural gas/LP gas use. Getting gasoline can become very difficult as everyone wants it for their cars, etc.. and the gas pumps often run on electricity.

http://www.propane-generators.com/a-c_kits.htm

For true longterm, regular use of a generator - get a diesel powered generator.

[macphanatic]

Filliam H. Muffman wrote:
It really is too bad you could not run the radiator from the generator into the house. Gasoline engines generally waste 70% of the heat in the fuel they burn. For some reason the idea of running one to power an electric space heater makes me think of selling refrigerators to Eskimos.

I have thought about a generator for my apartment because PG&E seems to cut out about three times a year. Only to run the refrigerator, microwave, computer and DSL to stream movies (only the last two at once).

You're kind of talking about a MCHP. Burns natural gas to produce heat, hot water, and electricity. One example is: http://www.hondapowerequipment.com/produ...ewatt.aspx

[modelamac]

lazydays wrote:
As an alternative to my fireplace post below, if I wanted to use one of those 1500 watt oil filled heaters as a backup source of heat, just how large of a generator would I need? I would be buying one of the honda extra quiet ones. I know they are expensive but the quiet would be important to me. Of course I would want some excess capacity also.

You answer your own question. You need a 1500 watt generator (1.5 kw) just to do that job, a very inefficient system. That same generator will power the furnace, the refrig, and some lights, and you won't need the oil heater or the fireplace.

Go a couple of steps better by getting a 6.5 kw generator and converting it from burning gasoline to natural gas. Now the whole whose has power, and you have no need to chase down gasoline when it runs out, and there are no stations around with power to pump gas.

[Mac1337]

This looks so warm and toasty.

[Bill in NC]

Mr. Heater "Buddy" (1 canister) or "Big Buddy" (2 canisters + battery-powered fan) catalytic propane heater with O2 sensor.

Designed to run indoors with the small disposable propane cylinders.

Close off the room you want heated and fire them up.

Cheaper would be a kerosene-fired heater but I'm not wild about using liquid fuels inside a home.

[AllGold]

macphanatic wrote:
You're kind of talking about a MCHP. Burns natural gas to produce heat, hot water, and electricity. One example is: http://www.hondapowerequipment.com/produ...ewatt.aspx

Thanks, I didn't know those things even existed.