a question about generators

[lazydays]

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.

[lafinfil]

My answer to both questions would be a kerosene or propane fired back up device. Running a generator to use an electric heater is a lot of expense for the dollar. Don't you already have some propane burners for your potable brew set up ? Easily adapted, although a good kerosene set up is probably less expensive and very stable for long term storage.

[Winston]

Would you want to use a kerosene or propane heater inside without venting? I think some heaters have a shutoff (O2 sensor) for indoor use, but then there's also the risk of fire.

Generator outside and electric heat inside would be a lot safer.

[lazydays]

My propane heaters GOBBLE oxygen plus they are way to big to bring inside. I've never seen a propane or kerosene heater rated for indoor use.

[lafinfil]

You are talking about emergency heat, correct ? Just crack a window or door open and you will have plenty of fresh air exchange.

Also according to the end-timey guys the scavengers won't see any smoke so they won't come gunning for your smores.

[M>B>]

Besides my two wood stoves that are my primary heat in the winter here in the Sierra foothills of CA (Hy. 49) I have three direct vent propane heaters that I seldom use, minimal requirements by code. They are on outside walls and take in outside air for combustion and vent the gasses back out (a coaxial vent).

I also recommend carbon monoxide alarms in or outside all sleeping areas and throughout the house in general! Just as important as a fire/smoke alarm! And check the batteries twice a year!

[testcase]

" how large of a generator would I need"

For a 1500 Watt unit you'd need at least 1500 Watts. I wouldn't go below 2000 Watts. More is better.

[Winston]

lazydays wrote:
My propane heaters GOBBLE oxygen plus they are way to big to bring inside. I've never seen a propane or kerosene heater rated for indoor use.

They exist. They have oxygen sensors that will shut them down if they are likely to produce carbon monoxide. But I think they are still quite dangerous. I'd only use one in a monitored situation (i.e. when people were not sleeping), and with a window cracked to let in fresh air.

A FAQ page for one brand, Mr. Heater, said 20 lb propane tanks were not allowed inside homes. If you bring one inside, the fire department cannot legally enter if there is a fire.


Good luck.

- Winston

[lazydays]

Hah, well I guess that was simple enough. I had a friend over yesterday who seemed to think I would need a much larger generator so I thought there must be something I didn't understand.

[lazydays]

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