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Get a Kill-a-Watt meter and plug all of your stuff for your tank into it so that you can determine how much power you need. Your generator choice will be based off of that number.
If you get a generator that is too big you will end up wasting a ton of gas. It is important that you have gas on hand for the length of time that the power will be out. Where I am from has seen up to 2 weeks of power loss I plan my gas on that amount. There can be gas delivered in that time but you have to gauge it and plan accordingly.
Another important note on this. It is a VERY good idea to do a dry run once you get the generator. I do mean a dry run. Turn the house off at the breaker to simulate a power outage. You need to do this because things like house heating and AC will skew your test. This will give you a good idea of holes that you have missed in your plan, without the actual danger of having to deal with things that you missed.
EDIT: I run a Honda EU2200
I disagree with this advice. If the generator is not near the demands of the tank you will end up burning more gas and also need to keep more gas on hand because of that.And its better to buy a generator that is more than the tank needs.
I disagree with this advice. If the generator is not near the demands of the tank you will end up burning more gas and also need to keep more gas on hand because of that.
Having a bigger generator on hand might work for short outages but extended outages will cause you to burn through your reserves too quickly.
For me I need to hold 30 gallons of gas for about a week and a half of run time. I really don't want to have to hold more gas than that especially with the cost of gas and the fact that you need to cycle the gas so it doesn't go bad and yes I use conditioners for my gas.
The question will always be for how long.I guess its a matter of perspective. If I'm running a generator, it will cover my tanks and other essential items such as my furnace, refrigerator and allow me to keep devices charged.
I have had gas in my basement undisturbed for months at a time and I don't use any stabilizers. That is not the normal for me to store gas this long. If I hear of a storm coming I will go get gas so I have it on hand. If I think it's getting close to being no good I dumped it in my gas tank of my car. It will mix with the new gas and it will burn.I disagree with this advice. If the generator is not near the demands of the tank you will end up burning more gas and also need to keep more gas on hand because of that.
Having a bigger generator on hand might work for short outages but extended outages will cause you to burn through your reserves too quickly.
For me I need to hold 30 gallons of gas for about a week and a half of run time. I really don't want to have to hold more gas than that especially with the cost of gas and the fact that you need to cycle the gas so it doesn't go bad and yes I use conditioners for my gas.
Because I live where there are hurricanes and they knock out power for extended periods of time. I do not like having essentially a bomb in my garage with large amounts of gas. I am also now in an apartment and I REALLY don't like carrying gas for the generator here.I have had gas in my basement undisturbed for months at a time and I don't use any stabilizers. That is not the normal for me to store gas this long. If I hear of a storm coming I will go get gas so I have it on hand. If I think it's getting close to being no good I dumped it in my gas tank of my car. It will mix with the new gas and it will burn.
If your area is prone to power outages why wouldn't you get a bigger genny? Turn your lights on, turn your heater on, use the bathroom, cook, microwave, ect...
I would love to get a Generac and put it on the gas line. It is definitely hits you in the pocket book but if you can afford it is the bomb. When TX had the great freeze I was definitely jelous of the people with Generacs.My two cents....... if you're away for extended periods....like you work 8-10 hours a day, I'd consider a whole house generator. It comes on automatically and will cover the tank and running pretty much everything in your house. The only issue is you wallet to cover the couple thousand to have it installed.
If you're around, and are willing to do the gas thing, I'd have to agree that you get what you need. A large generator consumes gas, and when Sandy hit NJ, gas was an issue because the gas stations didn't have the power to pump gas. We were without power for over seven days, and lucky for me I have a load of cars that I was able to siphon the gas from.
I have a 90g tank (and don't actually know my power usage) and have a 3650 watt generator that ran my entire tank, refrigerator, boiler, television and a couple lights for over seven days.
These are factors that go into your generator decision.Yes id only be looking to keep it for a day or two
I wouldnt expect to be weeks without power as not normal for my location
Where you live does have an inpact on what you need.I would love to get a Generac and put it on the gas line. It is definitely hits you in the pocket book but if you can afford it is the bomb. When TX had the great freeze I was definitely jelous of the people with Generacs.
Gas is not a bomb, don't be afraid of it.
You need to better research. You should definitely fear and take precautions around gas ... IT IS DANGEROUS.The vapor burns and with a tight lid it is safe. Don't store it next to a heater.