Advice on Generators

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My inlaws have a whole house generator (Generac) ... it runs all their lights, furnace, ac, and all major appliances except the dishwasher and washing machine. We stayed with them for 4 days after the Derecho disaster. It was really nice. They did have to get permits, and multiple inspections ... I think my FIL said it was about 12K (but they have a really small house). They are in their late 70's so I'm glad they have it. It is super loud outside their house, so their neighbors aren't so happy - they have invited them over but if I lived next door I don't think I would be happy either.

My New Orleans friends post-Katrina got a Generac 20kW whole house, the only way to go IMO (who wants to look for gasoline for your generator if there's a multi =day shutdown?). Generac is the only mfr. that uses/has engines made for generator use, which is a unique application. Prices for the 20kW which is also what is sized for our 3500 sf house, running almost everything but dual ovens in kitchen, range from $10-15k installed.

You'll have to maintain it, change oil, etc., and should get a service agreement because if you have a problem during an outage when you need it most, your dealer is going to be so busy that only service agreement customers will be attended to.