At some point I would like to get a Generator, if not whole house, at least to be able to occasionally run the freezer and refrigerator and charge phones and things.
I think one problem we will be having very soon are electrical transformers. How many of those were blown out in this storm. The large ones used in substations are manufactured in China and are already on taking 5-6 months to deliver.
These temps are fine. When it gets below 10 degrees, and the power goes out, it’s just as much a problem as it is when it’s high 90’s. Winter storms here can be dangerous in that regard.
When we bought this house, we noticed that one of the previous owners had invested in a transfer plug/switch from 4 breakers, so when we remodeled our kitchen, our contractor was an electrical guy too, so he helped us figure out which circuits to put on the plug for the generator. So we chose the blower for the heater, one ceiling fan for air circulation, 2 outlets, the microwave, and the fridge. Like I said, creature comforts. We have a wood burning fireplace and can still bring sleeping bags/ blankets into the family room if that’s ever necessary.
Eventually I’d like to have the washer and dryer available, so we are moving towards a whole house automatic generator. Because we live in a very wooded area, we have pretty frequent power outages. Usually they are resolved in less than 12 hours, but they happen several times a year. I think this is our second power outage for 2025, and I expect we will get more. It happens every couple of months. Right now it’s been 18 hours.
As I just typed that, the power suddenly came back on! Time for me to go turn off the generator.