Any recommendations for generators?
“Any recommendations for generators?”
Yes.
1. Buy something that is QUIET so your neighbors don’t hear it and try to steal it.
2. Have a professional install it *inside* your house with the exhaust routed out an inconspicuous place on your roof.
3. During a crisis be SURE to turn off your lights, radios, and etc. at night so no one can see that you have power.
4. Buy something that is fuel efficient and powerful enough to run your refrigerator and your well (if you have one) and then buy a second one as a backup.
5. Buy a large enough firearm with plenty of ammo to protect it.
forget it.
As soon as the sun goes down you will be a magnet for thieves and bandits. People do not go to sleep when it is 90 plus degrees inside their homes. They will go wandering about like the walking dead creating all kinds of mischief because there is nothing else to do in the dark when the power is out and you can’t sleep.
I'd think that a Diesel generator would be the way to go as it's easier and safer to store Diesel than gasoline).
I'm not sure how long the natural gas utilities will be supplying gas when the big one hits, but as long as you have a good supply of gas or propane, you might consider a generator powered by one (or more) of those fuels).
Redundancy or alternative power supplies would seem like a good idea.
I bought a diesel generator for a few reasons:
1. The fuel lasts far longer than gasoline while being stored.
2. No fussy electronic ignition components to deal with. (EMP?).
3. Diesels are inherently more efficient than gasoline generators as far as power produced per gallon.
4. A properly cared for diesel, due to its heavier construction, will last longer than a gasser.
Now the downside - Diesel generators are far more expensive than gassers and are harder to start when its cold. There are far fewer choices available as compared to gasoline models. They are louder as well (although my "silent" diesel is reasonably quiet).
As far as someone said up thread, if conditions are so bad that you have to worry about the zombies stealing it or taking over your place, it won't make much difference if it's gas or diesel. You'd better have lead, copper and steel available to protect it and your family.
Low speed, propane/gasoline dual fuel powered. Google “diesel generator Bangor, ME” for everything you need to know.
Get one. Know how to operate and maintain it.
A propane generator is your best bet. Most propane companies will install a large tank free...pay to have it filled and it will keep forever. Have them install a hook up for your generator and you have a source of power for a long time. Much better than gas that will go bad relatively quickly and will run out very quickly if the shtf.
Costco has a 12KW natural gas electrical generator for $2500, including auto-switch (power fails, it kicks on, all you see is lights flicker a few seconds). Makes me wonder how competitive its output is vs. standard electric power costs.