Hubby occasionally needed one on the job, so he had bought one many years ago, and about 8 years ago decided to upgrade to a Honda.
Shortly after, my Dad had a stroke and came to live with us. We have frequent short-term and occasional longer power outages in our state. This truly was a life saver. During an extended power outage at the hottest time of the year, we were able to run his oxygen machine, 2 room air conditioners, his TV and the refrigerators and freezer.
We had the necessities covered as well as comfort. The hospital was over-run by people who needed Oxygen, because they didn’t have enough back-up tanks at home, and no way to power the machine either.
The original purchase decision was a struggle because the need was so infrequent that he could have justed rented one on the rare occasion it was needed for the job. Having one during an emergency more than made up for it though.
I keep thinking I'll regret not having one, but I've had that thought for about five years running. There's always a more urgent need for the money. Plus, the weather has been so mild, hot and dry and not given any reminders or reasons to get one.
On the other hand, that next could hit next week. I remember a freak storm in Phoenix that hit my area and killed power for a week. It happens. And, obama happened twice.
I figure inflation's coming and I may not be able to buy one later with my deflated dollars. On sale right now, I could get two 2000 watt Hondas or buy a 1 oz. gold Buffalo and a few ounces of silver or do nothing. Hard to know which would be better at this point.