Also, figure out what exactly you need to run, in the event of a power outage. IF you have natural gas or Propane already at your house spend the extra money and install one of those.
If you do not have a water well, you can probably get by with a 4500 watt gas generator.
The problem with gasoline generators is you need 10+ gallons of fuel to run it per day. Therefore, you need to have containers to HOLD 20+ gallons. The last time we had a major power outage here in NH there were only TWO gas stations that had power to run their pumps. The lines were a mile long at each.
If you have a propane or natural gas standby generator you do not have to worry about getting fuel to run it.
If you use oil to heat your home - buy a diesel generator.
You’ll have a 250 gallon tank of fuel in the basement ;)
I’m thinking if the grid goes down, natural gas in our house won’t work either?
Don't be so sure. There is a reason most fire marshals will not accept natural gas for the only fuel on a life safety generator. The supply system is very easy to shut off.
Good post, and speaks to the heart of the logistics problem when gasoline is not readily available.