> #917 8k generator is too small to run our place. Electric dryer, hot water heater, well, forced air furnance a/c, chest freezer...
That electric hot water heater is the culprit. Both the starting and running wattage for that is around 4,500! (https://energytoday.biz/blog/how-big-of-a-generator-do-i-need-to-run-my-whole-house). Both my hot water heater and furnace is propane.
I’ll be running my entire house on an 8k generator. That may or may not include the central A/C unit I’m going to be getting.
This includes my sump pump, refrigerator, freezer, well pump, furnace, lights, computers (1 desktop and 2 laptops), I could even run my pool pump. The entire house. Stove is gas as well.
There would be a scheduled time for the running of our electric clothes dryer (6750 starting, 4500 running watts). Even something like a microwave is 1500 running watts.
I just need to be smart about it. Generators, especially fixed whole house generators are getting very rare. The only thing they had left was WAY more than I needed, it would have been a waste to operate it. To get one people need to really dial in how much wattage they use and not underpower their house (bad stuff happens) nor overpower their house (you’re wasting money on the unit and fueling it).
-SB
SLIDE WARNING:
I plan to heat water on my rocket stove, hang laundry on a clothes line. I have battery operated fans and a solar charger for the batteries. Fireplace for heat-might need to run the fan on the insert.
Main need is to pump well water, and run oxygen condenser. All else is nice to have, but depends on cost of the whole thing.
I have a 3000 watt portable generator for situations where I may be without power for extended periods. Enough to run a fridge, lamp, PC, charge the phones, and maybe a smaller, low wattage microwave.
It is only a 120 volt model, and I would need to run extension cords in through a window, but adequate for short term use.
“Generators, especially fixed whole house generators are getting very rare. The only thing they had left was WAY more than I needed...”
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Indeed. I recently bought a quasi-classic antique tractor to restore and use for chores. Figured it would be THE perfect set up as a power source for a PTO shaft drive generator in the 10 to 15kW range. “Out of stock” is what you see when scoping out these units on line.
This is the key to any power conservation in an emergency: calculate each item used and keep track of total power {wattage} consumption - ration. It is unwise to run consumption too close to total capacity.
***an 8k generator. That may or may not include the central A/C unit I’m going to be getting***
The technology is advancing in this category of consumption but I have doubts that a central air unit will operate on that system, certainly not with many other appliances or devices running at least. Usual consumption 3.5 - 18 killowatts - depending on the size of the unit. Starting wattage is higher.
The other issue with household backup power is whether you incorporate auto 'start' with a power failure... requires regular starting and testing of the transfer switch and generator starter mechanism. Any household equipment operating at that time may or may not require a 're-start'. Talk to a hospital emergency power system engineer/technician.
Without instant transfer it is probably best to turn off all heavy power usage devices and start the generator manually. [I wonder if an 8kw generator requires a stout arm. :) ]