On 9/4/2011 3:44 PM, Brooklyn1 wrote:
> ImStillMags wrote:
>> Brooklyn1 wrote:
>>
>> You might consider a smaller generator, just big enough to run your
>> refrigerator and a couple of outlets so you
>> could recharge your phone or use the computer. Even though this was
>> the first long outage for you, you never know what is going on in the
>> future with all the changes in weather and climate that we are having.
>
> My land line wasn't out, for some reason the land line on this road
> still works when the electric is out. I don't have a cell phone but
> you can charge those with your automobile. I was curious about a
> generator for my fridge so I called the GE Helpline... they recommend
> 4,000-4,500 watts for all models due to the start load. Even a small
> portable generator just enough to run the fridge only costs over $500,
> a good quality one more like $800. Some of my neighbors had those
> things running all day, they're extremely noisy so they would out of
> courtesy shut them off at night... but still they burned about ten
> gallons of gas in about 16 hours... they really only needed those
> generators because they have full chest freezers, I consider chest
> freezers asinine. I really don't want to store like 50 gallons of gas
> for a prolonged emergency and have to constantly change it lest it go
> bad, so a portable generator is an option I won't entertain, I'd
> rather lose a $100 worth of meat, especially with the price of gas
> today... and it makes no sense to have a generator without enough fuel
> on hand to run it for at least 4-5 days. I looked at portable diesel
> generators too, but those cost more and also burn about 10-15 gallons
> a day. I considered a propane stand-by system and still haven't
> totally dismissed it but I'd need a 20 kilo watt unit, about $5,000
> plus installation, that can cost about as much as the unit. Before I
> spring for $10,000 someone will have to convince me that I can't live
> without a PC and TV for a few hours/days... heck, it costs nearly
> $100/year just to maintain the thing even if never used.

Sheldon... look at http://tinyurl.com/3bka84r

This unit is less than $2200, installation shouldn't cost more than $300
at most. it runs on either natural gas or LP so you don't have to worry
about fuel storage. Yearly maintenance is next to $0. Low fuel
consumption and only 62 decibels.

I'm not saying you should get one... but if I were living in a rural
area like you do, I would seriously consider it.

Of course, if i were in a rural area like you, I would also consider
wind and solar power.... but that is another subject.

George L