maggiemuggins
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posted on September 7, 2005 11:00:27 AM new
I'm trying to find some information on generators. Wonder if anyone has any advice they could give me? I will need one large enough to run the air conditioning and the well pump and refrigerator...not necessarily all at the same time of course.
Since none are available in Miss or La..I'll probably have to purchase one here in NC...and ship it in...
Any advice on gas generators large enough for our needs would be appreciated.. Thanks MM
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fenix03
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posted on September 7, 2005 11:17:23 AM new
Mags - it costs 4.95 to register for a month but I would suggest ConsumerReports.org to find the right maker/model. Also, check UPS and Fed-Ex ground to see if you zip code is in one of the zones they are currently delivering to. Once you know if you can get items shipped and what model you should be able to find something. if you want, post the maker or models you are looking for here. I'm sure there are a couple or posters here that would be more than happy to help you with price comparisons (make sure you give us destination zip too).
~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~
An intelligent deaf-mute is better than an ignorant person who can speak.
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kraftdinner
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posted on September 7, 2005 11:42:24 AM new
Maggie, although you might not use it much, get a Honda generator. They'll never let you down and you'll get a good resale value if you sell it. They're not the cheapest but they're the best, imo.
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chimpchamp
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posted on September 7, 2005 11:48:54 AM new
Maggie, first of all make sure you have an adequate supply and source of gasoline to run the generator(s).
I would suggest a separate one for the well to keep water pressure up. The size will depend on how far the well is from your house to pump it through the pipes.
The one for your house to hook up to central A/C will need to be very powerful, thus very expensive and noisy. The noise can drive you and your babies insane over extended use.
Can you create one room with a window unit a/c? maybe a lamp or two and a fan to sleep and hang out in?
You can also use the same "house" generator to run your washer and dryer. You will need to do the laundry without pulling anything else. Otherwise you can burn out compressors and motors by not having enough amps.
Do you have a gas stove and water heater or other appliances?
Are you familar with Stuart Irby or Irby electrical and lighting Company, headquartered in Jackson, Mississippi? They have a 1-800 phone number and can help you determine the generator sizes you will need for your well and house use. They don't sell generators any longer but they have the knowledge you are seeking.
All the Best Maggie!
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chimpchamp
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posted on September 7, 2005 11:56:58 AM new
Maggie, Kraftdinner is right. You probably don't have UPS or FedEx service to your area. They are on indefinte suspension.
You may have to pay for truck freight. There do seem to be generators coming into Home Depots, Wal Marts and other stores in the Jackson area. You could purchase there and then drive them down to your place.
Since you are requiring long term use, I would buy new and from a reputable retailer.
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Helenjw
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posted on September 7, 2005 12:05:18 PM new
As chimpchamp mentioned, noise may be a big consideration for you. The Honda that KD suggested is less noisy than most and more expensive, of course. We let the neighbors plug into ours so they don't complain about noise. 
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dadofstickboy
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posted on September 7, 2005 12:26:11 PM new
I have a 3500 Watt Honda.
It's Enough to run the whole house-less Range at one time.
If you have the capital go bigger and you'll not be sorry.
3500 Watt is like a household starting point.
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piinthesky
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posted on September 7, 2005 12:26:15 PM new
Maggie, i suggest that you look into getting a propane powered generator, for a couple of reasons. They run cooler, are less noisy and propane in your area might be more available than gasoline and maybe less expensive.
A good one to look at would be one made by Onan. Onan makes generators primarilly for RV use but i know that they also have larger types for running a house and i'm not sure but they might also have generators that are dual powered, gasoline and propane.
http://www.onan.com/onan/homestandbygenerators/generatorHome.jsp
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dadofstickboy
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posted on September 7, 2005 12:33:39 PM new
When buying a generator they go by: Watts.
You can figure what you need by taking Wattage readings off all motors,appliances,and light bulbs,etc.
Add them together and that's your total Watt need.
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maggiemuggins
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posted on September 7, 2005 12:34:44 PM new
Thanks for all the good advice.
I am going to talk to an electrician tonight, and ask about the amps and what I will need.. The well is probably 60 feet from the house, Chimpchamp.
The idea of putting just a window air unit is a great one, instead of trying to run the central air. As far as noise.. it will only be me that hears it.. all the immediate neighbors homes are destroyed..and the nearest neighbor still there is a good distance from us.
We will need a good one.. so I'm sure the cost will be up there.
I was thinking about buying one here in NC and having the son-in-law, drive it down to our place...we should have bought one years ago...what with a couple of hurricanes every year and all..
Many thanks again all.. for the help.
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maggiemuggins
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posted on September 7, 2005 12:38:06 PM new
Was posting at the same time Dad and Pi, thanks again.. You've given me something to go on.. Maggie
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stopwhining
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posted on September 7, 2005 01:45:47 PM new
Costco has a few models for sale,check their website.
-sig file -------
Eat grass,kick ass,never go belly up!
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colin
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posted on September 7, 2005 03:56:51 PM new
here's a couple links to some info that may help you. I would want to have atleast 5500 watts. honda's are great but expensive. Coleman makes several decent, reasonably priced units
Northern tool is a good place to buy but there are others that may be cheaper that will do you fine.
http://www.northerntool.com/catalog/buyersguides/generators/
http://members.tripod.com/~masterslic/FAQ-2/20.html
Amen,
Reverend Colin
http://www.reverendcolin.com
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Bear1949
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posted on September 7, 2005 05:35:25 PM new
Maggie, depending on what you will be running at the time, get a larger generator(say a 10kw) than you think you will ever need. Better to have too much wattage than not enough.
The power line to the house will need to be capable of carrying the load. Your electrician will probably suggest a 10 guage or larger wire size.
If you want convience, install a transfer switch. This will block the power you generator is producing from flowing back into the downed grid (basically it isolates you house from all the others) and is installed close to the breaker box.
A duel fuel (gasoline & propane) ELECTRIC START generator is also a good idea. Twisting a key to start the generator is easier that yanking on a starter rope.
Another good option is a generator with a low oil cut off switch. If the oil level drops while the generator is running the pressure switch will shut it down before major damage is done to the engine.
I gave my liberal neighbors son a book for his birthday. He went crazy trying to find where to put the batteries.
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piinthesky
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posted on September 7, 2005 05:49:47 PM new
Maggie, here's another generator that's powered on beans and it's great excersise too. You can probably run this one and post on the internet at the same time. 
http://www.econvergence.net/electro.htm
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maggiemuggins
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posted on September 7, 2005 06:01:56 PM new
Thanks so much everybody! I have printed out what you all have suggested...I didn't realize how much there was to know about these things..I'm hoping to spend 2000.00 max so that may limit my choices..
Pi.. thanks for the giggle.. LOL
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WashingtoneBayer
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posted on September 7, 2005 06:03:03 PM new
You would probably get a better deal on one around there, I have a feeling the closer you get home the higher the price.
Just get the best you can afford and on this item you don't want to skrimp. Dad is correct you would need an idea of total wattage. Look at your last electric bill that would give you an idea.
Ron
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stopwhining
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posted on September 7, 2005 06:25:44 PM new
what is wrong with just sitting in the dark and meditate and fast??
-sig file -------
Eat grass,kick ass,never go belly up!
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maggiemuggins
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posted on September 7, 2005 06:39:09 PM new
Lol.. Stop.. the sitting in the dark, the meditating, and even the fasting I might be able to take.. but the 96 degrees and no water to drink or to take a shower.. for a couple of months...that would be a problem.
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Bear1949
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posted on September 7, 2005 06:56:52 PM new
what is wrong with just sitting in the dark and meditate and fast??
That's what happened to CF/Mingo & look at the results.
I gave my liberal neighbors son a book for his birthday. He went crazy trying to find where to put the batteries.
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Bear1949
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posted on September 7, 2005 06:59:29 PM new
Magie, here is a good source of generators. I have purchased from them in the past with good results.
http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CatDsp?storeId=6970&N=36
and they have retail stores in NC:
http://www.northerntool.com/retailstores/storelocations/ncarolina.htm
I gave my liberal neighbors son a book for his birthday. He went crazy trying to find where to put the batteries.
[ edited by Bear1949 on Sep 7, 2005 07:02 PM ]
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fred
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posted on September 7, 2005 08:34:58 PM new
maggie, make sure you know what you want to run off your Generator. Lights the least watts used. Refrigerator, water pumps, air-conditioners, stoves, central air, furnace and heat pumps. Each unit requires four times the wattage of the unit, for start up each time it comes on anything less is unsafe. a 5000 watt will run 3 lights and a refrigerator safely
Last Jan. I bought home unit generator from Home depot, had it installed by them to run my complete house. It runs off propane. That was during an Ice Storm. Our area was declared a National Emergency by President Bush. F.E.M.A. paid $17,000 of $18,259 of what I had paid for it.
The unit will Automatic disconnect the main power source from the breaker box and start. Power will flow through breaker box from the generator. When power is restored it will sense the restored power and shut down, and reconnect the power source.
Should you buy a portable Generator make sure to keep your receipt. F.E.M.A. will pay for most of it. If your Gen. Is hooked to the house, make sure each breaker that is not used is flipped off at the house breaker box. Also flip the breaker off for the main power source. If the Main power line is not disconnected it will flow out nail some unsuspecting Electrical worker.
The best Portable Gen. with the most surge power comes from Sears.
Fred
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profe51
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posted on September 7, 2005 09:16:40 PM new
Sorry to be late. I have an 8000 watt Honda tri-fuel generator. It runs on propane, natural gas, or gasoline, although I have it permanently connected to my propane tank. It is ridiculously dependable. Mine is an auto start model. It will run all my house lights and the fridge and big freezer. You might want to consider a bi or tri fuel model, in case you have shortages you can switch fuels.
You mentioned your well pump. Is your water safe? From what I'm hearing about the contamination in your area, I'd say a well test is in order, your well can't be very deep....
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Fue por lana y salió trasquilado...
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