alt.energy.homepower

On Fri, 05 Oct 2007 18:56:20 GMT, B&B Musmon wrote:

>Thank Jeff for your response and your help. I am starting to think
>the whole idea is goofy. We have been talking about it and we are
>either going to do it with the 7KW installed generator or just do
>nothing and deal with each situation as it comes up, with the worst
>case scenario of going to a hotel for a night or two. The comments
>here have been quite helpful and really made me look at the folly of
>it all.

The problem with going to a motel - even if THEY have power - is that you're leaving
behind a very expensive hydronic heating system and the water system to freeze. One
good freeze is many times the cost of a generator.

I'd get a generator at least large enough to run your hydronic system, a few lights
and your refrigeration. A few extension cords can distribute the power. Then you'll
be ready for that freak storm like hit the southeast in 93. Power was out here for 9
days.

You really need to measure your loads instead of trying to rely on nameplate data. A
Kill-A-Watt (now under $19 on the web) is what you need. It'll tell you the exact
wattage each gadget draws. I'm betting that one of those cheap 3kw ChiCom made
generators that we've mentioned here so often will be more than enough.

I also suggest taking another look at either a catalytic or a ceramic surface burner
heater. Neither generate any fumes or CO. I've heated for years with a Reverb-e-ray
ceramic surface burner heater. Detroit radiant products is the maker.

John
--
John De Armond
See my website for my current email address

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