Getting a Generac whole house generator installed

[JRD77VET]

Since my wife and I are both getting close to retirement, we decided to get a Generac whole house generator. We're out in the country enough that when the electric goes out, it might be as short as six hours or days ( it was a week during Hurricane Floyd )

24K generator (propane) ,automatic switching and with installation will be $11K.

Since he suggested two 100 gallon tanks minimum, I stopped at our propane dealer/supplier to see about an extra 120 gallon vertical tank. I got the song and dance about how they don't make any money on those tanks and therefore they charge $5000 for a tank, first fill and installation. He's nucking futz. ( I think it's more of a "I don't want to do that job price) :kick:

I called Nolt's Propane in New Holland and they have a brand new tank for $800. I will gladly drive 50 miles this weekend to pay a reasonable price.

Installation is scheduled for Nov 21.

[Stangkiller]

Nice, I have the 24kw Generac…my two cents hard wire thermostat interrupts into the transfer switch rather than relying on the SMM’s….its cheaper and more reliable that way. Also there were a lot of failures of the 24kw but far fewer 26kw failures during Beryl…something with the brush failing prematurely.

[JRD77VET]

Dave ( owner and guy who quoted ) said the 24K was more heavy duty ( larger stator ) the 22K and it was $500 more. Good value in my eyes.

I will mention that to him and see what he thinks ( I'm a machinist and out of my area of expertise )

[NEED-A-VETTE]

I am jealous. That’s my next big (planned) home improvement purchase.

[JRD77VET]

I am jealous. That’s my next big (planned) home improvement purchase.

Part of this expenditure is my wife's "night vision" basically sucks. Last time the electric went out, she misjudged the top step and took a "header" down the stairs.

Luckily she only ended up sore and looked like a raccoon ( two black eyes) . This will be a good investment in her safety. :angel:

[markids77]

I am jealous. That’s my next big (planned) home improvement purchase.

After 3 days without power after Helene we were thinking along that line as well... until it came to price. Yes, it got to be 85 degrees in the house, and yes we lost about 200 dollars worth of groceries after 2 days of eating from the freezer; BUT we have city water and sewer, and 11K buys not only a pile of groceries but a new fridge or 3 as well.
We have canned and freeze dried supplies for 14 days in stock at all times and I store 50 gallons of tap water plus bottles in advance of any named storm. 2 tanks for the grill and we're good to go for awhile. I put her insulin in a separate small Yeti which maintains below 50 degrees for a week at a time.
Of course, if we required power for medical reasons it would be a no brainer.

[Big bob]

I have two places on propane. Both have 500 gallon tanks one I own and one I rent for $37 a year from the propane company. Ask around i see used tanks usually a buck a gallon.:seasix:

[mrvette]

Part of this expenditure is my wife's "night vision" basically sucks. Last time the electric went out, she misjudged the top step and took a "header" down the stairs.

Luckily she only ended up sore and looked like a raccoon ( two black eyes) . This will be a good investment in her safety. :angel:

I can understand a basement for maybe 1/2 the house....maybe...BUT a 2000' house is plenty for most anyone to live in, unless more than 3 kids....after THAT all bets are off.....:dance: and obviously single floor/slab.....

I remember my sister moving in with mom, after dad's passing, because out in the 'country' and if anything happened, house could burn down and no one notice, untill it was over with.....:issues:

[Nox]

Part of this expenditure is my wife's "night vision" basically sucks. Last time the electric went out, she misjudged the top step and took a "header" down the stairs.

Luckily she only ended up sore and looked like a raccoon ( two black eyes) . This will be a good investment in her safety. :angel:

And interestingly enough, your generator costs about the same as a great set of white phosphor Gen III AN/PVS-14 night vision goggles.

[JRD77VET]

I have two places on propane. Both have 500 gallon tanks one I own and one I rent for $37 a year from the propane company. Ask around.:seasix:

My current propane provider has great prices on propane but judging by their pricing, it's something they don't want to do unless "paid very well".

I did ask them straight out about going elsewhere to purchase my own tank and they said that's what they recommend.

They also said to get an ASME rated tank instead of a DOT tank.

[markids77]

Also of course it never is truly "winter" here........

[Swany00]

call around, a lot of propane companies have a "generator package". We have 2x 250 gallon propane tanks, 1 is dedicated for the generator. I rent the tanks, $201 a year.

The longest we were out of power was 3 days and it didn't use much propane (maybe about 20% of the 80% in the tank).

Seriously one of the best investments with all the rolling brownouts we've had.

[JRD77VET]

call around, a lot of propane companies have a "generator package". We have 2x 250 gallon propane tanks, 1 is dedicated for the generator. I rent the tanks, $201 a year.

The longest we were out of power was 3 days and it didn't use much propane (maybe about 20% of the 80% in the tank).

Seriously one of the best investments with all the rolling brownouts we've had.

Using your pricing on renting a tank, it would be paid off in four years.

[Big bob]

I just edited.....I find used tanks for a buck a gallon and I would not go under 500 for a generator.

[markids77]

And interestingly enough, your generator costs about the same as a great set of white phosphor Gen III AN/PVS-14 night vision goggles.

Are the newer units better with depth perception/depth of field? Negotiating stairs requires vision in 3D.....

[DDSLT5]

Got a Kohler 24 KW - whole house and garage. Good to go!

[99 pewtercoupe]

Got a Kohler 24 KW - whole house and garage. Good to go!

Generac 24W here. I have got to the place in life where I would rather go ahead and spend the money to be comfortable.

[LATB]

Generac 24W here. I have got to the place in life where I would rather go ahead and spend the money to be comfortable.

That’s the route we are going with the new farmhouse.
Generac. Propane.
The generator will be in place and operational before we move in.

[DAB]

What is the consumption rate? Gal of propane/hour at full load?

[LATB]

What is the consumption rate? Gal of propane/hour at full load?

Probably 2 gallons per hour.

[JRD77VET]

What is the consumption rate? Gal of propane/hour at full load?

Generac says 2.5 gal/hr at 1/2 load

[Yadkin]

I did the calculations and can get away with a 13kva generator easily. I use propane for heat and no need for AC. The smaller generator will use less fuel under low load, where it will run most of the time, so will run longer with my existing 330 gallon buried tank.

[ricks327]

Had a 24kw Generac installed end of August and at that time the incentive was an extra 5 year warranty for a total of 10 years. Price was $11,700 which they included a whole house surge protection, oil heater and the 1st year tuneup. The kicker was that our natural gas meter needed to be upgraded and Consumers Power nicks you for $640.

[DAB]

4 days is 96 hours. Say 5gal/ hr, that’s 500 gal.

Mind you, they only fill a 500 gal tank 80% full, so only 400 gal. Would not count on refills for 2 weeks.

[LATB]

4 days is 96 hours. Say 5gal/ hr, that’s 500 gal.

Mind you, they only fill a 500 gal tank 80% full, so only 400 gal. Would not count on refills for 2 weeks.

Most time probably would not be a full load. But yes keeping the tank filled can be a challenge after a storm.

[Tikiman]

4 days is 96 hours. Say 5gal/ hr, that’s 500 gal.

Mind you, they only fill a 500 gal tank 80% full, so only 400 gal. Would not count on refills for 2 weeks.

My gas company fills my 500-gallon tank to 90% because it's buried. Guy told me that if it were above ground, he would only take it to 80%.

[slewfoot]

Are the newer units better with depth perception/depth of field? Negotiating stairs requires vision in 3D.....


I remember flying with those things in the Army. Depth Perception was a problem for a while until you got it down. Coming in for a landing, I thought was about......and boom, touchdown!:D

[Yadkin]

Most time probably would not be a full load. But yes keeping the tank filled can be a challenge after a storm.

I plan to turn mine off at night.

[Onebadcad]

When is harris giving these away??

[99 pewtercoupe]

My gas company fills my 500-gallon tank to 90% because it's buried. Guy told me that if it were above ground, he would only take it to 80%.

Our tank is buried but the gas company will not fill to more than 80%

[MadInNc]

24kw Generac, $14k all in. Won’t live wo one

[6spdC6]

Our propane supply company is good taking care of people with generators.
They keep a current list and if at all possible come earlier to keep your tank high. We also have gas heat and hot water!

What we are told to do by the gas company is to call in and tell the staff if you have a long generator run. (We had major bad weather in July and were off street power for over 30 hours) They will adjust their algorithms and come by much sooner. FWIW most serious generator runs is the worst part of winter, seeing -20F is SOP!

Depending on the weather and my tank level I will cycle the genny myself if the situation warrants, So far I have been able to let the generator do its own thing, only times I shut it down was during a long run was to check/add oil.

[MY03C5Z]

Since my wife and I are both getting close to retirement, we decided to get a Generac whole house generator. We're out in the country enough that when the electric goes out, it might be as short as six hours or days ( it was a week during Hurricane Floyd )

24K generator (propane) ,automatic switching and with installation will be $11K.

Since he suggested two 100 gallon tanks minimum, I stopped at our propane dealer/supplier to see about an extra 120 gallon vertical tank. I got the song and dance about how they don't make any money on those tanks and therefore they charge $5000 for a tank, first fill and installation. He's nucking futz. ( I think it's more of a "I don't want to do that job price) :kick:

I called Nolt's Propane in New Holland and they have a brand new tank for $800. I will gladly drive 50 miles this weekend to pay a reasonable price.

Installation is scheduled for Nov 21.


New Holland got my attention. How’s it going neighbor….Im in the Morgantown PA area. :seasix:

[Datawiz]

Definitely one of our next home improvement projects. :yesnod:

[Unsuspicious]

I have enough battery powered lights to light up the house probably for months. The fridge and HVAC then would be the only systems benefitting from a generator, but cooling is not a survival necessity, and heating with portable propane heaters is cheap. A dead fridge would only cost me maybe $50 worth of groceries.
So how many nights in a hotel could you get for the cost of that generator instead?

[owc6]

We live pretty rurally, and depend on electricity for our well, so water is a concern in a long-term scenario, so we got one.

We have two big tanks, but even so, I would not run it more than a few days in order to conserve propane. I would can up the contents of the freezers, and then depend on the generator only for water.

to the OP: I would plan on bigger tank size than just the 200 gal. you mentioned. That would not last long, IMO.

112701

[09CTSV]

We will have the Vehicle to Home system. This along with Solar we should be able to go about 20 days without power before we would need to run a generator.
Oh and we would have plenty of hot meals during the time without recharging.

[Mike Mercury]

I had those propane tanks that can go up against a building. The max size was 120gal (filled to 100 gal each); you could go with two of them with an automatic switchover setup.

I finally replaced all that with a 250gal buried tank. Much better :yesnod:

[NEED-A-VETTE]

After 3 days without power after Helene we were thinking along that line as well... until it came to price. Yes, it got to be 85 degrees in the house, and yes we lost about 200 dollars worth of groceries after 2 days of eating from the freezer; BUT we have city water and sewer, and 11K buys not only a pile of groceries but a new fridge or 3 as well.
We have canned and freeze dried supplies for 14 days in stock at all times and I store 50 gallons of tap water plus bottles in advance of any named storm. 2 tanks for the grill and we're good to go for awhile. I put her insulin in a separate small Yeti which maintains below 50 degrees for a week at a time.
Of course, if we required power for medical reasons it would be a no brainer.

Last year when we got 100 inches of snow in a 7-10 day period (freakish, 100 year blizzard) I didn’t lose power. But I learned real quick that no one is coming for you for a while, so don’t even expect it. :funny: It took about 6 days for them to even plow my road.

Luckily, I was fully prepared. I have a walk-in pantry that is fully stocked all the time. Stand alone freezer in the garage and a second refrigerator (also in the garage). I have this weird, closet-type room in my garage that I use for cases of water, some bulk canned goods from my Costco trips, etc. So, I have all that covered all the time.

Since I work from home 99% of the time, I want the whole house generator. I have two portable generators now but I want the convenience of the whole house generator. I’m not getting any younger and those things are a b*tch to drag around. :funny:

Also, I’m about to pull the trigger on Starlink soon. I don’t plan to dump spectrum just yet. But I’m curious how Starlink performs against traditional Internet. Plus, it will be an option if my Internet goes down. One of my employees lives in a rural area and relies solely on Starlink. She loves it; no issues.

I can be snowed in for a month and you all can’t get rid of me. :leaving:

[JRD77VET]

................

I can be snowed in for a month and you all can’t get rid of me. :leaving:

:grouphug:

Good plan. I would image in a week or so you can get "real life" experience with Starlink from the folks in NC :angel:

[KenHorse]

Last year when we got 100 inches of snow in a 7-10 day period (freakish, 100 year blizzard) I didn’t lose power. But I learned real quick that no one is coming for you for a while, so don’t even expect it. :funny: It took about 6 days for them to even plow my road.

Luckily, I was fully prepared. I have a walk-in pantry that is fully stocked all the time. Stand alone freezer in the garage and a second refrigerator (also in the garage). I have this weird, closet-type room in my garage that I use for cases of water, some bulk canned goods from my Costco trips, etc. So, I have all that covered all the time.

Since I work from home 99% of the time, I want the whole house generator. I have two portable generators now but I want the convenience of the whole house generator. I’m not getting any younger and those things are a b*tch to drag around. :funny:

Also, I’m about to pull the trigger on Starlink soon. I don’t plan to dump spectrum just yet. But I’m curious how Starlink performs against traditional Internet. Plus, it will be an option if my Internet goes down. One of my employees lives in a rural area and relies solely on Starlink. She loves it; no issues.

I can be snowed in for a month and you all can’t get rid of me. :leaving:

FWIW, can't VNC using Starlink

[LilRedCorvette]

I am jealous. That’s my next big (planned) home improvement purchase.

Definitely one of our next home improvement projects. :yesnod:

:iagree: Added to my long list of HI projects as well. :seasix:

[NEED-A-VETTE]

FWIW, can't VNC using Starlink

Good to know. Shouldn’t be an issue, though. :cheers:

[JRD77VET]

I traveled to Nolt's Propane in New Holland and purchased my propane tank. Took about one hour and 20 minutes thru nice country.

Since Rough and Tumble in Kinzers PA was only 20 minutes away, I spent so time there and ran my 1899 Olds hit and miss engine ( last show of the season, the Time of Harvest show)

Took the tank home and unloaded it. It weighs 320 lbs empty so it was easy to unload since my trailer tilts.

Good day and now we're all set for when they install. :seasix:

[MadInNc]

I traveled to Nolt's Propane in New Holland and purchased my propane tank. Took about one hour and 20 minutes thru nice country.

Since Rough and Tumble in Kinzers PA was only 20 minutes away, I spent so time there and ran my 1899 Olds hit and miss engine ( last show of the season, the Time of Harvest show)

Took the tank home and unloaded it. It weighs 320 lbs empty so it was easy to unload since my trailer tilts.

Good day and now we're all set for when they install. :seasix:

I think of the Whole House Gen as Insurance. It protects ya.

My case was before I bought mine I had over 70+ outages over 3 yr's. Since Generac installed ~ 1 yr ago I think 3. I do sleep better now anf don't even mind the weekly test. Actually look forward to it now

[owc6]

I think of the Whole House Gen as Insurance. It protects ya.

My case was before I bought mine I had over 70+ outages over 3 yr's. Since Generac installed ~ 1 yr ago I think 3. I do sleep better now anf don't even mind the weekly test. Actually look forward to it now

Wed. at noon 5 min. :dance:

[ricks327]

Saturday at noon.:hurray:

[6spdC6]

I think of the Whole House Gen as Insurance. It protects ya.

My case was before I bought mine I had over 70+ outages over 3 yr's. Since Generac installed ~ 1 yr ago I think 3. I do sleep better now anf don't even mind the weekly test. Actually look forward to it now

Wed. at noon 5 min. :dance:

Too short of a run time, your not running the engine up hot enough. Ten is better and mine is set to do 12. Hits at 2pm every Wednesday! ( A great sound)
Think of this is like starting your winter stored car every couple weeks for a few minutes.(Do not do that)

[owc6]

Too short of a run time, your not running the engine up hot enough. Ten is better and mine is set to do 12. Hits at 2pm every Wednesday! ( A great sound)
Think of this is like starting your winter stored car every couple weeks for a few minutes.(Do not do that)

That was the recommended time and interval by the Generac guy. :shrug: You make sense, though.

[Big bob]

I think of the Whole House Gen as Insurance. It protects ya.

My case was before I bought mine I had over 70+ outages over 3 yr's. Since Generac installed ~ 1 yr ago I think 3. I do sleep better now anf don't even mind the weekly test. Actually look forward to it now


I have had many good laughs in the many years I have had them going from peaceful nature to watching a poor unexpected victims jump out of their skin. :leaving:

[Onebadcad]

Okay, just thought this through.
Owed two homes in Broward County since 1993, current one for 24 years.
Only lost power for for more than a few hours once, Wilma, 2005, end of October.
Five days outage, was cooler than most days, so only cooking and water was issue.

May not be cost justified for me, the original cheap bastage.

[Big bob]

It does seem as soon as you install one the need is drastically reduced. :confused5:

[GTOguy]

I think the plan to further the agenda of the left to make us a third world country is for most of us to be off-grid capable so that they can further dismantle the grid. I know a lot of suburban people that have bought generators.
I'll burn old tires first if I'm still living in town.

If I go rural, I'll be totally off grid if I can.

[Tikiman]

I think the plan to further the agenda of the left to make us a third world country is for most of us to be off-grid capable so that they can further dismantle the grid. I know a lot of suburban people that have bought generators.
I'll burn old tires first if I'm still living in town.

If I go rural, I'll be totally off grid if I can.


I only do that on Earth Day. Pro tip - five gallons of diesel fuel really gets them going.

[owc6]

I only do that on Earth Day. Pro tip - five gallons of diesel fuel really gets them going.

They do that in Juarez all winter long.

[JRD77VET]

Okay, just thought this through.
Owed two homes in Broward County since 1993, current one for 24 years.
Only lost power for for more than a few hours once, Wilma, 2005, end of October.
Five days outage, was cooler than most days, so only cooking and water was issue.

May not be cost justified for me, the original cheap bastage.

The last time our electric went out, my wife misplaced her foot at the top step and fell.

She was ok ( other than sore and black eyes) but I am not willing to take that chance.

This is money well spent.

[Craig]

Near as I can tell, the best way to be sure you’ll never need one…is to have one. We got hit by a “small” tornado six years ago, power was out for about a day. My neighbor two doors down put in a generator and we haven’t lost power on our street for more than 30 minutes since.

[owc6]

Near as I can tell, the best way to be sure you’ll never need one…is to have one. We got hit by a “small” tornado six years ago, power was out for about a day. My neighbor two doors down put in a generator and we haven’t lost power on our street for more than 30 minutes since.

Was this a lesson on having a neighbor upon whom you can mooch? Your use of "we" is quite telling.

So when the power goes out again, are you relying on your neighbor to "save you," give you water? What?

You and your family is not his concern. You and your family is your concern.

Frankly, Generators are wayyyyyyyy down on the list of things to spend money on for unforseen or foretold situations where all is not roses and honeysuckle .

These times are coming, but there are so many things that need to be in place before a Generac.

[Unsuspicious]

Exactly, whole house generator because someone didn't have a flashlight the last time is quite drastic. But eh, the only downside is money I guess.

[Vette40th]

Part of this expenditure is my wife's "night vision" basically sucks. Last time the electric went out, she misjudged the top step and took a "header" down the stairs.

Luckily she only ended up sore and looked like a raccoon ( two black eyes) . This will be a good investment in her safety. :angel:
That sucks. Maybe get some LED strip lights for the stairs etc.. I am sure they some sort of lights available, maybe even some that turn on when you walk into an area. Floor strips, or glow in the dark strips?

[Frankie the Fink]

After 3 days without power after Helene we were thinking along that line as well... until it came to price. Yes, it got to be 85 degrees in the house, and yes we lost about 200 dollars worth of groceries after 2 days of eating from the freezer; BUT we have city water and sewer, and 11K buys not only a pile of groceries but a new fridge or 3 as well.
We have canned and freeze dried supplies for 14 days in stock at all times and I store 50 gallons of tap water plus bottles in advance of any named storm. 2 tanks for the grill and we're good to go for awhile. I put her insulin in a separate small Yeti which maintains below 50 degrees for a week at a time.
Of course, if we required power for medical reasons it would be a no brainer.

Same plan as me, we survived the Maryland ice storm of '96 staying in a hotel with power as ours was out for 5 days...in 73 years that's the only time I've lost power for over 3 hours. I have a propone grill and fireplace and lots of canned food if the worst should happen and a huge jacuzzi I can fill up and a lot of bottled water too.

City water/sewage can go out too, as its done in St. Petersburg right now for days, though and a generator is no help with that.

The cost and complications of a whole house generator doesn't make sense for me.

[Craig]

Was this a lesson on having a neighbor upon whom you can mooch? Your use of "we" is quite telling.

So when the power goes out again, are you relying on your neighbor to "save you," give you water? What?

You and your family is not his concern. You and your family is your concern.

Frankly, Generators are wayyyyyyyy down on the list of things to spend money on for unforseen or foretold situations where all is not roses and honeysuckle .

These times are coming, but there are so many things that need to be in place before a Generac.

My post was intended as an amusing, “Murphey’s Law”, kind of anecdote, not sure what you read into it.

[JRD77VET]

Purchased a second 120 gallon tank which will be a total of three for the Generac.

The concrete blocks by the steps are for the base they will sit on.

All set and ready for the installation now. :hurray:

[simpleman68]

Purchased a second 120 gallon tank which will be a total of three for the Generac.

The concrete blocks by the steps are for the base they will sit on.

All set and ready for the installation now. :hurray:

Nice backup to have the extra storage. :cert:

Scott

[JRD77VET]

Nice backup to have the extra storage. :cert:

Scott

If you decide to do the "purchase your own tank" setup, Nolt's Propane in New Holland is a great place to do business with.

[simpleman68]

I got this one which is pretty good for a week or two. Powered the FL house after Ian.
Took the 50amp line and ran it to the dryer breaker and switched off the main.

I turned on the AC first, waited 30 mins and powered up the water heater, then the fridge.
Didn't strain at all and I powered it down over night.

It is loud but it gets the job done and I can move it fairly easy.
Scott

https://i.imgur.com/5KqCoUdh.jpg

[z06psi]

26kw Generac here.

500 gallon in ground tank is the best way. They are the cheapest in TX for sure. Just gotta pay for shipping.

We used 3 gallons an hour with the entire house operating as normal for 17 days after Helene. 2 propane refills during the event with our current 360 gallon above ground tank.

I would say do not skimp. Its an investment into your home that if sold you will recoup. We have had 3 power outages this year for at least 8 hours or more and it has paid for itself since I do not have worry about anything.

[z06psi]

Biggest thing about generators in long term running conditions.

Change the oil every 100-150 hours (150 for synthetic) and check it daily.

People just run them and when they lock up they can't understand why. Installation companies will not maintain your generator when trees and power lines are down everywhere.

[MadInNc]

26kw Generac here.

500 gallon in ground tank is the best way. They are the cheapest in TX for sure. Just gotta pay for shipping.

We used 3 gallons an hour with the entire house operating as normal for 17 days after Helene. 2 propane refills during the event with our current 360 gallon above ground tank.

I would say do not skimp. Its an investment into your home that if sold you will recoup. We have had 3 power outages this year for at least 8 hours or more and it has paid for itself since I do not have worry about anything.

Biggest thing about generators in long term running conditions.

Change the oil every 100-150 hours (150 for synthetic) and check it daily.

People just run them and when they lock up they can't understand why. Installation companies will not maintain your generator when trees and power lines are down everywhere.


About time ya finished the house. What’s the new project? Extend gun range?

[Mike Mercury]

City water/sewage can go out too, as its done in St. Petersburg right now for days, though and a generator is no help with that.



point.

Same when using natural gas for generator; some areas cut off nat gas during emergencies. Best to use your own supply of propane.

[04 commemorative]

So true, when Super Storm Sandy destroyed our town here,all the natural gas lines were destroyed as well as the water lines,electric and sewer .....12 years later and not all of the homes here have been rebuilt

[z06psi]

About time ya finished the house. What’s the new project? Extend gun range?

Just bough an excavator. Building a garden and chicken coop (800 sqft):D to be in operation next spring.

Also building a lean-to off the barn dominium next year to house the 5th wheel from the Georgia sun.

Gun range is 400 yards already but once the bulldozer is acquired it will be 500 yards.

Currently working on the shop getting the electrical and work shop area done.

No time!!!!:slap: