Newbie: First Post: Need Standby Backup Generator...Please advise...

Okay, so here is the deal.

I live in Tampa, FL and have been prone to a few hurricanes and power failures in the last few weeks/months. As a result, I have decided to look for a generator for my home, but a little history first.

I have Cystic Fibrosis, lung disorder, and require access to electrical power for treatments 2-3 hours each day. I can survive without them but they serve to keep me well. Because the therapy can be physically exhausting, air conditioning is important as well as refrigeration for medecine. So, the criteria:

A/C
Refrigerator
Fully operate 2400 Square Foot home
Multiple outlets

I am not planning to physically install it myself but want advice to make sure that I get the proper equipement.

Can somebody guide me as to what generator to consider?

I have natural gas running to my grill, water heater and stove.

I understand Generac makes a generator but don't know much about it.

Please share any thoughts/ideas as this is totally foreign to me and
I am not sure what wattage/voltage is necessary as well as what
is best: Natural Gas, etc...

Thanks in advance for your input.

Anthony
atwnsw@lycos.com

P.S. If this posting is not appropriate for this website, please let me know where I should post.

 

I see in the criteria you put:
Fully operate 2400 Square Foot home
If this is true than you need a BIG genset. Probably 15k-20k watts.
Generac makes a good standby setup.
You are looking at probaly $6000-$7000 installed with a unit that size.

Natural gas is the best way to go since sa long as the pipleine is intact you will have fuel. LP is second best as long as your tank(s) are kept near full.


Generac 15,000 watt standby genset

 

I had found the following website but don't know anything about models and accessories required. If you have any experience or suggestions as to model numbers, I would welcome your thoughts.

The prices seemed much better but I don't which model, if the company is reputable, what other consideration are there....

http://www.norwall.com/specials.htm

Thanks again for your responses.

Anthony

 

I would recommend a liquid cooled model as opposed to an air cooled, especialy in Florida. Plus the liquid cooled model has a much larger engine. Although there is a considerable price difference on the 15K model between liquid and air cooled.

The prices in the link you provided are good and Generac is a well established name.

I assume you have a 200 amp service in your house considering the size. You will need to upgrade to a 200 amp transfer switch if the unit you choose comes with a 100 amp.
If you are this unsure about what to get and how to go about it I would definitely get some information from local contractors. Some may even provide the whole package including delivery and setting of the unit. Possibly even the gas hookup from a sub-contractor.
This is of course if you can find anybody available right now in Fla.