Generator install - where to start

[WinterDeere]

If you heat with oil get a diesel, a real generator . Not a 3600 rpm pos...

lol... I was leaning the other way, for a few reasons, in order of importance:

1. Location of propane tank is more favorable than location of oil tank.
2. Concerns with oil performance in cold weather. It's often below 0F when we lose power.
3. The relative ubiquity of propane-fired generators. Face it, they're everywhere, and options abound.

I'll admit we could bury the oil line deep to manage freezing, although we'd be snaking thru a half-dozen other utilities in that area. But still, the last several feet and the generator itself are in the cold. With our oil tank being in our basement, it's totally un-treated for cold weather.

If diesel genny could be installed in basement, instead of outdoors, then there would be many advantages of going that route. But does anyone do that?

 

[EddieWalker]

I've seen a few commercial generators installed inside a building. Either on ground level, or in a basement.

 

[ponytug]

lol... I was leaning the other way, for a few reasons, in order of importance:

1. Location of propane tank is more favorable than location of oil tank.
2. Concerns with oil performance in cold weather. It's often below 0F when we lose power.
3. The relative ubiquity of propane-fired generators. Face it, they're everywhere, and options abound.

I'll admit we could bury the oil line deep to manage freezing, although we'd be snaking thru a half-dozen other utilities in that area. But still, the last several feet and the generator itself are in the cold. With our oil tank being in our basement, it's totally un-treated for cold weather.

If diesel genny could be installed in basement, instead of outdoors, then there would be many advantages of going that route. But does anyone do that?

People do install diesel generators in basements, often for cogeneration use, where the generator provides heat and power to the house.

However, noise/vibration and diesel odors in the house are issues to contend with. There were a few companies in New England offering that service a while back, but I have not looked recently. Addressing noise and vibration is not something that many folks are terribly good at in my experience.

For your uses, it may not make a difference, but is your house, and your call.

All the best, Peter