Your last generator Maintenance Run

[90cummins]

Good information. If I ever get a generator, I will probably do the same test.

Since you asked for feedback, the electric units for load would be 'kilowatts', like you said. But electric units for what the gasoline actually generated would be 'kilowatt-hours'.

John

Thanks
90cummins

 

[3930dave]

Before installing a generator we lost power regularly but It have been over a year Since we installed our std by generator and we have not lost the power, .

That's a common outcome , once again proving that Murphy is still alive and well.....

With our Winter temperatures, I'm a fan of synthetics in small engines..... starters and batteries appreciate it being used.....

Rgds, D.

 

[grsthegreat]

Had our 3rd outage in a few weeks last night. Generator kicked in and ran over 3 hours. This things getting a run for its money this year,

 

[Sawyer Rob]

Generator kicked in and ran over 3 hours. This things getting a run for its money this year,

So will your "wallet" when you get the fuel bill for all those outages... lol

SR

 

[grsthegreat]

So will your "wallet" when you get the fuel bill for all those outages... lol

SR

Na... a few gallons per hour. We paid $1.37 for propane last time. Have 1000 gallon tank.

 

[ultrarunner]

^^^Not to get too far off thread...

I have seen this repeat many times when it comes to cost.

Know someone that bought a very large genset for their large million dollar home back in 2004

She wanted it automatic and to be able to run everything... had a large hardwired UPS installed and the genset required the utility to upsize the gas meter to a commercial size... takes a lot of gas at load.

The first time the generator ran it was for most of the night... a vehicle accident took out a utility pole and then transformers blew...

Anyway.. she was shocked at the cost of the extra natural gas to run it and this was a night when everyone was sleeping...

A genset to run everything may be too expensive to run

Also had a tenant that wanted me to put in a new electric service... the original was circa 1922 and she was having lots of issues... they also were into salt water fish... large Aquariums...

I upgrade the service and she is a happy as can be... until the first power bill arrives... those heaters, pumps, etc... add up fast.

 

[grsthegreat]

My 22 kw runs my 4000 sf house. Burns between 2.5 - 3.9 gal propane per hour depending on load. Personally i could care less, but some people might balk at the cost. Id rather have lights and comfort than pay price for propane. Mind you i shut mine down when i go to bed unless its 5f outside ive logged 13 hours on generator in past few weeks. Thats not too much $$$ to worry about inorder to have comfort.

I agree about huge generators. I service a house that has a 130 kw generator that sucks down up to 22 GPH of propane at full output....that would be nuts.

 

[ultrarunner]

What surprises me is many that are new to Gensets really don't have a clue as to how they function or cost per hour to operate.

I would think someone spending over 20k for back up power would have a ballpark idea of cost per hour of run time and annual maintenance...

Honest... I know people that bought homes with units that are totally clueless... but these are also the ones that can't come to work when the power is out because the garage door will not go up...

 

[grsthegreat]

What surprises me is many that are new to Gensets really don't have a clue as to how they function or cost per hour to operate.

I would think someone spending over 20k for back up power would have a ballpark idea of cost per hour of run time and annual maintenance...

Honest... I know people that bought homes with units that are totally clueless... but these are also the ones that can't come to work when the power is out because the garage door will not go up...

good one..... i always tell my customers about fuel usage. For the most part most dont care. To be out of power up here when you have a well, have animals, and its 20 degrees outside is pretty dangerous. If i lived in the city without horses, it would be different matter.

 

[ultrarunner]

I think "Country" living comes with a steep learning curve... some embrace and others want no part of it.

The home I rent out is wired for a generator... two of my last tenants owned generators... in the 4 to 6k range...

A few years back there was a huge Ice Storm... power was out for a week and temps were single digits... the problem for my tenant was keeping the generator fueled and keeping the 3 fire places going... the kids actually enjoyed it... it is something they will never forget...

They cooked on the flat surface of the living room fireplace insert, put the frozen goods in a Ice Chests in the snow bank... played cards, ate smores, went to bed early and got up early... they said it was their pioneer week... really the only essential was water and by being careful the genset was able to power one of the two water heaters...

My new tenants had the power go out for a couple of hours... they are all upset because they had no water... well, they had no water as soon as the pressure in the tank was down.

They are demanding I furnish a generator... as the home is not habitable without electricity... there is no way I'm going to furnish a genset from 800 miles away...

The property has a 400 amp service circa 1978... to run Everything would take a large unit...