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[VaBelle35]

Wouldn't adding a generator to the home add to the value at resale?  At the every least it's got to make your house more attractive at resale.

[Mominohio]

@Lilysmom1 

Just wanted to check back in and thank you for posting this topic. 

We have two generators, and like many, we get complacent about them. One is in the garage attached to the house, the other is in the barn, right near where needed to be plugged in and operate the whole house. 

Neither has been run and maintenanced in quite some time. Because of your post, and because my husband is on vacation this week, we got the one in the garage out, emptied the oil and gas, refilled, started it up and ran it for about an hour outside. Took down the information needed and will be getting a new backup oil filter and spark plug for it. 

The other one in the barn needs to be checked and serviced too, and I'm doubtful we will get to it before he goes back to work on Tuesday, but it is now on the 'short list' of things to do.

Thanks for the push/reminder by posting this topic. I feel so much better, as it was bothering me that we hadn't taken the time and effort to do this, and now it is at least half done and we have at least the one all ready and waiting should we need it suddenly! lol

[Lilysmom1]

@Mominohio , now you are storm ready.

We currently have a Generac and it is time to replace it.  It is not a whole home/standby model but has served us well.

We made an appointment with a rep from Generac to visit us to do an assessment and a quote.  DH also has his eye on a Honda model.  Will keep you posted.  LM

[RedTop]

@Lilysmom1 

I wasn't aware Honda made a generator higher than 7000 watt?   

[LIG1]

Much like many have already mentioned, I highly recommend Generac, too. Very thankful for ours and the peace of mind that it has given us.

[Marybella]

We have a Kohler whole house automatic generator. Our house is in the woods and we have frequent power outages when it's windy or blizzard-like. The power goes out and within 10 seconds the generator automatically kicks in. After the power is restored, the generator runs for another 15 minutes to make sure that there is a smooth transition back to the electrical system. Some of the best money we have ever spent.

[Lilysmom1]

@RedTop , I posted a reply but it had links and must have been removed.  The Honda DH is looking at is the 7,000 watt model.It is not a standby generator.

I mentioned also that the whole home Generac has an issue of condensation freezing and clogging some kind of release valve.  I posted a link to YouTube but it got removed. LM

[Allegheny]

@Marybella   We have the Kohler brand also.  It has only been a year, but we are pleased as we did lose electric for 30 hours in July.  While it can be a little noisy, we have adjusted to it.  For @Lilysmom1  ours was placed in the back of house where our gas inline enters thru the foundation into basement.  Installer said it had to have 18" clearance surrounding unit, which includes shrubs, plants, etc. So I had to move some.  Our automatic transfer switch was also installed inside the basement.  While we were at it we had him install a whole house surge protector which we had been putting off getting.

[RedTop]

@Lilysmom1 

I wouldn't think a 7000 watt generator capable of doing more than keeping lights on, refrigerator and freezer food cold, and fans running in the summer time.   It might power an electric furnace in a smaller, or mobile home, but not mine.  We had experience with a gasoline powered generator during the derecho, and knew things weren't going to be good once our gas cans were empty.  

I have a 22000kW generator, and specifically bought that size to accommodate my 3T heat pump in winter, water heater, 3 refrigerators and freezer.   

I totally agree Honda makes quality products, but would not consider their equipment capable of handling my needs in a prolonged outage.   

[Lilysmom1]

@RedTop @Allegheny @@The Generac rep was here yesterday.  We chose a location to enable him to do a quote.  Interestingly, we chose a location where there are no shrubs.  

@RedTop I understand your comments.  We will see how it goes.  Will keep you posted. LM