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Home Standby Generator Advice
I have read a number of the previous posts, but I still have some
questions. Based on my understanding of my likely power needs, I will likely need a 12-16kW generator. I live in South Florida, so I will need to run at least one central AC and because there are no natural gas lines all appliances including cooktop and water heater are electric.I plan on installing a 500 gallon underground LP tank to run whatever I get. 1) Which one should I get? There are three standby generators that I am looking at: Kohler 12kW Generac Quiet Source 16kW Briggs and Straton 15kW Could I get some feedback on which one folks would recommend. Reliability is most important, obviously. Second is noise and finally efficiency. 2) During the post-Hurricane period, I have heard that LP companies use vehicles that run on LP gas, so deliveries should not be a problem. Is this true? Thanks in advance for your advice. |
Home Standby Generator Advice
On Apr 7, 9:44�pm, "boatdrinks" wrote:
I have read a number of the previous posts, but I still have some questions. Based on my understanding of my likely power needs, I will likely need a 12-16kW generator. I live in South Florida, so I will need to run at least one central AC and because there are no natural gas lines all appliances including cooktop and water heater are electric.I plan on installing a 500 gallon underground LP tank to run whatever I get. 1) *Which one should I get? There are three standby generators that I am looking at: Kohler 12kW Generac Quiet Source 16kW Briggs and Straton 15kW Could I get some feedback on which one folks would recommend. Reliability is most important, obviously. Second is noise and finally efficiency. 2) *During the post-Hurricane period, I have heard that LP companies use vehicles that run on LP gas, so deliveries should not be a problem. Is this true? Thanks in advance for your advice. those are big, fuel used is largely dependent on absolute size. Are you getting a auto on generator that will start and run AUTOMATICALLY anytime the power fails? If so 500 gallons sounds small, and during a disaster assume deliveries will be interrupted, downed trees on roads etc you dont need to run your home normally, you can ration the power t run fridge for awhile, then poerhaps a window AC kept in a closet for emergencies, plus leave some power for the neighbors, then wouldnt complain about the noise if they are getting a extension cord from you. |
Home Standby Generator Advice
On Apr 7, 8:44 pm, "boatdrinks" wrote:
I have read a number of the previous posts, but I still have some questions. Based on my understanding of my likely power needs, I will likely need a 12-16kW generator. I live in South Florida, so I will need to run at least one central AC and because there are no natural gas lines all appliances including cooktop and water heater are electric.I plan on installing a 500 gallon underground LP tank to run whatever I get. 1) Which one should I get? There are three standby generators that I am looking at: Kohler 12kW Generac Quiet Source 16kW Briggs and Straton 15kW Could I get some feedback on which one folks would recommend. Reliability is most important, obviously. Second is noise and finally efficiency. 2) During the post-Hurricane period, I have heard that LP companies use vehicles that run on LP gas, so deliveries should not be a problem. Is this true? Thanks in advance for your advice. Alt.energy.homepower is where you should ask, many are off grid. 3600 rpm engines wont do much more than 3000hrs, real cheap small 3600 rpm units may not even last 300 . 1800rpm units can last 12000 hours easily. 500 galloms propane is alot of energy that should last you awhile. You have alot of options in price-quality to research |
Home Standby Generator Advice
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Home Standby Generator Advice
On Apr 7, 8:44 pm, "boatdrinks" wrote:
I have read a number of the previous posts, but I still have some questions. Based on my understanding of my likely power needs, I will likely need a 12-16kW generator. I live in South Florida, so I will need to run at least one central AC and because there are no natural gas lines all appliances including cooktop and water heater are electric.I plan on installing a 500 gallon underground LP tank to run whatever I get. 1) Which one should I get? There are three standby generators that I am looking at: Kohler 12kW Generac Quiet Source 16kW Briggs and Straton 15kW Could I get some feedback on which one folks would recommend. Reliability is most important, obviously. Second is noise and finally efficiency. 2) During the post-Hurricane period, I have heard that LP companies use vehicles that run on LP gas, so deliveries should not be a problem. Is this true? Thanks in advance for your advice. I purchased a Generac unit 5 years ago due to the frequent power outages in my remote area in upstate NY. The unit handles all my essentials, furnace, well water pump, refridgerator, TV, etc. My advise is to not scrimp, spend the extra money so you aren't juggling extension cords every time you have an outage. Yes they do make some noise, better this than going without electrcity. Knuriata |
Home Standby Generator Advice
On Apr 8, 9:11�am, wrote:
On Apr 7, 8:44 pm, "boatdrinks" wrote: I have read a number of the previous posts, but I still have some questions. Based on my understanding of my likely power needs, I will likely need a 12-16kW generator. I live in South Florida, so I will need to run at least one central AC and because there are no natural gas lines all appliances including cooktop and water heater are electric.I plan on installing a 500 gallon underground LP tank to run whatever I get. 1) *Which one should I get? There are three standby generators that I am looking at: Kohler 12kW Generac Quiet Source 16kW Briggs and Straton 15kW Could I get some feedback on which one folks would recommend. Reliability is most important, obviously. Second is noise and finally efficiency. 2) *During the post-Hurricane period, I have heard that LP companies use vehicles that run on LP gas, so deliveries should not be a problem. Is this true? Thanks in advance for your advice. I purchased a Generac unit 5 years ago due to the frequent power outages in my remote area in upstate NY. The unit handles all my essentials, furnace, well water pump, refridgerator, TV, etc. My advise is to not scrimp, spend the extra money so you aren't juggling extension cords every time you have an outage. Yes they do make some noise, better this than going without electrcity. Knuriata- Hide quoted text - - Show quoted text - the automatic generators with transfer switch appear pretty quiet, but ideally they arent placed right between 2 homes, but ratrher in the back yard somewhere, exhaust not pointed at anyones home. exercising at say mid day shouldnt be a problem with the right install. |
Home Standby Generator Advice
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Home Standby Generator Advice
I researched quite a bit before I settled on the Kohler 12k. It's a very
nice unit, extremely reliable, and about as quiet as they get. I would buy it again and it's the one I recommend to people. Are you saying that there are no natural gas lines in the area, or that you just don't have it run to your house? I didn't have natural gas and ran on propane, but had NG run to my house just so I could run my generator. You'll go through a 500 gallon tank of propane pretty quickly if there's an extended outage. If you can't get NG, you might want to consider a bigger tank than 500. Whatever the size, be prepared to ration your energy use; I wouldn't count on reliable delivery of propane in the event of a major disaster. "boatdrinks" wrote in message oups.com... I have read a number of the previous posts, but I still have some questions. Based on my understanding of my likely power needs, I will likely need a 12-16kW generator. I live in South Florida, so I will need to run at least one central AC and because there are no natural gas lines all appliances including cooktop and water heater are electric.I plan on installing a 500 gallon underground LP tank to run whatever I get. 1) Which one should I get? There are three standby generators that I am looking at: Kohler 12kW Generac Quiet Source 16kW Briggs and Straton 15kW Could I get some feedback on which one folks would recommend. Reliability is most important, obviously. Second is noise and finally efficiency. 2) During the post-Hurricane period, I have heard that LP companies use vehicles that run on LP gas, so deliveries should not be a problem. Is this true? Thanks in advance for your advice. |
Home Standby Generator Advice
I appreciate all of the information so far.
I agree with the sentiment regarding noise. I was thinking about the generac quiet source line of generators. How loud is the Kohler at say 50% load? Does any one know much about the quiet source line of generators from Generac? My understanding on the NG is that in fact there are no lines where I live, so we will basically have to go with a buried LP tank. We will ration anyway, probably just running the AC during the hottest times of the day etc. |
Home Standby Generator Advice
On Apr 9, 11:33 am, "boatdrinks" wrote:
I appreciate all of the information so far. I agree with the sentiment regarding noise. I was thinking about the generac quiet source line of generators. How loud is the Kohler at say 50% load? Does any one know much about the quiet source line of generators from Generac? My understanding on the NG is that in fact there are no lines where I live, so we will basically have to go with a buried LP tank. We will ration anyway, probably just running the AC during the hottest times of the day etc. Hi, I live in NY state new NYC. I had ened up with a Cummins-Onan 20kw generator. I have a 500 gallon LP tank which holds 400 gallon of LP gas. Note you need a 20% buffer for expansion in the tank. The unit is based on a Ford Ranger truck engine, is 2.4 Liters and runs on Natural Gas. The unit is about a year old now, and newer versions now have a General motors engine. The unit is quiet because it runs at 1,800 rpm as opposed to 3,600 on units which are lawn mower air cooled engines. It is liquid cooled. The cost was $US 9000 from Costco with an Automatic transfer switch. I think it has gone up in price a bit with the newer version. It also has a coolant and oil pan heater built in. Not that you would really need this feature in Florida. The switch is automatic in that in a blackout you have to do nothing. This is a heavy unit at about 1050 lbs and needs a concrete pad and professional installation. It can power a 1.5 tonne central air unit, well, fridge, washing machine etc. So far so good. Best, Mike. |
Home Standby Generator Advice
On Apr 9, 9:33 am, "boatdrinks" wrote:
I appreciate all of the information so far. I agree with the sentiment regarding noise. I was thinking about the generac quiet source line of generators. How loud is the Kohler at say 50% load? Does any one know much about the quiet source line of generators from Generac? My understanding on the NG is that in fact there are no lines where I live, so we will basically have to go with a buried LP tank. We will ration anyway, probably just running the AC during the hottest times of the day etc. Unless you can get some definitive data indicating that one type of generator is more reliable than the other, I would change your priority list to make noise the most important criteria. Based on the information below, it looks like the Kohler wins, except maybe in the exercise mode. If the exercise mode noise is more important to you than the regular operating mode, though, I would call Kohler and ask them what their figures are for the exercise mode. Kohler 12RESL/12RESM1 65 db(A) at 7m (exercise mode unknown) http://www.kohlerpowersystems.com/pdfs/g4110.pdf http://www.kohlerpowersystems.com/re...al_gas_lp.html Guardian QuietSource (Liquid Cooled) 20KW 72 db(A) at 7m (62 db(A) exercise mode) http://www.guardiangenerators.com/Pr...uidCooled.aspx Guardian QuietSource (Air Cooled) 16KW 71.5 db(A) at 7m (59 db(A) exercise mode) http://www.guardiangenerators.com/Pr...ource16kW.aspx Guardian 13KW 71.5 db(A) at 7m (exercise mode unknown) http://www.guardiangenerators.com/Pu...N7.10.13kW.pdf |
Home Standby Generator Advice
On Apr 9, 1:03�pm, "mg" wrote:
On Apr 9, 9:33 am, "boatdrinks" wrote: I appreciate all of the information so far. I agree with the sentiment regarding noise. I was thinking about the generac quiet source line of generators. How loud is the Kohler at say 50% load? Does any one know much about the quiet source line of generators from Generac? My understanding on the NG is that in fact there are no lines where I live, so we will basically have to go with a buried LP tank. *We will ration anyway, probably just running the AC during the hottest times of the day etc. Unless you can get some definitive data indicating that one type of generator is more reliable than the other, I would change your priority list to make noise the most important criteria. Based on the information below, it looks like the Kohler wins, except maybe in the exercise mode. If the exercise mode noise is more important to you than the regular operating mode, though, I would call Kohler and ask them what their figures are for the exercise mode. Kohler 12RESL/12RESM1 65 db(A) at 7m (exercise mode unknown)http://www.kohlerpowersystems.com/pd...al_gas_lp.html Guardian QuietSource (Liquid Cooled) 20KW 72 db(A) at 7m (62 db(A) exercise mode)http://www.guardiangenerators.com/Pr...QuietSource/Li... Guardian QuietSource (Air Cooled) 16KW 71.5 db(A) at 7m (59 db(A) exercise mode)http://www.guardiangenerators.com/Pr...QuietSource/Qu... Guardian 13KW 71.5 db(A) at 7m (exercise mode unknown)http://www.guardiangenerators.com/Pu...N7.10.13kW.pdf Check CAREFULLY the LP consumption per hour running both at full and half load, now whats your longest anticipated outage? If your going to have a generator then you should plan on having enough LP for at least a week, since deliveries will be impaired, and you dont want to run out when you need it the most:( Realize your neighbors will appreciate a extension cord, if its only for some lights. Then the noise wouldnt bother them. I keep 6 20 pound LP tanks in my shed for a variety of uses they empty fast. I think you will exhaust a 500 lb tank with say 400 pounds of actual fuel fast. I have a realtive living close to the beach, he has central air but keeps a small window AC on hand for emergencies to minimize fuel needs and generator size. Do check with on local ordinaces about LP storage. Remember the LP the local company sells comes from a wholesaler by truck or railroad, a bad huricane may interrupt deliveries to your local dealer, and in a emergency everyone using LP will be looking to top off their tanks:( Futhering the shortage........ |
Home Standby Generator Advice
" wrote:
On Apr 9, 1:03�pm, "mg" wrote: On Apr 9, 9:33 am, "boatdrinks" wrote: I appreciate all of the information so far. I agree with the sentiment regarding noise. I was thinking about the generac quiet source line of generators. How loud is the Kohler at say 50% load? Does any one know much about the quiet source line of generators from Generac? My understanding on the NG is that in fact there are no lines where I live, so we will basically have to go with a buried LP tank. We will ration anyway, probably just running the AC during the hottest times of the day etc. Unless you can get some definitive data indicating that one type of generator is more reliable than the other, I would change your priority list to make noise the most important criteria. Based on the information below, it looks like the Kohler wins, except maybe in the exercise mode. If the exercise mode noise is more important to you than the regular operating mode, though, I would call Kohler and ask them what their figures are for the exercise mode. Kohler 12RESL/12RESM1 65 db(A) at 7m (exercise mode unknown)http://www.kohlerpowersystems.com/pd...al_gas_lp.html Guardian QuietSource (Liquid Cooled) 20KW 72 db(A) at 7m (62 db(A) exercise mode)http://www.guardiangenerators.com/Pr...QuietSource/Li... Guardian QuietSource (Air Cooled) 16KW 71.5 db(A) at 7m (59 db(A) exercise mode)http://www.guardiangenerators.com/Pr...QuietSource/Qu... Guardian 13KW 71.5 db(A) at 7m (exercise mode unknown)http://www.guardiangenerators.com/Pu...N7.10.13kW.pdf Check CAREFULLY the LP consumption per hour running both at full and half load, now whats your longest anticipated outage? If your going to have a generator then you should plan on having enough LP for at least a week, since deliveries will be impaired, and you dont want to run out when you need it the most:( Realize your neighbors will appreciate a extension cord, if its only for some lights. Then the noise wouldnt bother them. I keep 6 20 pound LP tanks in my shed for a variety of uses they empty fast. I think you will exhaust a 500 lb tank with say 400 pounds of actual fuel fast. I have a realtive living close to the beach, he has central air but keeps a small window AC on hand for emergencies to minimize fuel needs and generator size. Do check with on local ordinaces about LP storage. Remember the LP the local company sells comes from a wholesaler by truck or railroad, a bad huricane may interrupt deliveries to your local dealer, and in a emergency everyone using LP will be looking to top off their tanks:( Futhering the shortage........ If truly extended outages are expected and nat. gas service is not an option or might be interrupted as in areas prone to earthquakes, the most viable fuel will always be diesel. Diesel is very safe to store in large quantities, has decent storage stability with proper treatment and due to it's high energy density will give far more run time per volume of fuel storage space than LP. As an example, a 300 gal diesel tank as typically used for home furnaces in the northeast will provide on the order of two weeks (more like 16 days) or continuous run time, that same run time would require a truly huge LP tank. Deliveries of diesel fuel also typically recover much faster after a disaster than deliveries of LP. Pete C. |
Home Standby Generator Advice
Thomas Horne wrote:
wrote: On Apr 9, 1:03�pm, "mg" wrote: On Apr 9, 9:33 am, "boatdrinks" wrote: I appreciate all of the information so far. I agree with the sentiment regarding noise. I was thinking about the generac quiet source line of generators. How loud is the Kohler at say 50% load? Does any one know much about the quiet source line of generators from Generac? My understanding on the NG is that in fact there are no lines where I live, so we will basically have to go with a buried LP tank. �We will ration anyway, probably just running the AC during the hottest times of the day etc. Unless you can get some definitive data indicating that one type of generator is more reliable than the other, I would change your priority list to make noise the most important criteria. Based on the information below, it looks like the Kohler wins, except maybe in the exercise mode. If the exercise mode noise is more important to you than the regular operating mode, though, I would call Kohler and ask them what their figures are for the exercise mode. Kohler 12RESL/12RESM1 65 db(A) at 7m (exercise mode unknown)http://www.kohlerpowersystems.com/pd...al_gas_lp.html Guardian QuietSource (Liquid Cooled) 20KW 72 db(A) at 7m (62 db(A) exercise mode)http://www.guardiangenerators.com/Pr...QuietSource/Li... Guardian QuietSource (Air Cooled) 16KW 71.5 db(A) at 7m (59 db(A) exercise mode)http://www.guardiangenerators.com/Pr...QuietSource/Qu... Guardian 13KW 71.5 db(A) at 7m (exercise mode unknown)http://www.guardiangenerators.com/Pu...N7.10.13kW.pdf Check CAREFULLY the LP consumption per hour running both at full and half load, now whats your longest anticipated outage? If your going to have a generator then you should plan on having enough LP for at least a week, since deliveries will be impaired, and you dont want to run out when you need it the most:( Realize your neighbors will appreciate a extension cord, if its only for some lights. Then the noise wouldnt bother them. I keep 6 20 pound LP tanks in my shed for a variety of uses they empty fast. I think you will exhaust a 500 lb tank with say 400 pounds of actual fuel fast. I have a realtive living close to the beach, he has central air but keeps a small window AC on hand for emergencies to minimize fuel needs and generator size. Do check with on local ordinaces about LP storage. Remember the LP the local company sells comes from a wholesaler by truck or railroad, a bad huricane may interrupt deliveries to your local dealer, and in a emergency everyone using LP will be looking to top off their tanks:( Futhering the shortage........ My fire stations 80 KVA propane fueled generator ran for four days before going through the first 300 gallons of propane. It is admittedly rather lightly loaded. -- Tom Horne 300 gal LP would be something like 1,200# I think. The OPs hypothetical 500# tank would be about 120 gal. With a smaller home type generator under typical home loading he might get 2 days operation at best from the 500# tank. Pete C. |
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