Move my generator down?

[flyguy909]

So we're getting ready to move down in November and packing and selling off stuff up here in Connecticut.

One of the things I planned to sell was our generator, but before I do I thought I'd ask if it's worth moving. Do many people in the Villages own generators? It's kind of a big one, 9000watts and basically powers our whole house when the power goes out up here.

I'm thinking that it's one more thing that eats up alot of precious garage space... but thought I'd ask.

[SKIMAN]

have been here 6 1/2 years in that time lost power 4 times an at that for a hour or 2 . last years storm never a flicker never lost cable nothing . can it happen sure in my area Sanibel (cottage homes)nobody has a gen. that's all I can say

[Sparty6971]

I agree - probably no need for a generator, particularly one that large. Now if you have a medical need such as keeping some medicines cool in the fridge, that would be something to consider getting a small unit for, but certainly not that behemoth. We've been here over 9 years through some big storms as well as a couple hurricanes. Never lost power for more than maybe an hour (Village Santiago).

[sdyor]

Been here 16 years and have NEVER lost power. Village of Briar Meadow.

[Dan9871]

Playing the odds you probably don't need it. We didn't lose power at all during the hurricane last year but some parts of the Villages lost power for 5 days or so. In fact we've had maybe 3 or 4 outages since we have been here (5 years). One was an hour or two, the rest were about 15 minutes.

Some people do have generators here, usually Generac's installed outside that run off of propane from a tank buried in the ground or city gas in the parts of the Villages where it is a available.

We had a Gererac when we lived in MA, it was great... when the power went we almost didn't notice it because the automatic switch over was to fast.

You mention it taking up garage space... is your generator gasoline powered portable one you pull outside to run? Is it designed to run in rain pouring down at 2 or 3 inches per hour for 10 or 20 hours with wind peaking to 7o mph? That's what it would have stand up to during a hurricane.

[flyguy909]

Thanks for the replies... generator going on craigslist tomorrow.

[SFSkol]

Thanks for the replies... generator going on craigslist tomorrow.

Depends on what Village you are moving to. Had the generator in New Jersey for Hurricane Sandy. Needed electricity for our water pump for the well. Out of p[ower for a month and a half. Moved here just in time for Irma. Out of power for almost a week. Occasional, 1 or 2 power outages here in Silver Lake, Prehistoric section. None more than an hour or two. A generator that size could power a few houses, easy way to make new neighbor friends. Replacement would be expensive.

[kansasr]

Unless you're moving to the historic district in Lady Lake (their power was out for 3 days after Hurricane Irma), been here 7 years and barely a flicker of the lights (including during Irma).

[JerryLBell]

It's like lightning rods. The chances of you being struck by lightning are VERY low but if you DO get struck, the cost and stress of repair can be huge. If you live in the non-historic sections of The Villages (which is most of it), the chances of losing power for longer are very low. But if you DO lose power for long, the cost of no power might be a fridge with medicines in it, a freezer full of meat or hours or days without lights or A/C. It really depends on your risk tolerance.

[NoMoSno]

Many that use Duke energy lost power for 7 days after Irma.
Hopefully they will be better prepared for the next one.

[JoMar]

We usually head for a hotel if the power goes away.....can stay for a lot of days and not approach the cost of a whole house generator.

[l2ridehd]

When I moved here I had a 9000 watt generator that was capable of running my entire house in Virginia and did for several days at a time several times. Once for 5 days in the dead of winter. I went through your same thinking process. I ended up selling the big generator and bought a Honda 2000 watt inverter type generator. It is big enough to run a fridge and freezer and a few lights and fans. Very quiet, small, uses very little gas, very portable and great for other uses like boating, camping, tailgating, and easy to use. I had to move a couple of breakers around in my main power panel to get the really critical things on one side of the main supply so I could use this 120 volt generator as a direct feed by shutting off the 200 amp main.

So far I have not needed it even during Irma. I was ready though and also have used it for a couple other things. So this may also be a good compromise that would work for you.

[collie1228]

My advice would be to sell the big gen and once here, buy a small (Honda like) portable generator "just in case". When Irma blew through, I dusted off the portable generator, bought five gallons of gas, and got it running good a few days before she arrived. Never needed it at all, as we never lost power for a minute, but it helped me sleep better knowing I could run the refrigerator/freezer and have electric lights if needed.

[BoatRatKat]

I'd bring it. We were some of the folks who lost power last year and you really don't know how much you rely on it until you don't have it. Our neighborhood was humming with generators for a few days...we wished we were one of them. Hopefully you'll never need it but if you do you'll be kicking yourself for selling.

[pauld315]

You mention it taking up garage space... is your generator gasoline powered portable one you pull outside to run? Is it designed to run in rain pouring down at 2 or 3 inches per hour for 10 or 20 hours with wind peaking to 7o mph? That's what it would have stand up to during a hurricane.

Typically, you don't power up your generator during the actual hurricane. They are used the days following a major storm if you lose power.

[Goldwingnut]

I have a 5KW generator sitting in the garage for emergencies. Used it only twice in 4 years due to power outages, and was glad I had it. I take it out about 4 times a year, start it up and use it to run the electric lawn mower and weed eater just to give it a little run time and keep things fresh. 9KW may be a little large for your needs here but your neighbors may also appreciate being able to keep the refrigerator running and the lights on.

Better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.

[fw102807]

So I am sure it is all now clear as mud. Personally ours has been collecting dust for 2 years now.

[Dan9871]

Typically, you don't power up your generator during the actual hurricane. They are used the days following a major storm if you lose power.

Right, but sometimes the power goes out at the beginning of a storm... that's certainly our experience. When we had our "pull out of the garage" generator back in MA when tropical storms hit us the power sometimes went out at the beginning of the storm and it might be a day before the rain stopped enough so I could drag out the generator and hook it up without getting electrocuted:faint:

When we had our Generac it just kicked in when the power went out. In one snow/sleet storm... they say it was a"snow-cane" we lost power at the beginning of the storm... it snowed/sleeted for over almost two days and we were on Generac power for almost 6 days.

Sometimes I think we retired to Florida just so we could have reliable power:clap2:

[rjm1cc]

A whole house generator will cost you about 10,000 installed. Depending on how yours gets installed I would bring it. If you never need it so what.
Last year we were without poser for about a week. Problem was our outage was caused by a down tree but only affect a few people so we were at the end of the repair list.

[thelegges]

We have about the same size gen up north, runs our entire home. We lose power sometimes weekly, and have been without for up to 10 days in January more than once. In fact as I am writing this my other half has been running the gen since 9:06 this am. We have gotten our money out of it and then some.

Even if you bring it down it’s easy to sell, contractors love them.

[EdFNJ]

Slightly off topic but can generators be rented anywhere down here for one day? Having some construction done soon that will require SECO relocating the service then an electrician reconnecting the panel. This thread gave me the idea to rent one for the day only for our refrig and small freezer chest.

[Nucky]

I sold or gave my generator away along with many tools and all the lawn equipment as my thought was to repair and maintain EVERYTHING with a checkbook once we got here. Reality is that it just doesn't work out that way and you always end up doing stuff and needing to replace what seemed like the right thing to do by disposing of something while you are packing. Don't get rid of it. Bring it because if you don't you'll end up scrambling to find a replacement. With a generator that size I hope you buy in my neighboorhood.

5 out of the 7 house across the street from me have had Generac Units installed over the summer, they are ready! Good Luck.

[Fredman]

It is better to have a generator and not need it than to need a generator and not have it. Bring it

[Alana33]

Bring it.
9 days without power last September when Irma blew thru last September.

[MaryRDH]

If it’s in good working order, yes, unless the cost of moving it is not worth it. You may just buy a new one in June when you may be able to buy one tax free for hurricane season. Also consider a “whole house “ generator that comes on automatically.
We never lost power during Hurricane Irma last year here in The Village of Lake Deaton.
You may never use it, but it’s a great peace of mind.

[Chatbrat]

Just like a parachute or a life vest--hope you don't need it

[photo1902]

Slightly off topic but can generators be rented anywhere down here for one day? Having some construction done soon that will require SECO relocating the service then an electrician reconnecting the panel. This thread gave me the idea to rent one for the day only for our refrig and small freezer chest.

Yes. The Home Depot (Lady Lake) rents generators.

[ColdNoMore]

A generator large enough to power all refrigerators/freezers...can pay for itself.

A set large enough to also run the A/C and a few lights is a nice convenience, but the beauty of living here is that you don't have to worry about water lines freezing and bursting in extreme cold...during an extended outage.

In cold northern locations, ensuring that you have the ability to heat the entire home during an electrical outage...can save tens of thousands of dollars.


Whatever you do though, ensure that the gen-set is properly wired so that it won't back-feed into the power grid...and potentially kill those utility workers restoring power.


Generator Safety | Dubois REC (http://www.duboisrec.com/content/generator-safety)

But, if installed incorrectly, your generator system could threaten the lives of family, friends, neighbors, and electric utility crews trying to restore service.

There are specific ways to properly install generators in your business or home.

Safe Electricity strongly suggests you have a qualified electrician assist you.

To safely operate a standby generator, make sure it has a transfer safety switch to isolate the load from the normal utility source. Without this safety switch, there is a chance electricity can travel back through the lines, causing "back feed." Back feed creates a dangerous hazard for anyone near lines, particularly utility crews working to restore power.

[Odysseus]

As one person responded...it depends on where in The Villages you live. It wasn't only the historic district that lost power during Irma. The Villages south of Spanish Springs (Lake County) lost power for many days. I understand some in Marion County lost power too. My neighbor has a generator permanently installed because his wife's health needs. If you own a generator and it isn't too expensive to ship it down if only to guarantee you'll never need it!

[tjlee500]

I have a small one I brought from St. Pete where I moved from. Just nice to have4 to save food and hopefully beep TV and Internet going. Probably best to sell a big one. You can always but a small one once hear once you see if you have garage room. It is important to plan for garage as I brough too much stuff with me.

[jr583]

So we're getting ready to move down in November and packing and selling off stuff up here in Connecticut.

One of the things I planned to sell was our generator, but before I do I thought I'd ask if it's worth moving. Do many people in the Villages own generators? It's kind of a big one, 9000watts and basically powers our whole house when the power goes out up here.

I'm thinking that it's one more thing that eats up alot of precious garage space... but thought I'd ask.

YES move it down! You may only use it once in every 3-4 years but since you already own it move it and you will be glad when others go without power for anywhere from a few minutes to days. You can put in a small stone filled area or cement pad like I did behind my house to keep my gen on. The neighbors on each side keep reminding me that they have long extension cords so maybe they could get a little juice from me !!! YES of course I will supply some electric to them when needed.

[banjobob]

A decision is do you have the space to store it , a piece of mind just in case, I have one converted to natural gas but have never needed it in 6 years

[graciegirl]

We were out of power for a short time during Irma in which time our neighbor borrowed a very heavy generator from a friend. My husband helped him carry it out of his van. About an hour after it got up and running the power was restored. My husband tore his rotator cuff, but he is better now.

[jarodrig]

I brought my Honda 2400 with us when we moved from Rochester, NY...

That was in 2010

I have not used it once.........

Storage space (including the garage) is at a premium..... so, you be the judge.....

[TheMoyers]

I am a "belts and suspenders" engineer. I brought my 2000 watt along down from NY where we had a whole house built-in unit. Have not used it except for some lawn work just to give it exercise, but I intend to keep it. Have been here 5 years and never had to use it. It is cheap insurance to have one.

[Madelaine Amee]

We lost power for a little over a week through Irma. We are on Glenview. Messy storm, some streets in our neighborhood had power some didn't. I lost EVERYTHING in the freezer, not only expensive, but what a filthy mess to clean out. Then think about no A.C. No lights. Thankfully, my neighbor found a huge one from someone and hooked us both up.

Bring it ............ the storms are getting worse.

[Toymeister]

I have a new in sealed box 2000 watt inverter generator that I tried to sell on this forum a week ago for 300.00. Based on the lack of interest on it I say it's reasonable to expect that there is no secondary market for them here. At least in fair weather

[Chatbrat]

If you have a small generator, think about getting a small window a/c that you can use on a temp basis--Fl without a/c between may and now is unbearable-- you can alternate the genes between the frog and a/c

[davem4616]

Sounds like you have your answer. Hurricanes need to be taken seriously and they can cause considerable damage, however The Weather Station can sometimes make it appear to be a lot worse that it actually is. All things considered, if you are prepared, and take it seriously The Villages is a pretty safe place to hunker down in during a FL hurricane.

[Domenick]

I bought a generator about ten years ago. I would start it up every year to make sure it would start when I needed it. Over the last few years I neglected it until last year when we had a major hurricane coming our way. I took it out and tried and tried but could not get it to start. The gas had gone bad. Thank God we did not need it. Now it is just taking up space in my garage until I can get around to selling it. I have never lost power in my area in twelve years that I have been here. We even had a tornado hit one block away with complete destruction we never lost power. Like other have said unless you have some medical needs that are live threatening I would not bother to bring it down.

[EdFNJ]

I have a new in sealed box 2000 watt inverter generator that I tried to sell on this forum a week ago for 300.00. Based on the lack of interest on it I say it's reasonable to expect that there is no secondary market for them here. At least in fair weather Put it up for sale again .... lots of hurricane scare news! :)

[Shimpy]

Portable generators are not all they are cracked up to be. During 2 hurricanes in S. Florida when we lost power for 4 days each we used it on fans, lights and refrigrator but it made so much noise we turned it off at night so our neighbors could sleep and we lost food anyway. If I would ever do it again I'd get a Honda which is super quiet. I had to start it every 4 to 6 weeks or it wouldn't start when you needed it because of old gas even with Seafoam in it. You also have to have lots of gallons of gas on hand before the storm hits. I ended up giving my generator to my son and since being here 8 years never had a use for one.

[OhioBuckeye]

So we're getting ready to move down in November and packing and selling off stuff up here in Connecticut.

One of the things I planned to sell was our generator, but before I do I thought I'd ask if it's worth moving. Do many people in the Villages own generators? It's kind of a big one, 9000watts and basically powers our whole house when the power goes out up here.

I'm thinking that it's one more thing that eats up alot of precious garage space... but thought I'd ask.

Whole house generators are great, if you're talking about the ones that kick on when the power goes out. I have one but it's only a 4400 watt. It has 2 110v & 1 220v. Unfortunately it didn't work when Irma came thru. We were staying out at Hourbour Hills, they lost power in the whole subdivision, here in the Villages we never lost power. You're lucky if you can bring it here if you're planning on being a resident & selling you old home. They're to expensive to give to the new owners!

[Nucky]

We lost power for a week in The Villages. It could be any Village not just the Historic Section like in the Irma Storm.

You really have to experience a week down in Florida with no electric. If you ever had the misfortune of having this experience you wouldn't ask the question you did.

Not bringing the generator that you already possess would be the same as falling off a cruise ship at sea and someone throwing you a life raft and you throw it back

because it's the wrong color. Pack it, bring it, protect it, feel good about your decision.