Emergency Generator Advice
 

I'm looking to buy an inverter generator for emergency power-out use at home. It would be used to power just a few essentials: upright freezer, modem, a light or two, maybe a fan. Not wanting to park a behemoth in the garage as well as not wanting to irritate the neighbors with some loud, exhaust-belching something-or-other that produces far more power than I need, I'm looking not to go overboard on this.

The unit I'm looking at is a compact model Westinghouse rated for 2,500 peak watts and 2,200 running watts.

Would that be sufficient to power what I've mentioned?

You can Google power use of appliances, etc. Generac has a spread sheet that pretty much shows everything in the house that uses electricity, surge and run ratings for each

The generator you describe is roughly equivalent to a 20A circuit in your house which is what your refrigerator/freezer is plugged into. By just those numbers, it ought to do what you want.

I haven't tried it myself (don't have a 2,200W generator) so I can't say for sure that it will work.

You will need to look at the refrigerator or freezer for the wattage, the modem and light (LED?) as well as the fan combined will probably be well below 200 watts. IMHO, yes this will work. You will need to plan ahead for suitable extension cords and a way to get from outside (where the generator will be located) through the garage doors and into the house.

Any relation to seven of nine?

Without a/c in Florida you will leave the home within a few days.

Air conditioning was not invented until 1902 but the population of Florida 40 years earlier in 1860 was over 140,000. Without the ToTV forum, no one told them it was unlivable here.

I remember, in 1956, my dad bought a window unit air conditioner and plugged it in. Within 10 minutes, the fuse blew out, and that was the end of our AC. But, that was in Baltimore.

And as you know, the weather isn't that much different between here and Baltimore. The thermometer reads a little higher here but the humidity is worse there. In both cases I am thankful that we now have A/C.

Yes, it will work. I operated a home using a very similar electric load for six days using a similar generator.

In addition, if you have a tankless gas operated water heater you will have a nice hot shower +. So picture this:
Cold food (fridge)
Hot food++
Entertainment (TV/internet)+++
Fan
Small ac++++


Again, I did this. While not ideal I lived very well among the 158,000 impacted by this outage.

Notes for nonbelievers:

+Water is supplied for days after power outage by water towers and they have diesel backup. The electronics for the tankless draw less than 50 watts, it is operated on 120 volts

++Hot food comes from your grill

+++Surprisingly, the internet providers also use diesel backup

++++Yes, you can get small ac units that draw under 15 amps

I also recommend having a dozen MRIs on hand. Nothing beats a hot meal (MREs come with food heaters) when the outage first strikes. I have had them in the field, honestly they beat the food that I was served in Bagram, Afghanistan DFAC (chow hall) during the drawdown in 2020.

Blue (Yamaha) or Red (Honda) inverter generators are the best. They are very quiet, lightweight, and sip gas. Below is a picture of our Yamaha. It’s about 15 years old, seen some heavy use, still starts up on the first pull, and runs like it’s brand new.

I had the same idea and purchased a dual fuel Westinghouse inverter generator. I suggest when you receive the generator you run a test powering what you need and keep the extension cords as "dedicated". And remember you will have to start the generator, maybe once every 6 months. I did just that, works great.

I have lived here in TV for almost 14 years and have never lost electric, even during the hurricane a few years ago. We didn't even lose cable.
Don't waste your money on a generator.

"I have never made a mistake in my life. I thought I did once, but I was wrong".

Thx for the input from everyone. Helps.

Spend a little more and buy the Honda, easy to start and very reliable. I think you will be disappointing with the Westinghouse.

If you have medical needs, a backup generator is a wise idea. It doesn't have to power your house.