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keysandtreesforme t1_j1pwdmi wrote

Reply to comment by Huckleberry-Powerful in How prepared are you for these long power outages? by VegUltraGirl

Man, the generator route seems damn expensive. Could you ballpark the cost of wiring up the house for it and a generator that would run the fridge, well pump, and a few other essentials?

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Ftbldude322 t1_j1pxswv wrote

I just had an electrician wire up a generator hookup and bought a 7500w portable generator. Cost me $1400.

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gretchens t1_j1pxpuw wrote

We split this expense into two phases, and started by getting the inlet installed - that was about 500 bucks, but made it extremely easy to borrow a generator. After our first storm that we borrowed one, we invested in our own, and spent about 700. But man being able to just throw the switch and plug in outside was worth every penny (and makes the generator-lender more confident that you won’t wreck theirs, imo!) That was a few years ago, so prices have probably gone up, but if you were looking to do which one first I’d say inlet. ETA our generator can run the furnace or heat pumps, fridge, lights, etc. Probably not the DW, washer or dryer, but that isn’t as essential as the others! We have an induction range, not sure if would run that but I have a single burner and a great toaster oven that we’d use instead.

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Tronbronson t1_j1pyswp wrote

Back in the day it was like 3-5,000 fully installed and warrantied. It might be worth visiting the local bank and seeing if they would loan on such a home improvement. Might be able to get one for little money down, on a fixed payment. I can tell you after almost a decade of owning one, Idk how anyone lives without them in the country lol. Especially if you're in a small town thats last to get their power back.

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Huckleberry-Powerful t1_j1q76ms wrote

Realistically, a lot of people can't afford a generator. It is definitely a lot cheaper to rig your water lines to be drained and blown out by an air compressor. Keep some RV antifreeze on hand to dump into your sink traps, and your house essentially winterized.

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Many-Day8308 t1_j1q8mop wrote

I had an 11kW generac installed 3 years ago for $6000. It sounds like a lot of money until your power goes out in the middle of the night and all you need to do is listen for the switch throw and roll over back to sleep.

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keysandtreesforme t1_j1qahi3 wrote

Yeah, that’s the kind of price I was afraid of. I can’t imagine the peace of mind though.

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Many-Day8308 t1_j1qcusv wrote

If you own your house it may be worth investigating an equity line of credit to pay for it. I cannot convey how much it eases one’s mind.

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WingedCactus t1_j1qhzvm wrote

Who’d you have install it?

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Many-Day8308 t1_j1qit1j wrote

Flanders. They are worth every penny. Automatically do a yearly maintenance without me having to call them. Very efficient and reliable company. Installation was quick and done when they said it would be. They now service my moms generator because the company she originally hired was so negligent and unprofessional

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WingedCactus t1_j1qj26t wrote

In norway? The storm was the last stra. I’m getting one installed. I’m worried everyone will be doing the same and it’s going to take forever.

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Many-Day8308 t1_j1qk535 wrote

Yes, Norway. When I hired them I believe the install was scheduled about two months out. Ironically, a very bad storm was predicted for install date so Flanders team and the propane company showed up a day or two early to get it set up but CMP refused to change their schedule to allow for final connection. So I went a week with no power even though I had the generator all set up in my yard. Made me hate CMP with a burning passion that endures to this very day!

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Gunnersandgreen t1_j1qnoit wrote

An automatic standby generator costs 9 to 13k installed depending on what size you get. From my company at least.

The generator inlet with interlock bracket is what the person below is talking about, that price is in range as well.

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theora55 t1_j1qvnu4 wrote

My wood stove was 500 used, @ 1,000 to install(2010), and it's a pleasure to use; fire is down to coals because the sun is pouring in.

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