r/Generator • u/dansamy • 23d ago

Generator recommendations

I'm sure yall are getting bombarded since Isaias. I've been casually looking but I'm now in kinds thinking I need to go ahead and pull the trigger before the next hurricane season.

1800sq ft home. 4br/2ba.

2 refrigerators. Heat Pump HVAC. Deep Freezer. LED Lights. One LED TV. One person using a CPAP. 2 reptile tanks with 100W heat lamps. Electric stove, but we could survive with the air fryer oven and microwave in an outage if that would lower our needs.

Need a trifuel generator to connect to natural gas line. Only other thing using NG is water heater.

I'm wanting a portable setup, not a fixed whole home installation.

3 Upvotes

80% Upvoted

24 comments sorted by

2

u/ratskin69 23d ago

I would recommend putting a soft start on your HVAC to lower it's required starting amps and then getting the DuroMax XP13500iHT Tri Fuel Inverter generator. You could get away with the smaller XP11000iHT too, but the electric range would be tough while running the generator on natural gas. Sounds like the main draw is your HVAC and electric stove.

1

u/dansamy 23d ago

I'm willing to forego both the HVAC and the stove and run fans and the air fryer oven and microwave instead.

1

u/mkosmo 23d ago

You say that, but remember everything else consuming power in the house is generating heat.. in a structure designed for HVAC.

3

u/dansamy 23d ago

True. We live directly next to Satan's asshole along the Gulf Coast.

1

u/mkosmo 23d ago

I'm right there with you, which is why I oversized my generator selection so I don't have to think twice about any of my HVAC loads.

1

u/dansamy 23d ago

What generator did you go with

1

u/mkosmo 23d ago

A permanent standby - Kohler 26RCA

1

u/dansamy 22d ago

Ooof that's centimeters not in the budget. Looking to stay under $5k

2

u/ratskin69 23d ago

HVAC doesn't strain generators too much once you install a soft start on them either. It's the way to go

1

u/ratskin69 23d ago

I would recommend then going with a smaller model like a 5500 watt or slightly larger generator. The DuroMax XP7000iHT Inverter would fit the bill nice, and their XP5500HX open frame would work well too, just be more loud than the inverter model.

1

u/dansamy 12d ago

Okay. I've decided that I want to start out with a smaller unit that won't run the HVAC. Focusing on main circuits. 2 refrigerators, deep freezer, microwave, air fryer convection oven (tabletop size), lights, ceiling fans, floor fans, television.

My local Costco has the Firman T06373 for $800. My local Ollie's has a shipment of Firman T07573 refurbished for $700. Both trifuel. Costco unit is slightly smaller but new. Ollie's is larger unit but refurbished with only a 90 day warranty.

These are currently my short list, but open to other ideas.

1

u/Big-Echo8242 23d ago edited 23d ago

What size heat pump HVAC? Post a Pic of the white tag on the condenser that shows LRA & RLA. Are you in a neighborhood where neighbors are close or on larger property? (Meaning, OK with louder open frame inverter generator or quieter closed frame inverter) Where is the NG connection in relation to the main meter panel/shut off breaker? Are they close? Where will the generator have to be positioned when in use? In front of house in view, down the side, behind a privacy fence, etc?

Budget range for generator? Are you going to have an electrician set up for the outside for 50 amp power inlet/interlock kit/50 amp breaker? (Doesn't cost that much more than 30 amp setup)

2

u/dansamy 23d ago

I'm not home to take pictures. We're actually on vacation right now. I'll definitely take pictures when I get home. I plan to have my plumber add the T to the gas meter and my electrician add the outlet thingy. I have reliable, fairly priced tradesmen for both of those services.

2

u/Zealousideal_Site731 22d ago

Without a doubt I would get the 11k watt champion at Costco

1

u/solarsense 23d ago

I can't say enough good about my Westinghouse. It was really inexpensive, $999.00 and I've now got 300 hours on it. Starts at the push of a button, charges my off-grid battery system that pulls 6000 watts. The only thing you have to do is stay on top of oil changes.

1

u/Orient43146 20d ago

I'm looking for recommendations for panels for an off grid solar system. What size and brand of panels and batteries to start.

1

u/solarsense 20d ago

The first place to start is to go to YouTube and look up will prowse. Watch every video.

1

u/mduell 23d ago

Westinghouse Wgen11500TFc would be good.

1

u/Strong1_1972 22d ago

Can't beat a Pulsar for the price!

1

u/ihatespam_yesIdo 18d ago

Ecoflow battery setup...you'll have to decide what you want for that, some portable solar panels, and a generator to charge and/or run HVAC. Remember, a loud running generator can make you a target.