[Shop-talk] Standby Generators

[Brian Kemp]

Jim - Here is another idea.  Rather than heat the house, how about just 
heating the pipes?  I seem to recall some sort of electrical pipe heater 
wrap that was controlled by a thermostat, set down at about 45 degrees. 
  You could then put insulated pipe wrap on top of that.  If the current 
draw is low enough, you could look at a bank of batteries to power it, 
like people with solar power off the grid.  The batteries could be on a 
good charger so they stay maintained.

I don't know the pricing on this option, but it avoids an engine, 
generator, and transfer switch.  You may even find a small second hand 
system from someone that upgraded to a larger size.

Brian

On 12/28/2013 7:31 AM, James Stone wrote:
> Thanks guys.  I will try to answer all of the questions.
>
> The house is on eastern Long Island.  While that isnt a deep freeze area, it
> certainly gets cold enough to freeze pipes.  And, with electricity powered by
> the infamous LIPA, being without power after a big snow storm is a definite
> possibility.
> The house is a small cottage: 780 sq feet, two bedrooms, one bathroom.  Full
> basemen, full attic.  Minimal 1950s insulation in the walls (about 1 thick),
> better in the attic roof.
> Draining the house would be pretty easy and that is an option.  However, my
> daughter lives in Manhattan and does go out for a visit periodically.  She
> didnt inherit my DIY genes, so turning on and re-draining the system is
> probably more than shed be able to handle.
> The house is occupied less than half the winter, so any kind alternative heat
> source is not going to meet the need.
> The house has two large propane tanks and the gas company tops them off every
> month, so the odds are pretty good wed be fine during a power outage.
> While making the house more comfortable while we are there would be a nice
> side benefit, my primary interest is in protecting the pipes when we are 1,000
> miles away.
> Finally, the $2000 number came from this:
> http://www.amazon.com/Generac-5837-CorePower-Air-Cooled-Generator/dp/B003XQWY
> W0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1388243033&sr=8-1&keywords=standby+generator.  I
> havent done any research at all; that was just a quick and dirty search.
> And, of course, 2 grand doesnt include installation.  While I suspect I could
> handle most, if not all, of the job, I also dont think that would be legal,
> so it would have to be done professionally.  I am sure the total bill will
> will be well above the 2 grand mark, especially given New York labor rates.
>
> I suspect this is my only option, but I am open to other options.  As I think
> about it, it probably doesnt have to be totally automatic.  I could get a
> transfer switch and convert a standard generator to propane (thanks for the
> conversion link, John) and then ask a friend to go over to the house to power
> it up in an emergency. But, I suspect I may as well just go with the small
> standby unit at that point.
>
> Thanks again.  Let me know if the above sparks any other ideas.
>
> Jim