Back Up Power Generator

Remember when a back up generator for your home was number one on your to do list after Hurricane Sandy? You may be feeling less urgency now that the inconvenience of power outages is fading from memory. Here is a thumbnail primer on how to shop for standby power.

Portable or Stationary

Portable generators are relatively inexpensive and offer a convenient way to power up many of your household appliances. But most run on gasoline that is hazardous to store and if you can’t get gas – you’re out of luck. Stationary generators run on propane or natural gas and can handle heavy loads like central air and heating. But they’ll cost you. How much power do you need? How comfy do you want to be?

How Much Power Do You Need?

A small portable generator with 4,000 watts of power costs under $800. This will run your refrigerator, water pump, micro-wave, TV and some lights. If you want heat you can get a mid-size generator (5-8 kW) for $1,000. If you can’t brave the storm without central heat, hot water and an electric range then you are looking at up to $3,000 for a 10 kW generator. For $10,000 you can get 15 kW of power with a 2,500 gallon propane tank that will keep you running for 8 to 15 days and even power your washer/dryer. Here’s a link to the  Consumer Reports Generator buying guide. Check out their wattage calculator to help determine your needs. http://bit.ly/M0jwlP

Generator Maintenance: Armonk residents Barrie and David Rakower’s Firefly Propane Service now performs maintenance for home and portable liquid propane or natural gas generators. Be prepared for the first storm. You know it’s coming. You can contact them at 888.384.3359 or at barrie@fireflypropane.com.