Quantcast
Options for back up power - other than a whole home generator - Beyond.ca - Car Forums
Results 1 to 11 of 11

Thread: Options for back up power - other than a whole home generator

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jun 2002
    Location
    A Calgarian now living in the 604
    My Ride
    V167
    Posts
    5,512
    Rep Power
    46

    Default Options for back up power - other than a whole home generator

    At our place when storms pass through power frequently goes out. Last power outage was 1 month ago, and we had no power from 10pm to 7am. Ideal time for most, but we have a new born at home, and it was downright cold inside. I was able to use the gas stove to warm up water/bottles etc but that was not fun.
    A few people in our area have Generac generators for back up power to run essential items in the home (fridge, furnace, lighting etc). I got a quote. Lets just say its much higher than expected. I was ready to spend 10-15k, its more than that. I'll still consider this as we are planning on staying in this house for the next 5-10 years, but would like to know about potential alternatives.

    Power outage may occur a few times this winter, with typical outage lasting 3-4 hours based on previous experience. I think we are ok if we have provision for heat possible in case its really cold outside.

    I have a few questions that I was hoping to get some assistance with:

    1. Can a portable gas generator run a small space heater? I could run a freaking LONG extension cord upstairs to keep baby room warm. Recommend a solid portable generator if possible.
    2. Any recommendations re: an easy to use, battery power source/power block with which I can run a few small items, charge phones etc?
    3. Any particularly GREAT battery powered lanterns that would light up a room? Suggestions appreciated.

    Thank you!

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Nov 2008
    Location
    Cochrane, AB
    My Ride
    Trucks
    Posts
    2,114
    Rep Power
    43

    Default

    Power outage wise, a natural gas fireplace is the best bet long term. Also a nice Honda or Yamaha inverter generator would work great to run a couple of fans and refrigerator.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    May 2006
    Location
    Only 15min from Aspen!
    My Ride
    Nothing interesting anymore
    Posts
    8,403
    Rep Power
    100

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by nismodrifter View Post
    This quote is hidden because you are ignoring this member. Show Quote

    1. Can a portable gas generator run a small space heater? I could run a freaking LONG extension cord upstairs to keep baby room warm. Recommend a solid portable generator if possible.
    Space heaters don't work well with long extension cords. A lot of energy is lost through there. I'm assuming you have a natural gas furnace, so get an outdoor fitting installed (you might already have one for a BBQ) and get a natural gas generator (camping style). Better yet, get a tri-fuel one so you can also use propane or gasoline. If you're handy, you can easily figure out how to run a cord down to your furnace have it capable of being hooked up to the generator. They pull surprisingly little amount of power.

    Not that I've needed it, but I have a setup where I can use our camping generator hooked up through our old hot-tub wiring to supply power to the main breaker panel. If we ever do lose power, I can flip off all the unnecessary circuits, and run the furnace, fridge, and two light circuits using my camping generator. It's totally not up to code, but in case of power outage at -25°, I don't give a fuck, and it's wired up safely so it won't cause a fire.
    Last edited by Tik-Tok; 12-12-2023 at 02:20 PM.
    Quote Originally Posted by DonJuan View Post
    This quote is hidden because you are ignoring this member. Show Quote
    Came back to ogle 2Legit2Quit wife's buns...
    Quote Originally Posted by Kloubek View Post
    This quote is hidden because you are ignoring this member. Show Quote
    They're certainly big, but I don't know if they are the BEST I've tasted.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Apr 2003
    Location
    Calgary
    My Ride
    F10M/F87/NA2/W220/V90/E46ZHP/SE3P/DC2
    Posts
    6,163
    Rep Power
    48

    Default

    Be a real car guy, F150 Lighting

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jul 2010
    Location
    Homeless
    My Ride
    Blue Dabadee
    Posts
    9,593
    Rep Power
    100

    Default

    The all electric future is so exciting
    Originally posted by Thales of Miletus

    If you think I have been trying to present myself as intellectually superior, then you truly are a dimwit.
    Originally posted by Toma
    fact.
    Quote Originally Posted by Yolobimmer View Post
    This quote is hidden because you are ignoring this member. Show Quote

    guessing who I might be, psychologizing me with your non existent degree.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Jun 2003
    Location
    Canada
    My Ride
    GMC Sierra
    Posts
    1,502
    Rep Power
    24

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Jun 2002
    Location
    A Calgarian now living in the 604
    My Ride
    V167
    Posts
    5,512
    Rep Power
    46

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Tik-Tok View Post
    This quote is hidden because you are ignoring this member. Show Quote
    I'm assuming you have a natural gas furnace, so get an outdoor fitting installed (you might already have one for a BBQ) and get a natural gas generator (camping style). Better yet, get a tri-fuel one so you can also use propane or gasoline.
    This is the exact kind of info I was seeking. I have BBQ hook up on my deck. Will look into this option. Any particular models to look at?
    @sxtasy : thank you

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Aug 2012
    Location
    Calgary, AB
    My Ride
    Non Baller Vehicles
    Posts
    684
    Rep Power
    32

    Default

    Portable genny like the Honda one above and something like this:

    https://www.princessauto.com/en/30a-...t/PA0008953275

    Whilst the Generac thing will kick in automatically on power-loss, this setup would be a quarter of the price and all you'd have to do is start the genny yourself

    - - - Updated - - -

    Quote Originally Posted by nismodrifter View Post
    This quote is hidden because you are ignoring this member. Show Quote
    This is the exact kind of info I was seeking. I have BBQ hook up on my deck. Will look into this option. Any particular models to look at?
    @sxtasy : thank you
    People recommend the Champion Dual Fuel from Costco, for obvious reasons RE: warranty

    Never looked into Tri-fuels though

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Jul 2010
    Location
    Homeless
    My Ride
    Blue Dabadee
    Posts
    9,593
    Rep Power
    100

    Default

    If you have a natural gas furnace wouldn’t a small generator sized just to power the furnace electronics and fan on a short extension cord work fine?

    I was assuming he needed this because NG wasn’t an option where he lives?

    OP you are in BC, wood stove that shit
    Originally posted by Thales of Miletus

    If you think I have been trying to present myself as intellectually superior, then you truly are a dimwit.
    Originally posted by Toma
    fact.
    Quote Originally Posted by Yolobimmer View Post
    This quote is hidden because you are ignoring this member. Show Quote

    guessing who I might be, psychologizing me with your non existent degree.

  10. #10
    Join Date
    May 2015
    Location
    Calgary
    My Ride
    B16 Spec V, 97 SC400, 15 Caravan
    Posts
    133
    Rep Power
    0

    Default

    Good middle of the road option is a tri fuel, natural gas generator. You can put in a 30 Amp transfer switch with genny hook up outside. Tri fuel generator to power 30 amp is around $1500 I think right now, may be less, used to get it on sale for $700 or so but no more. The transfer switch depending on model is $500-800. Then there are lots of how tos on building a generator shed to house the generator to keep it out of the elements. Put it near your gas and you electrical panel and if you're handing it's probably a $3k project. Maybe a little more now. Cheaper than the turn key options but still a chunk of change, not automatic either.

    30 amps will run your furnace, fridges/freezers and enough lights etc to deal with a power outage and unless we are talking really bad you should still have natural gas to run the generator.

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Jan 2007
    Location
    Calgary Alberta
    My Ride
    2012 F150, R6
    Posts
    161
    Rep Power
    0

    Default

    Depending on your truck, you may be able to get away with using the inverter (Furnace and fridge only)

    I asked the neighbor about this while building the garage, there are several videos on youtube on how to power your furnace with a car battery, so if you have a decent inverter you may be able to run that in an emergency. Probably similar to what @Tik-Tok has

    just remember, you are only powering your blower motor with electricity, so the power draw isnt huge. Your gas doesnt shut off in a power outage, you just need to backfeed your panel as long as you isolate from your main power by killing the city feed
    Last edited by GT.....O?; 12-12-2023 at 04:15 PM.
    "Speed has never killed anyone, suddenly becoming stationary… That’s what gets you."

Similar Threads

  1. wtb: power generator

    By Dalking in forum Miscellaneous Buy/Sell/Trade
    Replies: 0
    Latest Threads: 08-26-2014, 04:11 PM
  2. Yard Waste - Other Options than landfill??

    By stacy28 in forum Home and Garden
    Replies: 3
    Latest Threads: 07-16-2011, 01:18 PM
  3. where to rent a power generator?

    By Boomph in forum General
    Replies: 7
    Latest Threads: 05-07-2008, 07:57 AM
  4. Lower Back Pain, other options other than Chiropractors

    By Unknown303 in forum Health and Fitness
    Replies: 38
    Latest Threads: 08-07-2007, 05:49 PM
  5. Putting power options on a non power car

    By schurchill39 in forum General Car/Bike Talk
    Replies: 4
    Latest Threads: 03-17-2005, 12:43 AM

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •