Due to the recent earthquakes in the Los Angeles area, do you think its a good idea to buy a power generator? they run around $1000.

It would be stored at my grandparents garage, to be used for the garage fridge and Room A/C units if it gets too hot.

Or does it just seem panicky?

& which one is recommended? from Sears? what wattage?

Generators can be a great relief during a short to mid-term emergency. Certainly, lots of folks keep them.

The main question, beyond basic sizing and choosing a generator to suit you, is how it will be kept so that the owner can be assured it will actually run when needed. Fuel needs to be on-hand, since after a "big one" the service stations will likely be out for some time. What you have on hand when "it" hits is all you'll have.

Gasoline generators are a particular headache in this respect.... Gasoline doesn't keep well, and to be useful for more than a few hours, a fairly significant fuel reserve must be on hand. That reserve would best be kept fresh, less than a month or 2 old, to be reliable. This is real work, and takes careful planning. Many will cycle their supply thru their vehicle to keep it fresh. Safe storage can also be a concern (from a fire hazard point of view).

Diesel gennies are a little easier in this respect, as diesel fuel will generally keep about a year with decent storage, but again, it's perishable. If you don't own a diesel vehicle, how will the fuel be kept viable? Again, safe storage needs consideration.

Propane with a decent size reserve is probably the easiest to maintain. Propane stores well, years. The generators are basically modified gasoline engines, simple enough. The fuel supply could be a few 100 pounders or a fixed bullet.

Sizing the generator depends on what you want to run. Add up the wattage of all the stuff you will NEED, and buy a generator with a rating significantly higher (nearer double than not) than the number you turn up.

There's some food for thought.

J

A generator needs regular exercise to make sure it works when needed. Moisture is the biggest problem. A generator should be run a minimum of 15 minutes every few weeks. This is the biggest draw back to portable generators. Permanent standbys automatically start and run on a regular schedule. But they run up to $10k installed.

Excellent replies by JasonB & Code.

I've kept an electric start gasoline portable generator for years, primarily for use if a hurricane or other strong storm causes havoc.

For ease of movement, I purchased one that has wheels/pads and folding handle. I also start and run it periodically, always with fresh gasoline treated with Sta-Bil. I test run it until the gas is depleted and have never had issues during later test starts.
I haven't been too concerned about the battery. When/if weak, I simply recharge it and/or replace (approx every 3 years). The Gen can also be started by jumping if necessary.

Good luck.

Keep in mind if you are willing to rotate the power cord around the various devices you want to power you don't need enough to power the freezer and fridge at the same time. If you keep the freezer closed you can run power to it for an hour or so and move the cord to something else, same with the refrigerator. A whole house generator is great if you can afford it but there are ways to keep the food from spoiling with a smaller generator.

If I buy one I'll look to get one with a Honda engine that is quiet. In earthquake territory I'd probably avoid a natural gas model even in a permanent installation as gas lines have been known to get broken in earthquakes. Here in NC I'd probably go natural gas if I went permanent. I'm far enough from the coast and not in a floodplain so gas service remains very reliable.

Walking the steam pageant grounds last night Honda's are by far the generator of choice. Quiet and efficient. Economical to run but not to buy.

I agree, for small gasoline/propane gensets, the Hondas are wonderfully smooth and quiet.

I also agree that Nat Gas would be a poor choice in an earthquake zone.

To me, propane makes most sense.

J

Is it feasible to convert a small gasoline motor to propane similar to the way they convert auto engines?

Seems panicky.........right up until the power goes out.

Many engines can be easily converted...

First result of google search:

http://www.propane-generators.com/

J