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Paw Warrior [5070]
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Generac Generators cost to operate?
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Oct 11, 2024, 9:03 AM
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My cousin lives in Port St. Lucie, Fl. He has a 24k kw generator that uses propane. He lost power for 5 days during Helene and used over 240lbs propane at a cost of $840. Dang sure couldn't afford to have to use that full time! Is that normal? I am looking into getting one, not quite that size but around a 18KW. Thought I would ask here since I am sure at least some have them. He has to use it again after Milton. But at least everyone is safe.
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Top TigerNet [32371]
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Re: Generac Generators cost to operate?
4
Oct 11, 2024, 9:17 AM
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Propane, gasoline usage depends on how much load you are putting on the generator. Most generators give the longest run times of a full tank at 50% loading....some even at 25% loading.
12 #20 propane tanks over 5 days is not that bad if they ran 24h/day.
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Paw Warrior [5070]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Re: Generac Generators cost to operate?
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Oct 11, 2024, 12:44 PM
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His house is about 4k sq feet, I don't know if he cooled the whole house or what. But his home is only like 5 years old so it is energy efficient. He has a 250 gal/lb tank.
Message was edited by: ISpeakTheTruth®
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Orange Phenom [14256]
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Re: Generac Generators cost to operate?
Oct 11, 2024, 10:52 PM
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24k is commercial and not as efficient as the residential 21.5kw unit. 24 and 35kw are geared to commercial and phase more 220v. 21.kw is highly recommended for normal household use for energy efficiency. 21kw with 300gal propane should last 2-3wks without total abusive use and stretched further if conservative. But if you want to use your hotwater heaters, dryers, ovens, etc, etc, you will suck up the propane. But managed use will last weeks on 300gal propane.
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Tiger Titan [48886]
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Couple of questions
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Oct 11, 2024, 9:21 AM
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I'm no electrician and struggle with conversions. That said, I assume this is not some whole home generator?
240lbs at $840 is $3.50 per pound. That would make a normal 20lb grill tank cost $70 to refill. That can't be right. I can get one filled right now for under $20.
I used a propane 4000 watt sportsman to power a refrigerator, freezer, my hot water, a few lamps, a tv, several other lights/things that had to be charged and was using about 1 lb of propane per hour. So a 20lb bottle lasted about 20 hours.
Over 5 days went through like 6 bottles at a cost of $120.
I think one of a few things is happening here:
He's running a generator big enough to power a hotel
He got ripped off on propane prices
There is something I don't understand
Something is incorrect about the info in the OP
Not real sure, but hope this helps.
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Recruit [61]
TigerPulse: 97%
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Re: Couple of questions
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Oct 11, 2024, 9:52 AM
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I think you are paying ~ $3.50/gallon not $3.50/lb.
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Tiger Titan [48886]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Standard grill bottle. They call those 20lb bottles right?
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Oct 11, 2024, 10:14 AM
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You can switch 'em out for like $25 or go get them filled for under $20. Those are the ones I'm talking about.
Not sure how to convert lbs to gallons with propane but certainly those bottles would hold a volumetric gallon of anything unless gas is somehow different.
One of those bottles got me 20 hours of genny/day.
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Recruit [61]
TigerPulse: 97%
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Re: Standard grill bottle. They call those 20lb bottles right?
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Oct 11, 2024, 10:18 AM
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Liquid Propane weighs ~ 4.2 lbs/gallon.
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Hall of Famer [8574]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Re: Standard grill bottle. They call those 20lb bottles right?
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Oct 11, 2024, 10:37 AM
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Propane tanks aren't full of liquid...
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Hall of Famer [8574]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Re: Standard grill bottle. They call those 20lb bottles right?
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Oct 11, 2024, 10:38 AM
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Disregard...I am wrong
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CU Medallion [18331]
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I have a 12kW generator that went through a grill bottle in a little under
Oct 11, 2024, 9:41 PM
[ in reply to Standard grill bottle. They call those 20lb bottles right? ] |
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8 hours and paid about what you did to swap/fill, so I was using about $60 a day, but I was running a pretty good load most of the time
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Valley Legend [12524]
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i ran my generator for 4 days and went thru about 6 20 lb tanks of propane.
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Oct 11, 2024, 9:54 AM
[ in reply to Couple of questions ] |
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i got a couple of them filled and exchanged a couple of them. the exchanges didn't last as long as the filled ones. turns out the exchange tanks are typically only filled to about 15 lbs according to the guy that filled mine. yes there was some price gouging involved as the exchanges were $50 per tank.
lesson learned: as long as the inspection hasn't expired on the tank get them refilled.
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Tiger Titan [48886]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Yep, then when expired go switch 'em out at home depot or whatever.***
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Oct 11, 2024, 10:15 AM
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Valley Legend [12524]
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or get them re-inspected if they are in good shape.***
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Oct 11, 2024, 12:16 PM
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Starter [292]
TigerPulse: 97%
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Recruit [61]
TigerPulse: 97%
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Re: Couple of questions
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Oct 11, 2024, 9:55 AM
[ in reply to Couple of questions ] |
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Liquid propane weighs 4.2 lb/gallon
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Associate AD [1063]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Re: Couple of questions
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Oct 11, 2024, 11:25 PM
[ in reply to Couple of questions ] |
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If you have a 250 gallon propane tank the tank is an ASME container and is rated in gallons. 3.50/ gallon is a little bit high but not outrageous. Your grill tank is a DOT cylinder and is rated in pounds. A typical grill tank is a 20 pound cylinder and holds about 4.7 gallons of liquid propane, as liquid propane weighs 4.24 pounds per gallon. I doubt you could run a 22kw generator for very long on a 20 pound cylinder because the cylinder wouldn’t have enough surface area of liquid to vaporize the liquid fast enough and the tank would “freeze up” (refrigerate.) (I was a propane dealer for 40 years.)
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Game Changer [1969]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Re: Couple of questions
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Oct 11, 2024, 11:50 PM
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If you have a 250 gallon propane tank the tank is an ASME container and is rated in gallons. 3.50/ gallon is a little bit high but not outrageous. Your grill tank is a DOT cylinder and is rated in pounds. A typical grill tank is a 20 pound cylinder and holds about 4.7 gallons of liquid propane, as liquid propane weighs 4.24 pounds per gallon. I doubt you could run a 22kw generator for very long on a 20 pound cylinder because the cylinder wouldn’t have enough surface area of liquid to vaporize the liquid fast enough and the tank would “freeze up” (refrigerate.) (I was a propane dealer for 40 years.)
Good information. You must be Hank Hill to be in the industry for 40 years.
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Associate AD [1063]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Re: Couple of questions
Oct 12, 2024, 7:05 AM
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I’ve been called Hank Hill a few times. It was an interesting business and I enjoyed it (most of the time.)
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Dynasty Maker [3515]
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Re: Generac Generators cost to operate?
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Oct 11, 2024, 9:23 AM
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I’ve been in the industry about 20 years. Propane is sold as a liquid so that would be 240 gallons at 3.50 a gallon which sounds about right for a generator-only account in FL. Propane is a commodity so all retail providers sell it based on usage. The more you use (planned usage not generator use, which is inconsistent) the lower your price. A 24kw burns ~3.5 gals an hour so he should have burned 420 gals if he ran it for 5 days 24/7, not 240 gals. If he ran it for 5 days straight it should have cost around $1400. There are other caveats on the pricing like the size of his propane tank and if he owns his tank or is charged a tank lease fee. These would be minor adjustments.
The thing is, RARELY will you ever run a generator for 5 days and as you noted, a 24K is a large generator for residential. The 5 day cycle is an anomaly and most would be between 1 hour and 1 day for an outage.
Depending on your house size you can easily run a 18k and stay comfortable. You’ll just need to have your electrician go over what they can do about adjusting the demand when it comes to your HVAC and other large demand items.
It all comes down to what you’re willing to pay for comfort convenience and safety.
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Tiger Spirit [10091]
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I paid $3.49/gallon to refill a couple of 20# and 40# tanks
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Oct 11, 2024, 9:26 AM
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at Tractor Supply last weekend.
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Game Day Hero [4228]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Re: Generac Generators cost to operate?
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Oct 11, 2024, 9:34 AM
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I have gas heat along with dryer and stove. Is it possible to hook a Generac into the house feed? Also would an 18k unit typically cost?
Message was edited by: BerlinSPY73®
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Letterman [185]
TigerPulse: 93%
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Re: Generac Generators cost to operate?
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Oct 11, 2024, 9:40 AM
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Specific models of generac can run on natural gas, some on propane. if your feed line of gas is big enough, you can tie into your home gas line. I have a generac (installed 2 years ago) that runs off my natural gas - but since we had a pool heater installed at the same time....the natural gas company ran a larger line to the home (and larger meter).
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All-Pro [734]
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Re: Generac Generators cost to operate?
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Oct 11, 2024, 9:38 AM
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I have a 24Kw Generac generator that uses natural gas. Never had an outage last that long. But, the guesstimate is about $80-100 per day at full load. Rarely have I needed to run at full load.
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Orange Blooded [2403]
TigerPulse: 96%
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Re: Generac Generators cost to operate?
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Oct 11, 2024, 9:42 AM
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My 9500 Westinghouse Generator runs on propane and gasoline. I never use the propane unless I'm completely out of Gas, due to cost.
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Top TigerNet [31222]
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Re: Generac Generators cost to operate?
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Oct 11, 2024, 9:46 AM
[ in reply to Re: Generac Generators cost to operate? ] |
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I have a Generac and learned from my installer that one can save a lot of gas by cutting the Generac off for 4 or 5 hours or longer a day when you are working outside, running errands, etc. That amounts to a lot of gas saving and your food won't be affected in your fridge or freezer.
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Valley Legend [12543]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Generacmarking for future reference because Im looking
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Oct 11, 2024, 9:49 AM
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Into buying one.
Thanks.
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Letterman [171]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Re: Generacmarking for future reference because Im looking
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Oct 11, 2024, 10:06 AM
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I am originally from Oconee County, retired Navy been living in the JAX FL area for 20 years. I am thinking of getting a 7500 watt Generac just to run fridge, lights, fans, microwave maybe a small window AC. Should cost less than $6000 installed. Thing is in 20 years we have never lost power for more than 24 hours so I'm not sure it's a great investment. Whatya think?
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CU Medallion [18785]
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Re: Generacmarking for future reference because Im looking
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Oct 11, 2024, 11:31 AM
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I read if you install a whole house generator you add value to your house. The article said if you spend $10,000, it will add $15,000 value to your property value. So I guess a $6000 unit would add $9000.
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Game Changer [1963]
TigerPulse: 96%
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Re: Generac Generators cost to operate?
1
Oct 11, 2024, 10:07 AM
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Interesting note about the post. Port St Lucie is an hour south of me on the east coast of Florida and did not get hit by either Helene or Milton....just sayin'
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TigerNet HOFer [122455]
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Re: Generac Generators cost to operate?
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Oct 11, 2024, 10:11 AM
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Saint Lucie County got hit by major tornadoes, 2 hours before landfall, I think at one time we had over 90 warnings. My bosses neighbor had his roof ripped off by one, and another destroyed part of the saint lucie county police station.
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Paw Master [16904]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Re: Generac Generators cost to operate?
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Oct 11, 2024, 10:19 AM
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Weren't there several deaths as well?
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TigerNet HOFer [122455]
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Re: Generac Generators cost to operate?
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Oct 11, 2024, 11:06 AM
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4 in the county north last I heard
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Game Changer [1963]
TigerPulse: 96%
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Re: Generac Generators cost to operate?
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Oct 11, 2024, 11:18 AM
[ in reply to Re: Generac Generators cost to operate? ] |
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Yes that is true. The thunderstorms ahead of Milton dropped a bunch of tornado's. Then one in St Lucie killed 4 people I think. There were two others just north of us in Cocoa beach and Merritt Island that were really bad also, but I think nobody was hurt. I heard the total was 100 tornados.
For everything south of FL 528 the hurricane was a big nothing burger in terms of damage and power outages. A few people lost power for a few hours but that was it. the tornado's while very bad only hit an isolated spots. Most the tornados only touch down for less than a half mile. Some just dropped down hit about four houses and were gone. It's pretty crazy. We got nothing here from Helene though. At our house we went through the lower part of the eye and still did not have any damage. For a brief period we had 80 mph winds, but on the southside there was no rain in the wind so it surprisingly did very little damage to anything. On my drive to work yesterday I saw no downed trees, no broken branches even. Just tons of twigs, leaves and palmetto fronds.
The beaches are gonna suck though. We just spent like 20 million dollars replenishing the sand last year. Pretty sure that is all gone. It was funny watching vacationers scouring the beach with metal detectors not knowing all of that sand had just come from a sand pit a week earlier.
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Paw Warrior [4885]
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Re: Generac Generators cost to operate?
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Oct 11, 2024, 10:07 AM
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You can't hide money....you go big dog!!!
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TigerNet HOFer [122455]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Tell him to get a motel in Stuart 10 miles Down the road,
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Oct 11, 2024, 10:07 AM
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the motels are empty and we never lost power.
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Top TigerNet [31222]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Joined: 2007
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Re: Tell him to get a motel in Stuart 10 miles Down the road,
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Oct 11, 2024, 10:25 AM
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I just looked into a Generac for a relative. One that will run an entire house, 2500 sq. ft. upstairs and down, will run about $10,000 or a little less.
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Rival Killer [2643]
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Re: Tell him to get a motel in Stuart 10 miles Down the road,
Oct 11, 2024, 7:51 PM
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For $10,000 you can go get a battery, stuff it full of grid power during the night when it’s cheap. In Georgia this can be as low as 1.6 cents KWH, back up your whole house for a few days, nominal fuel cost and no logistics of running a generator.
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Orange Beast [6277]
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CU Medallion [18785]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Re: Generac Generators cost to operate?
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Oct 11, 2024, 10:43 AM
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Since this is the 3rd time tropical storm remnants have taken my power out since I moved back here in 2015, I started getting more serious looking into a Generac house generator. I don't have natural gas and to get it, I would have to connect to the system and piping would have to be run about 1/4 mile to the house. The cost is too much.
That leaves me a choice of solar, propane and diesel. Mostly bad reviews of the Generac solar system and I don't want to lose the space or build another building for extra batteries. That leaves propane or diesel. The cost of diesel fuel is higher than propane but the diesel generator is more efficient so it is about a wash for fuel cost.
I already have a 200 gallon diesel fuel tank at my barn for fueling the farm equipment. I could put the generator out there but it would be a long 150' to 200' underground run to make the electrical connection at the house or I could move the tank closer which is not the best and safest option. More to come.
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Top TigerNet [31222]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Joined: 2007
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Re: Generac Generators cost to operate?
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Oct 11, 2024, 11:28 AM
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Just a note. I had a large upright gas tank for my water heater by my house. I asked the installer how long that upright tank would last if the generator ran 24/7. He said 3-4 days. I asked him to put another one beside it just in case. He added that this was the largest upright you can put by your house. If you choose a larger, oblong tank, it must be 35 ft. or so from your house which would add to the cost because of piping. I suggest going with the 2 uprights by your house and save a lot of money on copper tubing.
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110%er [3894]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Re: Generac Generators cost to operate?
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Oct 11, 2024, 11:37 AM
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Our Generac is tied into the Piedmont Natural Gas line. It's kind of a trade-off as the Duke meter isn't running when the PNG bill goes up. The installed price was about $6,000 fifteen years ago but it has saved us a freezer full of food about ten times since then. Ours is more of a "most of the house" generator as they weren't as powerful back then. We didn't have AC, the stove, or the washer & dryer, but we had lights & fans and could use the coffee maker, microwave, crockpot and toaster.
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110%er [4028]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Re: Generac Generators cost to operate?
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Oct 11, 2024, 12:34 PM
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I purchased a 22K Generac about 8 years ago. Used it for 3-1/2 days continuously during storm Matthew. I love it!!! It uses natural gas which is very econonmical here in SC. It's completely automatic. I don't have to do anything to turn it on or off. One of best things I ever purchased by far!!!!
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Dynasty Maker [3506]
TigerPulse: 90%
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Re: Generac Generators cost to operate?
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Oct 11, 2024, 12:48 PM
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I agree. I have 26k generator run my stove,water heater,dryer on NG. $36 a month. without NG My power bill would be $500 a month now $236. Have 2 heat/air conditioners with NG furnaces.
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110%er [3672]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Re: Generac Generators cost to operate?
Oct 11, 2024, 6:47 PM
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So you run you generator year round? Or is it just an additional step to start the genny when you go to preheat the oven?
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Walk-On [76]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Re: Generac Generators cost to operate?
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Oct 11, 2024, 5:21 PM
[ in reply to Re: Generac Generators cost to operate? ] |
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My 22k ran my whole house (4,000sf) and I mean everything from HVAC to water heater, 2 freezers and a huge fridge pretty much all day everyday (except 30- 45 min a day for oil check / add) for 9.5 days. Cost about $860 in propane (I do pre buy in the summer, it's cheaper). I have a buried 500 gallon tank and thank goodness it was at 72% when the power went out. Expensive? Yes but well worth it for comfort and we did not lose any food. We do not regret the investment at all. Would do it again in a minute.
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Paw Warrior [4626]
TigerPulse: 71%
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Re: Generac Generators cost to operate?
Oct 11, 2024, 3:09 PM
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I have had my Generac for over 10 years and it is a god send
worth the cost imo and maintenance
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Trainer [36]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Re: Generac Generators cost to operate?
Oct 11, 2024, 6:06 PM
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I bought a house where the previous owner had installed one. My 20kw Generac is connected to a permanent natural gas line. It ran 5 days straight and powers everything including HVAC. I also was curious how much it would cost to run that long, but my natural gas bill is only about $240 which is less than I pay when my furnaces are running non stop in the cold months. Pretty impressive. I would have never paid to have one installed without having experienced the convenience, but if I ever move I'll probably invest in one if the place doesn't have it. Only downside is it's another way my kids are spoiled because they don't know what it means to lose power.
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Associate AD [1086]
TigerPulse: 78%
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Re: Generac Generators cost to operate?
Oct 11, 2024, 8:32 PM
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Where do you live I SPEAK?
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CU Medallion [20640]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Re: Generac Generators cost to operate?
Oct 11, 2024, 10:28 PM
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Propane burns at a much faster rate than gasoline. The generic website gives load level estimates per hour.
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Playmaker [356]
TigerPulse: 92%
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Re: Generac Generators cost to operate?
Oct 12, 2024, 6:47 AM
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Mine is hooked up to my natural gas line through Dominion. I used it for 72 hours last week. I will find out the cost on the next bill.
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Playmaker [356]
TigerPulse: 92%
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Re: Generac Generators cost to operate?
Oct 12, 2024, 6:51 AM
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Mine is hooked up to my natural gas line through Dominion. I used it for 72 hours last week. I will find out the cost on the next bill.
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Fan [35]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Re: Generac Generators cost to operate?
Oct 12, 2024, 8:14 AM
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just another option for folks to consider, especially for hurricane prone Florida, are solar panels that provide backup power without the need for batteries.
Enphase is one such solar panel system. They call theirs 'sunlight backup' (or maybe sunshine backup). The panels detect you lost your utility power and provide direct power to the house. They can drive up to five circuits in your house during the day. Stuff like your refrigerator, internet+tv, outlets for coffee maker, hot water, etc. If you happen to have natural gas or propane then you have really everything you need to ride out a week or two comfortably.
While it only works during the day, you have no costs associated with it.
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Head Coach [933]
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Re: Generac Generators cost to operate?
Oct 12, 2024, 8:23 AM
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My natural gas whole house generator ran for 9 days. All of the people I've talked to say it's cheap to run. While I haven't received a bill yet, I'm fully expecting it to cost around $1,200. Those I spoke to think it will be around $30/day. I hope they are right!
I can't wait for the internet to come back up!
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