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EscapedAlcatraz t1_j39yz1a wrote

Reply to comment by ReadBonny in Back-up Generator for Entire House by ReadBonny

Here's a budget option: a dual fuel portable Westinghouse model 5300 generator ($650), Reliance indoor transfer switch ($450), electrician to install this panel (~$800 or so), a 100 lb propane bottle or two from Lowes ($200 each). So for around $2,000 you can keep the critical items running like your refrigerator, boiler / furnace, lights and microwave oven and get through several days of an outage without a lot of hardship and without having to manage the shelf life issues associated with a gasoline appliance.

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lavransson t1_j3c38m8 wrote

Great plan. Question: is there any long-term storage issues with LPG? Would you recommend storing the tanks in the shed and lug them out only when you need them?

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EscapedAlcatraz t1_j3ed6nu wrote

No storage issues whatsoever. I keep spare barbecue tanks in the shed at all times. That’s a great plan. It might also be worthwhile to chain the generator to something solid nearby while in use. During extended power outages generators are desirable acquisitions and they’re outside running unattended.

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lavransson t1_j3c3s2h wrote

Also, is it safe and practical to transport a 100 lb tank? I’m reading that this weighs 170 lbs when full and should only be transported upright. So you’d need a pickup truck and a way to keep it secure. And 2+ strong people on both ends of the trip to load and unload.

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EscapedAlcatraz t1_j3c58be wrote

Propane has an indefinite shelflife. You might want to go with 40 pound bottles of propane. These are the type you would see on the front of a travel trailer. Three or four of these would be easier to move around and transport.

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