Opinions on Generac portable generators for backup home power?

[VirginiaHeritage]

I’m looking at portable generator options for backup home power since we get more than our share of tree-related outages. We’re almost the only ones in the neighborhood without one. No power means no water pressure from our well, along with the usual concerns. According to my retired electrical engineer neighbor, who has explained how to tie it into our home electric, I want 5,000 running watts and 6,000-7,000 starting (peak) watts.

Honda’s offering at this spec is over $3 grand. I love Honda small engines, but damn. Generac is about a third of that and available through Home Depot just down the road. Anyone have good or bad experience with Generac portables for occasional use?


https://www.homedepot.com/p/Generac...Generator-with-COSense-GP5500E-8150/333568831

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[Thatguylegit69]

I mean, if you have expendable cash, sure; but I don't suggest generac to anyone asking me. I was an industrial electo-mech / elec engineer, then started my own elec resi business. Generac just is a pain with warranties, parts, customer service right now (like most companies but this is bad).

I'd say go grab the appropriate sized honda / predator (invertor specifically) with single fuel / dual fuel / tri fuel and run it.

My home is almost 3,000 ft² and use the older predator inverter (9,000w model) and can run everything. Laundry, kitchen, heat pumps for 2 floors. No issues.

If you need more power, then grab another and run them in parallel. All of that is still cheaper than an entry level generac.

 

[MNBigfoot]

Have you thought about the Duel fuel ones?

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