On 04/05/2021 8:56 AM k5hm.ron--- via BVARC <[email protected]> wrote:
Yes, the solution N5PRD describes was possible. We had a portable
generator before we purchased the Generac solution.
At our age which I am guessing is more advanced, the job of pulling out the
generator from the garage, hooking it up, testing it periodically, having
some type of feed through connection from the generator to the fan and
other things you want to power like the refrigerator and the upright
freezer, storing and hunting around for fuel, going outside to refuel the
generator in the cold dark night were also considerations
So I opted for the more automated solution. It is permanently installed by
licensed plumbers and electricians, self-testing, automatically switches on
whenever the utility power goes out. I have a seven year warranty on it and
the maintenance plan too.
And I also have the satisfaction of knowing that my wife and family are
also protected from electrical failures after I pass on.
73,
Ron, K5HM
[email protected]
www.qrz.com/db/k5hm
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Excelsior!
From: BVARC <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Mark Brantana via BVARC
Sent: Sunday, April 4, 2021 11:35 PM
To: [email protected]; BRAZOS VALLEY AMATEUR RADIO CLUB <[email protected]>
Cc: Mark Brantana <[email protected]>
Subject: Re: [BVARC] A Thank You to John Stratton, ARRL West Gulf Division
Director
I just have to wonder, how Generac can justify the cost of their generator.
That is what does not add up for me.
4kW = $250 at Home Depot
17kW=$10,000 from Generac
Looking at the chart below; from Hiller, if you want A/C included, it is
going to take that much power.
If this is not critical, there another option could be considered:
A whole-house unit would be nice to have, but a Generac would cost about
$120+/mo for four years. The small 4kW portable generator I bought would be
paid for in about 2 months at that rate.
If you have gas heat, you can run the fan with the smaller unit. In this
option you can buy all the emergency generating power you need for the cost
of the 4kW generator I bought at Home Depot for around $250. Add a SPDT
switch to the fan and wiring for around $100 and the total cost is about $350.
It does not have to be Generac or nothing. Even if I had the cash, I don’t
know if I could justify the very high $/kW. I would prefer a few more
vacations.
I would have been very comfortable if I had just been able to run the
heater fan.
Mark
N5PRD
On Apr 4, 2021, at 8:11 PM, Bruce via BVARC <[email protected]> wrote:
We had our Generac whole house generator installed in August, 2020. Our
house is all electric. Shortly after, someone cut down a tree about a 1/2
mile from us, it fell on a utility pole knocking out power to our entire
street for 8 hours. The generator was great during that summer heat. Then
came the cold of February and it worked great for 4 days. The neighbors on
both sides of me and behind me all have generators. The $10,000 investment
will never be recovered however, having power is wonderful. In fact, it
cost me about $1.25 an hour in natural gas to run the generator. Could not
be more pleased.
For those getting a generator, if you go after a Generac, be sure to watch
their website for warranty specials. I have a 10-year warranty plus the
first year onsite service. Paid my dealer for 5 years of onsite above that.
Changing the oil is a piece of cake as I had to do it during the cold.
Every 25 hours of run time. I bought 6 filters and a bunch of 5W30
synthetic oil to do it during an emergency when the dealer could not come
out. Takes about 10 minutes to change it.
Enjoy your generator.
73...bruce
On 4/4/2021 7:57 PM, k5hm.ron--- via BVARC wrote:
For those of you who don’t know John, I met him when he was the Division
Vice Director. He is very active in the ARRL and a great advocate for hams
in Texas. He has been a frequent presenter at our Ham Fest and club
meetings. He knows his way around Texas politicians too. I’ve never had
much use for lawyers but John is the exception. Perhaps because like me, he
is also an engineer.
Dear John,
I wanted to thank you for your persistence in guiding the Texas legislature
to pass recent legislation regarding HOA’s preventing the installation of
standby generators.
During the recent Texas freeze my XYL and I were without power for 4 days
We existed by camping out in our family room with the cats and the gas
fireplace and lots of flashlight batteries. Fortunately, we have a gas
stovetop, so we were able to prepare food. When it was over, I vowed, we
would not have to live without heating and AC winter or summer. We signed
with a local dealer and hopefully we will have the standby system installed
before the 2021 hurricane season begins.
While we were going through the paper work with the company rep, he showed
us a suggested letter we could send to our HOA that stated
“I understand it is my responsibility to obtain all HOA approvals for my
whole house generator system. I acknowledge Quality Generators cannot act
on my behalf in dealings with my HOA.”
It was then I remembered John talking about his legislation regarding this
problem. So I Googled it. There it was in black and white. Texas Property
Code Section 202.019. I
It reads: Except as provided by this section, a property owners'
association may not adopt or enforce a dedicatory instrument provision that
prohibits, restricts, or has the effect of prohibiting or restricting an
owner from owning, operating, installing, or maintaining a permanently
installed standby electric generator.
Thanks again John.
73,
Ron, K5HM
[email protected]
www.qrz.com/db/k5hm
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Excelsior!
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