Generator suggestions?

[CTFD24]

Yet another power outage due to the high winds we had today. Browsing for generations on my cell phone while I sit here in the candle light. Found what I think might be good deals on a Gentron and a Champion generator. Any experience with either of these two brands. I basically want to run my refrigerator and maybe the blower on my gas furnace. Thanks for any input!

[Eugene]

Generac generator sets appear to be popular is this part of Missouri. I would be looking for local support before purchase.

[Bigdog]

Generac units are popular in my area too. As Eugene says - look for local support. Repair parts and / or service availability can be as important as the unit itself.

[Don McCombs]

I have a propane powered Generac 16kw backup generator with an automatic transfer switch. You may not want to get that elaborate, but the Generac has been reliable and a good investment. We have had it for close to ten years and it has not failed us yet. It is easy to maintain, with oil & filter changes annually and air filter changes about every three years.

[CTFD24]

Thanks for the suggestions. I will definitely look into the Generac brand!

[Eugene]

The hardest part of this topic is to determine the minimal amount of kilowatts required to power the house.

We powered son's house for 2 weeks on a 4KW generator set. The trick was to disconnect everything then power up the gen set. Plug in one deep freezer at a time, then the second one, etc.. General idea was to reduce the initial start up load on the generator set.

Couple of clarifications. Son's house has wood furnace as supplemental heat and a high efficiency propane furnace. Once every appliance was systematically started, the 4 KW ran the house hold.