Do you have backup heat source?
#16
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Nov 2003
Location: Formally Scotland. Now Bay of Quinte...Ontario
Posts: 2,466
Re: Do you have backup heat source?
I looked at them today but the ones at HD and Lowes are too fragile and a serious one is about US$500 for an hour's function and US$250/hour after that. We'd want support for about 8 hours and, at that price point, an automatic generator is an option.
It's always the balance of probabilities, a power outage that starts mid-morning on a weekday and goes for several hours is our exposure and, in truth, that happens no more than half a dozen times a year. If one of those times coincides with a melting phase then we'll have a flood but most outages start at night and we're here to fire up the generator. I can't see a UPS for the sump pump ever coming to the top of the shopping list.
It's always the balance of probabilities, a power outage that starts mid-morning on a weekday and goes for several hours is our exposure and, in truth, that happens no more than half a dozen times a year. If one of those times coincides with a melting phase then we'll have a flood but most outages start at night and we're here to fire up the generator. I can't see a UPS for the sump pump ever coming to the top of the shopping list.
#17
Re: Do you have backup heat source?
We have a rather splendid insert wood burner in our fireplace, but the fan associated with it is hydro driven. Likewise our oil fired forced air furnace is - i'm pretty sure - hydro driven (pilot light etc). I have been considering a backup generator for a while. Anyone know a good one? Not crazy expensive as would be in the garage or outhouse so doesn't need to be particularly quiet, I guess just powerful
#18
limey party pooper
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 9,982
Re: Do you have backup heat source?
We have a gas stove which replaced a wood stove. We've a back up generator which we've only had to use a few times thankfully. Don't really need it for heat but the septic has a pump.
#19
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Joined: Nov 2003
Location: Formally Scotland. Now Bay of Quinte...Ontario
Posts: 2,466
Re: Do you have backup heat source?
We have a rather splendid insert wood burner in our fireplace, but the fan associated with it is hydro driven. Likewise our oil fired forced air furnace is - i'm pretty sure - hydro driven (pilot light etc). I have been considering a backup generator for a while. Anyone know a good one? Not crazy expensive as would be in the garage or outhouse so doesn't need to be particularly quiet, I guess just powerful
#20
Re: Do you have backup heat source?
Depends what you envisage running off the generator. For example, will you require to run say, a well pump for water which would require a capability of 220V/30 amp output. Would you hook it to a generator breaker panel and transfer switch? If not and would simply run an extension cable to run a a sump pump, furnace, freezer etc, then something around 2500 to 3500kw output (120V) would likely do for you. Cost around $600 or so. Suggest you speak with an electrician with regards to what your expectations are and take it from there.
A 3kw generator stored in garage but moved outside under shelter when needed. Connects to two inbuilt extension cables that feed sockets built into wall next to existing sockets next to furnace and other next to TV/internet in living area. When needed ,fire up generator, connect to cables and change plugs from mains to cables. Very cheap and practical. Eliminates any possibility of cross connection from mains to generator, both systems separate. Generator second hand cost $200.. no tax. Has enough oommph to service furnace, entertainment and microwave/coffee maker.
Daughter has 8kw connected to transfer switch panel. Very good but quite expensive, but does service most of house.
#21
Re: Do you have backup heat source?
Our heat went out overnight, the cause was the battery failing on the programmer. I was worried for my heat sensitive animals. We have an electric fan heater in the bedroom and a generator that's never been out of the box. On the shopping list is hardwares for the animals if this happens again. If it's long term, we'll be off to a hotel!
#22
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Joined: Jan 2006
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Re: Do you have backup heat source?
Our heat went out overnight, the cause was the battery failing on the programmer. I was worried for my heat sensitive animals. We have an electric fan heater in the bedroom and a generator that's never been out of the box. On the shopping list is hardwares for the animals if this happens again. If it's long term, we'll be off to a hotel!
The fish can't move them, water does take time to cool, but anything below 73F and things start to go south as the fish are from very warm regions with water temps pushing 80F.
If the place was insulted well, wouldn't be so bad, but turn off the heat and the temp drops pretty quickly.
#23
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 605
Re: Do you have backup heat source?
We have a very simple setup.
A 3kw generator stored in garage but moved outside under shelter when needed. Connects to two inbuilt extension cables that feed sockets built into wall next to existing sockets next to furnace and other next to TV/internet in living area. When needed ,fire up generator, connect to cables and change plugs from mains to cables. Very cheap and practical. Eliminates any possibility of cross connection from mains to generator, both systems separate. Generator second hand cost $200.. no tax. Has enough oommph to service furnace, entertainment and microwave/coffee maker.
Daughter has 8kw connected to transfer switch panel. Very good but quite expensive, but does service most of house.
A 3kw generator stored in garage but moved outside under shelter when needed. Connects to two inbuilt extension cables that feed sockets built into wall next to existing sockets next to furnace and other next to TV/internet in living area. When needed ,fire up generator, connect to cables and change plugs from mains to cables. Very cheap and practical. Eliminates any possibility of cross connection from mains to generator, both systems separate. Generator second hand cost $200.. no tax. Has enough oommph to service furnace, entertainment and microwave/coffee maker.
Daughter has 8kw connected to transfer switch panel. Very good but quite expensive, but does service most of house.
Last edited by paw339; Jan 12th 2017 at 4:48 am.
#24
Banned
Joined: Apr 2009
Location: SW Ontario
Posts: 19,879
Re: Do you have backup heat source?
My cold blooded animal friends are my biggest worry. The gecko I could in most places just go to the car with him in a box and take a drive, but in this building whatever genius designed it they made it where if the power is out there is no access to the garage and cars.
The fish can't move them, water does take time to cool, but anything below 73F and things start to go south as the fish are from very warm regions with water temps pushing 80F.
If the place was insulted well, wouldn't be so bad, but turn off the heat and the temp drops pretty quickly.
The fish can't move them, water does take time to cool, but anything below 73F and things start to go south as the fish are from very warm regions with water temps pushing 80F.
If the place was insulted well, wouldn't be so bad, but turn off the heat and the temp drops pretty quickly.
MotoMaster Eliminator PowerBox® 600 | Canadian Tire
MotoMaster Eliminator PowerBox® 2000 | Canadian Tire <- has 3 outlets
Last edited by Siouxie; Jan 12th 2017 at 5:21 am.
#25
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 605
Re: Do you have backup heat source?
Could you get one of those power packs for a back up for your aquarium, perhaps?
MotoMaster Eliminator PowerBox® 600 | Canadian Tire
MotoMaster Eliminator PowerBox® 2000 | Canadian Tire <- has 3 outlets
MotoMaster Eliminator PowerBox® 600 | Canadian Tire
MotoMaster Eliminator PowerBox® 2000 | Canadian Tire <- has 3 outlets
#26
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Re: Do you have backup heat source?
https://www.costco.ca/Duracell-400-W...100230281.html
And would a car battery stay charged sitting in storage over time? Or I suppose we could buy a battery that fits our car and swap the battery out from time to time to keep it charged?
Unfortunately in a power outage we have no access to our car as there is no way into the garage without power.
The heater is 100 watts and the water pump around 4 watts. The heater doesn't run constant however, comes on and off as needed.
Last edited by scrubbedexpat091; Jan 12th 2017 at 5:37 am.
#27
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 605
Re: Do you have backup heat source?
This?
https://www.costco.ca/Duracell-400-W...100230281.html
And would a car battery stay charged sitting in storage over time? Or I suppose we could buy a battery that fits our car and swap the battery out from time to time to keep it charged?
Unfortunately in a power outage we have no access to our car as there is no way into the garage without power.
The heater is 100 watts and the water pump around 4 watts. The heater doesn't run constant however, comes on and off as needed.
https://www.costco.ca/Duracell-400-W...100230281.html
And would a car battery stay charged sitting in storage over time? Or I suppose we could buy a battery that fits our car and swap the battery out from time to time to keep it charged?
Unfortunately in a power outage we have no access to our car as there is no way into the garage without power.
The heater is 100 watts and the water pump around 4 watts. The heater doesn't run constant however, comes on and off as needed.
#28
Slob
Joined: Sep 2009
Location: Ottineau
Posts: 6,342
Re: Do you have backup heat source?
We have a gas furnace as back up to the woodstove. The furnace has fans and a thermostat which require electricity; that presents a problem as the power supply is unreliable (today, for example, it was out from 8 am to 1:30pm) and we don't have an automatic generator.
That said, lack of heat is a less pressing issue than lack of sump pump. At the time of year when the power is least reliable there's lots of melting snow and so a risk of flooding. Not an issue if someone is here but outages are worrisome on weekdays.
That said, lack of heat is a less pressing issue than lack of sump pump. At the time of year when the power is least reliable there's lots of melting snow and so a risk of flooding. Not an issue if someone is here but outages are worrisome on weekdays.
He has a log burner in the basement (vented to the main floor) and lots of wood. He also has a sump pump and a well.
To compound problems, he's away a lot and for extended periods. A mate of his is keeping an eye on the place but you never know. Today would not be a good day for an outage. It's well above zero and raining.
I think I'll tell him to give his mate a nudge.
We should probably invest in a generator.
#29
Re: Do you have backup heat source?
My cold blooded animal friends are my biggest worry. The gecko I could in most places just go to the car with him in a box and take a drive, but in this building whatever genius designed it they made it where if the power is out there is no access to the garage and cars.
The fish can't move them, water does take time to cool, but anything below 73F and things start to go south as the fish are from very warm regions with water temps pushing 80F.
If the place was insulted well, wouldn't be so bad, but turn off the heat and the temp drops pretty quickly.
The fish can't move them, water does take time to cool, but anything below 73F and things start to go south as the fish are from very warm regions with water temps pushing 80F.
If the place was insulted well, wouldn't be so bad, but turn off the heat and the temp drops pretty quickly.
I'm not sure how much / often to agitate the water