small generator

[spencyg]

I think spending money on an imported small generator for the sole purpose of running a heater is ludacris. You've got inefficiency in the engine, inefficiency in the generator, inefficiency in the wire between the heater and the generator and the heater, and inefficiency in the heater it self. If you want it to charge batteries, run some lights, well pump, etc, than thats a different story. But from the sound of it, you're concerned about heat. You either need a Kerosun indoor kerosene heater, or as mentioned, a Mr. Heater (propane). I have used both as emergency heat sources for years without failure or danger. You need to crack a window to make sure enough oxygen is present for combustion, but beyond tha, they work great. I can run a 40k BTU Kerosun for days on 5gals of kerosene (off road diesel), and my 80k btu Mr. Heater will go for 10 hours on a 20 lb bottle. For the kerosun, you'll spend maybe $250 for the heater, and then your hourly run cost will be pennies. I don't think Kerosun makes the kerosene heaters anymore, but Craigslist should have them.

If you want new, This might be a good alternative.

If you really want a generator, don't waste your time on anything less than 2500W.

Spence

 

[BigJim]

I agree

x 2

I think spending money on an imported small generator for the sole purpose of running a heater is ludacris. You've got inefficiency in the engine, inefficiency in the generator, inefficiency in the wire between the heater and the generator and the heater, and inefficiency in the heater it self. If you want it to charge batteries, run some lights, well pump, etc, than thats a different story. But from the sound of it, you're concerned about heat. You either need a Kerosun indoor kerosene heater, or as mentioned, a Mr. Heater (propane). I have used both as emergency heat sources for years without failure or danger. You need to crack a window to make sure enough oxygen is present for combustion, but beyond tha, they work great. I can run a 40k BTU Kerosun for days on 5gals of kerosene (off road diesel), and my 80k btu Mr. Heater will go for 10 hours on a 20 lb bottle. For the kerosun, you'll spend maybe $250 for the heater, and then your hourly run cost will be pennies. I don't think Kerosun makes the kerosene heaters anymore, but Craigslist should have them.

If you want new, This might be a good alternative.

If you really want a generator, don't waste your time on anything less than 2500W.

Spence

 

[cruiser guy]

A generator to run an ELECTRIC heater is a waste of time. As others have said a 750w electric heater in your house is not going to do much at all. You may as well simply leave the incandescent lights on everywhere and at least be able to see at the same time as making a little heat.

A generator to run the fan in a gas fired forced air furnace makes more sense.

I have a Honda 1000w generator and while I have not needed it for the furnace yet, I know it will work for that. In the winter outside is a good place for the fridge contents if we have prolonged power outages.