Jim - Here is another idea. Rather than heat the house, how about just
heating the pipes? I seem to recall some sort of electrical pipe heater
wrap that was controlled by a thermostat, set down at about 45 degrees.
You could then put insulated pipe wrap on top of that. If the current
draw is low enough, you could look at a bank of batteries to power it,
like people with solar power off the grid. The batteries could be on a
good charger so they stay maintained.
I don't know the pricing on this option, but it avoids an engine,
generator, and transfer switch. You may even find a small second hand
system from someone that upgraded to a larger size.
Brian
On 12/28/2013 7:31 AM, James Stone wrote:
> Thanks guys. I will try to answer all of the questions.
>
> The house is on eastern Long Island. While that isnt a deep freeze area, it
> certainly gets cold enough to freeze pipes. And, with electricity powered by
> the infamous LIPA, being without power after a big snow storm is a definite
> possibility.
> The house is a small cottage: 780 sq feet, two bedrooms, one bathroom. Full
> basemen, full attic. Minimal 1950s insulation in the walls (about 1 thick),
> better in the attic roof.
> Draining the house would be pretty easy and that is an option. However, my
> daughter lives in Manhattan and does go out for a visit periodically. She
> didnt inherit my DIY genes, so turning on and re-draining the system is
> probably more than shed be able to handle.
> The house is occupied less than half the winter, so any kind alternative heat
> source is not going to meet the need.
> The house has two large propane tanks and the gas company tops them off every
> month, so the odds are pretty good wed be fine during a power outage.
> While making the house more comfortable while we are there would be a nice
> side benefit, my primary interest is in protecting the pipes when we are 1,000
> miles away.
> Finally, the $2000 number came from this:
> http://www.amazon.com/Generac-5837-CorePower-Air-Cooled-Generator/dp/B003XQWY
> W0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1388243033&sr=8-1&keywords=standby+generator. I
> havent done any research at all; that was just a quick and dirty search.
> And, of course, 2 grand doesnt include installation. While I suspect I could
> handle most, if not all, of the job, I also dont think that would be legal,
> so it would have to be done professionally. I am sure the total bill will
> will be well above the 2 grand mark, especially given New York labor rates.
>
> I suspect this is my only option, but I am open to other options. As I think
> about it, it probably doesnt have to be totally automatic. I could get a
> transfer switch and convert a standard generator to propane (thanks for the
> conversion link, John) and then ask a friend to go over to the house to power
> it up in an emergency. But, I suspect I may as well just go with the small
> standby unit at that point.
>
> Thanks again. Let me know if the above sparks any other ideas.
>
> Jim
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