Hmmm. A very interesting idea. I'll do a little research and see what I can
learn.
Thanks.
Sent from my iPhone
> On Dec 28, 2013, at 12:00 PM, "Brian Kemp" <bk13@earthlink.net> wrote:
>
> 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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