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Environment & Energy

NYC_SKP

(68,644 posts)

9. I use my Prius or my El Camino for backup power.

Reply to truedelphi (Original post)

Sat Jul 20, 2013, 11:29 PM

Jul 2013

Buy a 12 volt inverter. I also live in California and blackouts are pretty rare, although we had an outage just yesterday in my neighborhood.

A few years ago I was at friends in Sunnyvale and we just used an inverter to keep the fridge and TV going.

It wouldn't have been enough for central AC but some powerful enough for a window unit.

Better, though, to just use fans.

Here: 2000 watts, $99.00: http://www.walmart.com/ip/COBRA-CPI-1000-Cobra-CPI-1000-2-000W-12V-DC-To-120V-AC-Power-Inverter/10746773?findingMethod=rr

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Can anyone here describe how to utilize a Honda generator to [View all] truedelphi Jul 2013 OP

You might want to consider a propane or natural gas back-up generator jpak Jul 2013 #1

I will check those out. thanks. n/t truedelphi Jul 2013 #5

For what you are describing, you need a whole house system liberal N proud Jul 2013 #2

1 portable generator will run the essentials - fridge, computer, TV a few lights. leveymg Jul 2013 #3

How much gas did you use per day to run those appliances? NickB79 Jul 2013 #8

I get 4 hours on a fill liberal N proud Jul 2013 #10

I'd say that is too small and overpriced. kristopher Jul 2013 #4

I would start off with a big UPS for the computer/phone system and a few CFL lights Fumesucker Jul 2013 #6

Check out craigslist before you buy pscot Jul 2013 #7

I use my Prius or my El Camino for backup power. NYC_SKP Jul 2013 #9