5500 watt generator that is connected via an outdoor weather proof receptacle to a transfer switch in my garage. Since I have an outdoor hot tub and one submersible pump for my drilled well and a jet pump for my dug well, I usually trip breakers on a number of items in order to power the essentials during a power outage. I usually keep the fridge, pellet stove, oil boiler, one well pump, and stereo or tv circuits on. With a few lights as well. With just the essentials on the 5500 watt can keep up with relative ease.
There is a part of me that regrets not investing in a larger, automatic stand by generator back when I bought my current generator and switch. The other more rational part of me reminds me occasionally that I've actually only had to use my current set-up twice since I invested about $1800 into it several years ago. At that time an automatic set-up would have cost around $6,000 minimum.....and still only would have been used twice so I suppose I made the right decision.
There is a part of me that regrets not investing in a larger, automatic stand by generator back when I bought my current generator and switch. The other more rational part of me reminds me occasionally that I've actually only had to use my current set-up twice since I invested about $1800 into it several years ago. At that time an automatic set-up would have cost around $6,000 minimum.....and still only would have been used twice so I suppose I made the right decision.