Depends largely upon many factors (Age, general health, proximity to retail sources, duration of power outage, etc..), I think it is a narrow view to restrict it only to lifesaving purposes, else we could apply the same concept to the other 50+ weeks a year that we live in comfort.KBCraig wrote:Except for lifesaving reasons, there's no reason to have a kW generator running full open 24 hours a day.
.Probably 98% of homeowners could use a 3.kW unit a couple of hours a day and get by just fine
IMO, 3500 watts is on the small side unless you don't mind playing "musical cords" (switching power cords between items). I can't speak for everyone, but in the summertime my Wife (and I) both want to be cool more than just a "couple hours a day". Would we "survive" without it, yes, but it is not necessary to be inconvenienced to that degree ..when the cost of a slightly larger generator (5-6kW) is not significant.
Certainly true. Running a large (over 7-8kW) generator for extended periods can become quite expensive.Those who want to light the house up like an airport runway while every electronic entertainment device is running, are choosing a very expensive indulgence.
Some gen-sets are more fuel efficient than others...but initial cost is higher. Also, most generators run at a constant speed (don't have an idle feature, or other power regulating feature). If that is the case, then you might as well use up to 85% of the rated "continuous wattage" for your needs, as the fuel consumption is the same whether you have one light bulb on, or the whole house.
