How To Get Whole Home Backup Power For Under $1000

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Пікірлер: 506

  • @k.b.tidwell
    @k.b.tidwell11 ай бұрын

    The best thing about my generator setup which is functionally the same as yours is that it is MAGICAL. Most of the times I've used it, right after selectively shutting off the water heater (I'm all-electric), dragging out the generator, connecting the cable, getting things cranked up...wait, I need to fill the tank completely up first to get maximum runtime, and usually all of this is in a downpour, and finally switching over the breakers, the MAGIC happens and line power immediately comes back on. It's turned into a meme in my family. "Dad! Get the generator out so the power will come back on!"

  • @diyhvacguy

    @diyhvacguy

    11 ай бұрын

    🤣 that’s awesome

  • @jahnkaplank8626

    @jahnkaplank8626

    11 ай бұрын

    what's taking you so long!! lol

  • @Dav5049915

    @Dav5049915

    11 ай бұрын

    I've steered hurricanes away from my house with my generator. Might've lost power for a total of 15 minutes over the last 5 years after buying my generator.

  • @jafo4u508

    @jafo4u508

    11 ай бұрын

    That is hilarious!😂 never heard that one before.

  • @Freight_Train

    @Freight_Train

    11 ай бұрын

    I hear you. After rigging a series of hidden heavy duty extension cords to various parts of the house to use my generator, our first power outage lasted 15 minutes. I was so disappointed the power came back on and I wasn't able to really test the whole system.

  • @TroyStevensStelzerPaintingInc
    @TroyStevensStelzerPaintingInc5 ай бұрын

    Your vids are absolute gold for us average dudes who just need some guidance. Thank you for all your contributions.

  • @HeritageWealthPlanning
    @HeritageWealthPlanning11 ай бұрын

    This guy crushes! Don't know half of what he's talking about but man it's cool to see dudes who know what they're doing.

  • @mfb6310

    @mfb6310

    4 ай бұрын

    Oh me neither!! Still gives one hope, though!! Especially if my one remaining brain cell makes an appearance at the same time I'm watching!

  • @user-tk1ec1hd4e

    @user-tk1ec1hd4e

    Ай бұрын

    Haha i was thinking the same. Cool to watch but I will hire a guy to do this for me

  • @chrisbelsito4231

    @chrisbelsito4231

    26 күн бұрын

    @@mfb6310😂😂😂😂😂 I can relate 😂😂😂😂 unfortunately 😮

  • @benkanobe7500
    @benkanobe750010 ай бұрын

    Thanks for always answering the question we DIY guys (and gals) don't know to ask. You are always just one or more steps ahead.

  • @danpeppers5564
    @danpeppers556410 ай бұрын

    very impressed with your whole set up and your explanation of how it works and how to set it up was very clear and easy to follow, great vid! i didn't even know they had QD for natural gas!

  • @jeepguylv80
    @jeepguylv8011 ай бұрын

    I love that generator, I have the previous version I bought a few years ago (gas and propane dual fuel) for $600, it gets more use in my business then it does at home but I haven't found anything it won't power as of yet. was looking at upgrading to this one because of natural gas, not having to fill up gas or replace propane bottles. been wanting to put this system together, thanks for showing us.

  • @billballoo7881
    @billballoo788111 ай бұрын

    I wish this guy lived in GA, I'd hire him in a heartbeat

  • @Shuffler703
    @Shuffler70325 күн бұрын

    After our freeze a few years back here in Texas, I simply had a Generac 24KW installed. This also puts my whole home on surge protection. This is important as in my home you talk to fans, lights, TVs, everything is on network... even the smoker, pit, and grill. With all the electronics it is important to have clean power (60Hz). Good luck with any setup you choose.

  • @MD.ImNoScientician
    @MD.ImNoScientician9 ай бұрын

    Thanks for this video. It is exactly what I needed to see in addition to the Soft Start and Power Surge videos. We just bought a small house in Central TX where power outages are the norm in Summer and in Winter.

  • @chrisdeanndavison3626
    @chrisdeanndavison362611 ай бұрын

    I have virtually the exact same setup. AC soft start and a Firman Tri-Fuel. I opted for their 10kW (when running on gasoline) generator because I have 2 older refrigerators and 2 older deep freezes as well. I've never had to use it, but in testing, it will run my entire house. While using a portable generator is a little bit of work to get the power back on, the generator is not limited to backup power only. I can use it for other purposes.

  • @victorvega8800
    @victorvega880010 ай бұрын

    We have used the kzread.infoUgkxOTeIs0vv4_9B5hsmnLsk9r930uDQLu_Y for probably 30 hours with our camper and it’s been great! The noise level is really only noticeable when running the AC and other appliances like the microwave, hair dryer, or coffee pot. It’s not huge like other ones and it has wheels so even at 90lbs, I can move it!

  • @donarndt9525
    @donarndt95254 ай бұрын

    You forgot one very important thing. If you are connecting to your circuit panel you need to unbond the ground from the frame of the generator. You don’t want two locations where you bond the neutral and the ground. There is a jumper on the generator you need to pull off. If you are using a cord right to the source, not through the circuit panel you have to put it back on.

  • @Jury.13
    @Jury.1311 ай бұрын

    New subscriber here! Thank you for your willingness to share your knowledge. I am a trades instructor for one of our local colleges. Not for the money but because I feel there is a real need to pass on what we were fortunate to have others teach us. Thank you and I love you “down to earth” methods!

  • @diyhvacguy

    @diyhvacguy

    11 ай бұрын

    Thanks man! That means a lot to me

  • @tedhardulak7698

    @tedhardulak7698

    11 ай бұрын

    I am so glad you choose to do this. This "Old Timer' have a lot of knowledge we can share with the youngins . I would love to be able to pass on what I have learned over 50 yrs. Running a business. Also. Learning the People part. Not much I cant fix. Especially small engine stuff. Blessings to you and your students. I so Pray that some can learn the satisfaction that comes with a hard days work and seeing what you did that day.

  • @tedhardulak7698

    @tedhardulak7698

    11 ай бұрын

    Oh and I looked at a your web site. I 100% agree about getting rid of Qualified immunity.

  • @jimdandy6452

    @jimdandy6452

    10 ай бұрын

    ​@@diyhvacguyHow long can you run that generator without stopping?

  • @barrios1100
    @barrios110010 ай бұрын

    Awesome vid ! Setting this up here in Texas. The last few years have been brutal on both extremes hot and cold.

  • @Nolaman70
    @Nolaman7011 ай бұрын

    My 4 ton went from inrush of 120 Amps to 40 Amps for reference. I have a similar setup but don't run my Central A/C with my portable generator. It does run my entire inside breaker box. I do not have a main breaker or shutoff on the outside box, pulling the meter is the only way to disconnect power to the main outside box. I just shut off the inside box, outside, then run the inside box from the generator. My Central AC is on the outside box. Works great for me as I can run everything except Central, Oven, Hot Tub.

  • @gaylanbishop1641
    @gaylanbishop164111 ай бұрын

    Great job. I applaud your willingness to do a video like this. Engineers and electricians are a bunch of know-it-alls so you will definitely get tons of nitpicking.

  • @DaPlainTruth1
    @DaPlainTruth110 ай бұрын

    Live in South Alabama my box is on the outside as well. House was built in 06. Never had any problems or concerns with the elements and we get all types of CRAZY WEATHER!!!

  • @Emmilythecat
    @Emmilythecat11 ай бұрын

    I bought one of these from Costco 3 years ago. Ran it on propane the whole time. Had to run extension cords. I do not have the generator inlet box yet or a natural gas outlet yet. It is one of my goals to install soon. When we had our hard freeze, we were able to run medical devices and keep our fridge going. Very happy with our generator.

  • @lancet3767

    @lancet3767

    11 ай бұрын

    Do you have a video on splicing and replacing a bad or worn low-voltage wire on the outside unit?

  • @Moondoggy1941

    @Moondoggy1941

    11 ай бұрын

    How far is the gas generator from the gas meter?

  • @suespony

    @suespony

    11 ай бұрын

    How many amps draw is the Mr cool? Is the amp draw different in the Mr cool heat mode vs the cooling mode?

  • @caddothegreat

    @caddothegreat

    10 ай бұрын

    What was the size of generator ? How long did it run on a propane bottle before refill ?

  • @Emmilythecat

    @Emmilythecat

    10 ай бұрын

    @@caddothegreat 7500W from Firman. I could run it for at least 8 hours on a 5 lb tank.

  • @jsp7205
    @jsp72059 ай бұрын

    Had a small generator and it didn't have enough power (5500) to run several appliances or my AC. I bought a bigger (13000) LP and need to upgrade the transfer box. Your video was informative,thanks.

  • @PincheDante69
    @PincheDante6911 ай бұрын

    Simple good to know info. No crazy intros. Subscribed

  • @shenmisheshou7002
    @shenmisheshou700211 ай бұрын

    I live in Texas and after the big freeze 2.5 years ago that killed about 600 people, I decided to put in a generator inlet and interlock kit after that because I never wanted to be near freezing to deay again. I went with an inverter generator, which is much quieter and much more fuel efficient (though if you are running on NG, that is not so important), and while my generator is not big enough to run the AC even with a soft start kit, most of our extended power outages are in the winter and spring where keeping central heat is more important than AC. This past winter we were out of power for 3.5 days and I was one of the only people in the entire area that had power. My inverter generator is 5000 watts continuous, and this was more than enough to run everything in the home with the rare exception that I could not run both the microwave and toaster at the same time (we have a full fridge, mini fridge, and small chest freezer, and all of these were kept running as well.) It worked so well that five of my neighbors decided to put in 5000 watt generators with an inlet and interlock. They know they may never need them, but they now have the ability to keep their families worm for days at a time if the power is ever out again. If I lived where there were hurricanes, I would probably go with a standard backup generator, but for these 3-4 day outages, the interlock setup is fantastic.

  • @SaltySouthTexan

    @SaltySouthTexan

    11 ай бұрын

    Killed 600 people? In TEXAS? I went through the SAME freeze and didn’t hear of no 600 people dying. Unless you mean nationwide? Texas lost 28 people according to Tx officials

  • @heathchilders777

    @heathchilders777

    16 күн бұрын

    I'm in Texas as well and have been looking into a backup Gen for our home (2000 sqft) and one for my dad's house (2800 sqft) as well. What was your installation costs, ballpark?

  • @shenmisheshou7002

    @shenmisheshou7002

    16 күн бұрын

    @@heathchilders777 I spent $75 for the interlock kit (which is just a metal plate with some slots cut in it), I spent $175 for my electrician to install it, but I already had a 50 amp breaker in the right spot that was there to run an electric clothes dryer, and i use gas, so there was no need to move breakers.. I also spend about $50 for the interlock. Now in my case, it was a pretty simple install, but since the freeze in Austin this past year, several of my neighbors took the plunge and I think the average price for the setup was $600 or so. It is not that big a job if you have a spare dual breaker slot in your panel. This needs to be mounted in the top by the main cutoff, so if you don't have room there, the breakers need to be moved. Also, my inlet was only 12 feet from the panel, so if you need to go a long way, it could be more. If you have gas heat, you really only need about 4KW to run a typical home, but this will not run AC, only gas heat, but 4KW will easily run everything else in the house. If you have more questions, happy to answer.

  • @heathchilders777

    @heathchilders777

    16 күн бұрын

    Thank you kindly sir, much appreciated.

  • @GaryScruggsElectric
    @GaryScruggsElectric11 ай бұрын

    Good video and info. I’ve done 4 50 amp generator back up hook ups with the manual transfer switch. I’ve ran it on my house. I haven’t installed any of the soft starts but I may look into that.

  • @scott5747
    @scott574726 күн бұрын

    I have the Pulsar 12kw dual fuel generator and my friend just bought one for $960 on Amazon. It runs at 9500 watts on gas and 8500 watts on propane. It runs my whole house, well and water heater. Couldn't be happier. Generators run best between 50% and 85% of rated watts. Cheers

  • @user-id5hm2nk5y

    @user-id5hm2nk5y

    19 күн бұрын

    50% gasoline/Propane/Natural Gas 75% to 85% ( tops ) Diesel Generators

  • @bobjeffrey8863
    @bobjeffrey886311 ай бұрын

    YES,, LOVE my FURMAN 7571,, YES it runs my house A/C and most everything else,( NOT H20 heater)...I do have the soft start for the A/C,, Thanks for the video

  • @artvelcro
    @artvelcro10 ай бұрын

    Great video. So well done with none of any trivial BS.

  • @boathemian7694
    @boathemian769411 ай бұрын

    I’m a generator tech and personally own two Firman gennies.

  • @hdcsp3
    @hdcsp3 Жыл бұрын

    Bro. That is a bada** setup. Literally all you need. Once past the initial cost I'd say it pays for itself within the first couple times of use. Maybe even after the first time from a peace of mind type scenario. In gonna price it all out and see what's what. Good clip

  • @johnhansen8272
    @johnhansen82729 ай бұрын

    This is a great idea, I wish I knew about this before my own budget whole home generator build. Fortunately for me, my generator runs my home including ac without this great device but I wasn’t sure until last week. I still may upgrade so thanks again

  • @auxpowerunit
    @auxpowerunit9 ай бұрын

    Incredible coincidence, that I have the same generator, power inlet, and gas quick-connects that you have. (I even used to have a Goodman AC). I've only tested my generator with our mini-split AC because we spend most time in that room. But thanks for telling us about soft-start devices, because I think I'll need one for our other AC.

  • @jrumlr
    @jrumlr Жыл бұрын

    Man you rock. Thank you very much for your time and knowledge sir.

  • @mikeham5465
    @mikeham546511 ай бұрын

    I have that same brand I bought in 2014.. I was upset that i was supposed to get a Goodman but got this we went back and forth.. anyways 9yrs later still working like a champ only had to replace capacitor last summer.. besides that nothin not even a charge 1.5 ton here

  • @betomusik
    @betomusik Жыл бұрын

    Great information. Thank you, as always.

  • @Bassguitarist1985
    @Bassguitarist1985 Жыл бұрын

    One thing to note with soft start devices, they lower the inrush current at startup. THEY DO NOT LOWER THE RUN CURRENT OF AN AC COMPRESSOR. Soft start devices do not save your money (in reality its very negligible) in electricity bill costs, but they greatly save your compressors life span minimizing wear and tear since it's not hard starting with a partially for fully locked rotor from the pressures inside. Great video!

  • @Watchyn_Yarwood

    @Watchyn_Yarwood

    11 ай бұрын

    👍

  • @Jeremy-vb6tv

    @Jeremy-vb6tv

    11 ай бұрын

    just curious, if soft start is beneficial that way, why don't the AC units come from the factory that way?

  • @Bassguitarist1985

    @Bassguitarist1985

    11 ай бұрын

    @@Jeremy-vb6tv more complexity, added cost, manufacturers want to sell units and given this is about a $400 upgrade USD not many would opt to do it unless it was absolutely necessary.

  • @greggpurviance7252

    @greggpurviance7252

    11 ай бұрын

    Note: most modern units have time outs that generally keep compressors from starting with a pressure lock. Soft start units do reduce start amps, so batteries or generstor can start the unit

  • @Bassguitarist1985

    @Bassguitarist1985

    11 ай бұрын

    @@greggpurviance7252 yes, a time delay on relay. I have a variable one 2-10min delay for my outside compressor.

  • @mmane257
    @mmane25711 ай бұрын

    you sir are very helpful and informative to us diyers.that’s why i am a subscriber to your channel.

  • @4WingView
    @4WingView9 ай бұрын

    So very happy i found this. Living in florida so needed this info.

  • @ahent1975
    @ahent1975 Жыл бұрын

    Please remember all generators are not created equal and to run electronics it is safest to have one with a Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) of less than 6% or it can ruin computers, DVD players, and other sensitive electronics.

  • @TrungNguyen-jf2sg

    @TrungNguyen-jf2sg

    11 ай бұрын

    Yup that’s true. The only generator I can find out there that is 3% THD is a Westinghouse IGEN 4500DF but it’s only 120v. My outdoor Unitary Heat pump is a Coleman HMH7 with an inverter board. My natural gas furnace is a 2 speed variable ecm so it also has a board that requires good sign waves. I was going to buy that Firman he’s got but I think the THD on it is too high. I’m an Hvac tech as well and did this research with a help from the supplier tech support. I’m surprised that Firman powered up his minisplit as well but how do you guys feel about wear and tear on those boards with that high THD? Bad thing about this Westinghouse is it’s only 120v 30amps so it’s only good enough to give me natural gas heating but no AC is we’re out during the short summer here in Seattle. Great video, just my thoughts and also if anyone out there that knows any portable Generators like those that can do 240v 30amps any type of fuel with a low THD roughly 3-5% is what I’m trying to find. 👍

  • @PaulCyclist

    @PaulCyclist

    11 ай бұрын

    I added a $100 ups and my electric stuff is safe with the same gen set

  • @ahent1975

    @ahent1975

    11 ай бұрын

    @@PaulCyclist I am worried about the electronics on just about everything and I have a 4,500 sqft home so I got the SUA10000EC from Costco for less than $800 and it has a THD of less than 5% plus it's big enough to run almost everything in my home if needed (of course not the washer and dryer). Luckily, I haven't had to use it for that but I have been happy with it for what I use it for.

  • @ahent1975

    @ahent1975

    11 ай бұрын

    @@TrungNguyen-jf2sg if the neutral is bonded to the frame of the generator make sure you wire in a disconnect before hooking it up to your breaker box or else it can mess up some stuff. Bonded to the frame is great for using it on its own, but your house is already grounded so I wired in a disconnect wire I can use to break the neutral free of the frame if I need to use it for my home.

  • @ahent1975

    @ahent1975

    11 ай бұрын

    @@TrungNguyen-jf2sg I got the SUA10000EC by iPower from Costco and it has less than 5% THD. It was a great buy at the time (less than $900 if I remember) and it will run 240V at 50A. Once I wired in the bonded neutral cut off it was good to go.

  • @burnafterreading7335
    @burnafterreading73357 ай бұрын

    This is a great video. I am in the process of setting something like this up. Thanks for making this video

  • @JerryWillis-ub9lb
    @JerryWillis-ub9lb11 ай бұрын

    I like the idea of having a portable generator for home back up instead of a stationary. Propane fuel would be great for off grid camping.

  • @johnclyne6350
    @johnclyne63504 ай бұрын

    Firman’s are very LOUD! I have been on one job where they had a Firman. I was underwhelmed. Great presentation though. I have a hard start capacitor for my 2-1/2 ton central a/c. I need to upgrade to a soft start kit. I have my eye on one. I have the same side generator. I have the Honda EU7000is. It is phenomenal in my opinion. I have used it several times & is much, much quieter. Plus it puts out steady clean power. I have an interlock in my CB panel. My unit uses less gasoline than most & with a auxiliary fuel tank only need to fill it every two days.

  • @JimmyKSimmonsOfficial
    @JimmyKSimmonsOfficial10 ай бұрын

    Sold my sticks and bricks end of 2019 - live full time in a 45' Grand Design "mansion on wheels" - I have a generator that is propane/gas powered just in case - there are soft start options for Rvs in case you need to run multiple AC's and everything else, which my home has 3 hence 3 soft starts needed - but - I can be completely off grid in moments if needed - good on you telling home owner's about soft start options - most people by a whole home Generac or solar at a MUCH higher price point for the same results HA! Next time there is a major hurricane etc. this video count will go way up!

  • @robertcearley7777
    @robertcearley77777 ай бұрын

    Something VERY IMPORTANT that was not mentioned. You need a 240 v generator not 120v. Most generators are 120 volt. After buying 2 cosfco generators, a parallel kit and paying an electrician $1500 to do the electrical work to put in an inlet and an Interlock kit I found out the hard way, that my two firman generators would only power "every other circuit breaker". The electrician confirmed that the only way to power the whole house is that you have to have a 240 volt generator. Unfortunately 240 volt generators are expensive and I lost a lot of $$ since I waited too long before finishing the project and had to sell off my firman generators. Sure costco allows returns but if you return too many items or too many big items you risk getting your membership terminated.

  • @wrestlerstudmuffin

    @wrestlerstudmuffin

    7 күн бұрын

    You have the live line of your 120-volt generator feed both poles of a dual breaker. That way 120 volts feed into both phase A and B of your breaker box. all the 120 volt circuits will work. but the 240-volt circuits won't work. that is what we use as that is all you need for the furnace and fridge and tv set and fans and lights. The neutral line from the generator feeds to the combination ground neutral bar in your breaker box. Its pretty easy to do.

  • @patricknelson
    @patricknelson9 ай бұрын

    Awesome… this was super informative in my particular case because #1 you can get refurb tri-fuel generators at a reasonable cost and #2 I (a novice) had no clue those quick release valves existed (it seems obvious though, I know). Now I’m thinking this is an awesome supplement to a more expensive setup too for whole home battery backups. If the power in the battery starts to get low, you could maybe use this to recharge your batteries for completely uninterrupted power supply over long term (cheaper too since that generator uses 72cuft/hr when completely idle but 101cuft on full load).

  • @thomasalison6188
    @thomasalison6188 Жыл бұрын

    You're a wealth of great information!

  • @robavis4906
    @robavis4906 Жыл бұрын

    I just installed the icm870 in my a/c unit today. I got one because of one of your videos and i think Taddy Digest did a video on them also. I did it mainly to help extend the life of the unit. Hopefully my generator will start it up. Mine went from 70 in rush to about 26. That is a big change but my generator only has a 30amp twistlock. i guess it is borderline but ill have to test it out to see if it will start it. Love your vids man. I watch a few of u hvac guys and u put out some great info.

  • @r.patrickcraig7659
    @r.patrickcraig765911 ай бұрын

    great video, tons of info I needed!

  • @jdc1978
    @jdc197810 ай бұрын

    I have that same generator. It is great and believe it or not it’s easy to pull start also.

  • @jvazquez53
    @jvazquez5311 ай бұрын

    Good info, been using whole house generators for over 20 years. Right now I own three generators: One of those Firman and two Honda EU7000is. BTW, those Firmans are great but NOISY!!!

  • @TrustworthyExpert

    @TrustworthyExpert

    11 ай бұрын

    I bought one, got it all hooked up but haven't ran it yet. The muffler is huge for a small engine, but I guess you are comparing it to those ultra quiet hondas.

  • @kcgaidin

    @kcgaidin

    10 ай бұрын

    I went to the link in the video description and it claims 72db...is this claim bs?

  • @dustinlashley1
    @dustinlashley111 ай бұрын

    Awesome video Dave. Happy surprise to see this in my KZread suggested feed 😃

  • @diyhvacguy

    @diyhvacguy

    11 ай бұрын

    What’s up dude?! It’s been a minute! Send me an email I’d love to catch up! Diyhvacguy@gmail.com

  • @jamegrabham9992
    @jamegrabham999211 ай бұрын

    Great video...I have the same setup here (less the "soft start")...same Firman generator running on clean NG...no worries about "gumming" it up with gasoline...I also installed a separate Siemen pony panel for the generator with the proper disconnects...then moved home essential circuits to that panel...the AC, unit did not make the cut...I hope that we don't have to use it, but you never know???

  • @diyhvacguy

    @diyhvacguy

    11 ай бұрын

    Awesome thanks for sharing!

  • @user-ze6dz1mf4m
    @user-ze6dz1mf4m11 ай бұрын

    Great information. Thank you, as always.. Great information. Thank you, as always..

  • @joecoleman288
    @joecoleman2885 ай бұрын

    I wish I had 1% of this knowledge. I'm so jealous! Unfortunately I have no time to learn a whole new trade right now. But this content inspires me!

  • @diyhvacguy

    @diyhvacguy

    5 ай бұрын

    That’s the power of KZread academy baby! You can learn anything 👊🏼

  • @masterlee4370
    @masterlee437011 ай бұрын

    If you were in south Louisiana where Hurricane Ida kept us out of power for 3 weeks you would never run out of work. I would hire you in a heartbeat. "The Cajun Ninja's Dad"

  • @diyhvacguy

    @diyhvacguy

    11 ай бұрын

    Thanks man!

  • @DaPlainTruth1

    @DaPlainTruth1

    10 ай бұрын

    Anywhere down South...guy could get rich in no time!!!

  • @dewholdingsllc1050
    @dewholdingsllc105011 ай бұрын

    Thanks for the content. Gathering information. I knew about the soft start boxes from the RV world and how they allow RV AC to run on much lower amps. Including a small generator. Good to see the generator is working to power Home AC. I have a NG pipeline at a new property but not electric service so I’m having to plan on doing a non grid tie solar array and a permanent NG generator tie in with a solar power cell for storage. Electric power equipment is in extreme shortage right now in USA and really expensive because of the shortage and the electric coop says it’s a year or more out to obtain a new line. They require a 25kva outdoor rated transformer and I have not been able to locate one in this state and one I did find in South Dakota was $7300. If I buy the equipment and the cables to run the lines I don’t get reimbursed, just donating the equipment in order to get a new line. I personally would rather invest my money in a NG generator and solar array and storage system. Keep these low budget low energy content coming.

  • @shenmisheshou7002

    @shenmisheshou7002

    11 ай бұрын

    The soft start does not reduce the running amperage, only the in-rush that lasts about 1/3rd of a second. If the AC takes 2000 watts to run, it can take up to 6000 watts to overcome the locked rotor amperage, which is what the compressor needs to overcome the static pressure in the system. The Locked Rotor Amperage (LRA) is written on the spec plate of the AC. For example, my 3.5 ton unit has an LRA of 109 amps, but once running, the system (including the circulation blower) runs about 4000 watts but even with a soft start, the draw starting draw is too much for my 5000 watt (6250 peak) inverter generator.

  • @eastmanresearch3143
    @eastmanresearch314310 ай бұрын

    this is a perfect setup for anyone living in the city on city water where you don't need a well pump. Otherwise you'll need a much larger generac LP/NG setup. Thanks for showing it. Very versatile.

  • @TheStevedie

    @TheStevedie

    4 ай бұрын

    I have a 315 foot deep well and run my wellpump on a 6250 running watt generator. I can run it even while the electric (heat pump though) water heater is on along with the refrigerator and backup freezer. I usually turn those off while showering just so we don't over tax it.

  • @rwstarke
    @rwstarke Жыл бұрын

    FYI .... According to the T07571 manual, the maximum is 31.25A. I have the same generator. I have seen a 42A peak at startup using the Micro Air soft starter, but it is usually 36A. Then the A/C runs on 13A. When the A/C starts, I still have the refrigerator, HDTV, desktop PC, LED lights and other small devices on without a problem. I think that the generator is producing more watts on NG than what is stated in the manual.

  • @attimus02

    @attimus02

    11 ай бұрын

    Are you running a FIRMAN generator like he has or an Inverter? I have the same FIRMAN and was told not to run electronics off of it due to the dirty sine wave of electricity that could harm sensitive electronics

  • @rwstarke

    @rwstarke

    11 ай бұрын

    @@attimus02 Same generator, same model. It is not pure sine wave. I do have four UPS's on my HDTVs, computers, routers, external hard drives, Xfinity X1 box and have not had a problem except the UPS's will beep and click when using the generator. I have a stupid power strip plugged into the UPS battery backup side with items plugged into the strip. All I have to do is move one plug to the surge protector side. And then turn off UPS. Surge protector with EMI/RFI Filter will still work. APC PowerChute has a sensitivity setting which may help with the clicking. If I don't use a UPS then I do have APC surge protectors. My Fisher & Paykel Dishdrawers will beep. As a backup, I have two 1408Wh and two 666Wh power stations, and eight 100W rigid solar panels which I made into four suitcases to set up in the back yard. I could also use the generator to charge the power stations and use on anything sensitive.

  • @generallee0178
    @generallee01785 ай бұрын

    The portable Generator I found that puts out 5% THD is the Westinghouse WGen11500TFc - Tri- fuel which retails for $1700

  • @gr8705
    @gr870511 ай бұрын

    I had a great set up at my old house, but now I don’t have natural gas. I spent about $3,300 for everything including the electrician to install 50 amp outlet, natural gas conversion kit and hose, plumber to install gas outlet, MicroAir soft start and Duromax 13000eh generator. It ran a 4 ton AC just fine. This guy is only powering a 2 ton AC.

  • @jmatt98

    @jmatt98

    25 күн бұрын

    You could of spent a few bucks more and got a solar roof

  • @VinniePepperoni
    @VinniePepperoni11 ай бұрын

    Great video and info

  • @strykerentllc
    @strykerentllc Жыл бұрын

    Your doggo was the star of the show. LOL

  • @tangyspicy
    @tangyspicy28 күн бұрын

    I did the same thing after the Texas freeze and got the inlet/transfer switch. I have never used it. I tried to turn it on the first time today 3 years after buying it and it won’t start. I’ve only tried natural gas though. Time to call Firman

  • @davidmojonnier1034
    @davidmojonnier103411 ай бұрын

    It's kinda cool being the only house in the neighborhood with lights on. Must have if you're watching out for frail family members in the Southwest.

  • @truthseekerKJV
    @truthseekerKJV11 ай бұрын

    There is always a downside to running the HVAC through a generator. The power just isn't the same as grid power, but it's better than sitting in a hot house with no lights.

  • @gimaru1
    @gimaru110 ай бұрын

    Good video. Sounds like on gasoline you could get a little over 4 amps extra draw from that generator.

  • @mwredfern
    @mwredfern10 ай бұрын

    This is a great video! Can you answer a question for me? Are you running the fridge also? How many fridges. And if needed, are you able to run a tv and a gas oven with this unit. Also, water heater. The reason I ask, cause I feel like there’s some misconception out there with how big a generator is needed. I have a townhome, with 2 ton AC, 2 fridges, water heater, electric washer dryer, 2 tvs, 2 computers, a Wi-Fi router and of course lights throughout the house. Not everything will be ran at the same time. So I feel like something under 10000 is big enough. Thanks again for this awesome video. Look forward to your reply and anyone following the comments.

  • @MadsWorld34
    @MadsWorld3411 ай бұрын

    wow its hard to believe that a generator that small would even run a house. i have a 8750 /7000 harbor freight and love it it runs my entire house. but it dont have a 50 amp plug. GRRR and i really like your power inlet box once in a while mine will work loose and i will lose have my house and thanks to you i just ordered one. even though it is only 30 amp. and the only gas we can get around here is propane so i more less have to stay with gas. another GRRR.

  • @fearlessfreep
    @fearlessfreep11 ай бұрын

    Living in Austin, TX. The past two winters have produced storms that knocked out our power for days. I invested in this generator (bought for $600) and a shed to store it in. We've had to break it out once since then, but by the time my son and I got everything hooked up and running the juice returned (of course). At the end of summer we have a pool being installed and I'm going to include running an inlet box to the main panel when the electric is installed for the pool.

  • @jhariette
    @jhariette11 ай бұрын

    I need a generator like this!!!!!

  • @aspitofmud6257
    @aspitofmud6257 Жыл бұрын

    Thank you. 👍

  • @clivewarner2162
    @clivewarner21629 ай бұрын

    Have a 5KW gen similar and it easily powers 2 mini splits, a 1.5Ton and a 2Ton.

  • @JohnSmith-uy7sv
    @JohnSmith-uy7sv11 ай бұрын

    You're a lifesaver. So thorough. Not that it's a big deal, but could you use one for the hot water tank? I always turn ours off in a hurricane and if we need to use it, turn off all the lights and run it. More important to have A/C and lights than anything. I just have to see what size ICM870 I need for my 3.5 ton unit. Thanks again. 🙂

  • @markadkins9290
    @markadkins929010 ай бұрын

    Great stuff!

  • @bubbatime
    @bubbatime11 ай бұрын

    Good video. Only thing I would do different is sell that generator and buy an inverter generator. Your generator has 15% total harmonic distortion which can and will destroy circuit boards in your house. Check out the Champion 201176 tri fuel inverter 9000 watt generator. It has less than 3% distortion

  • @spadaro1129
    @spadaro11295 ай бұрын

    Only a view minutes in and first time Seeing your channel what a nice video and helpful

  • @jackwhite6030
    @jackwhite60309 ай бұрын

    Excellent video....

  • @l31007
    @l310075 ай бұрын

    Excellent video! How would you know when the grid power comes back on?

  • @jaybavis5896
    @jaybavis589617 күн бұрын

    Great video is there any information on how to set all this up love to have this done

  • @brentbrowning
    @brentbrowning10 ай бұрын

    Great video!

  • @harleyrdr1
    @harleyrdr111 ай бұрын

    “68”? Holy crap! I live in Phoenix and I have my Ecobee set for 82! 🤣

  • @heyitsbroski

    @heyitsbroski

    26 күн бұрын

    Yikes. You like the sauna feeling eh?

  • @robertr1096
    @robertr109611 ай бұрын

    There are some 220 volt, 9500 watt, inverter type generators, for those concerned about damaging electronics with a portable generator such as this Firman. But they are a lot more money and probably use gasoline only.

  • @bubbatime

    @bubbatime

    11 ай бұрын

    Champion model 201176 is a 9000 watt tri-fuel inverter generator. Wen also makes and sells one. As does Pulsar and Duromax

  • @christophermcclain2181
    @christophermcclain218122 күн бұрын

    Need to work this out for my place, I have free natural gas… from a family owned gas well… just not sure the size of generator, I have an older 5ton that needs the soft star.

  • @giantkillin8278
    @giantkillin827811 ай бұрын

    nice.. adding to my mile longs TTD. !!

  • @diyhvacguy

    @diyhvacguy

    11 ай бұрын

    For me it’s a HDL 🤣

  • @johnjames5842
    @johnjames58428 ай бұрын

    Only problem is in most states the natural gas is pumped using electrical powered pump stations, so no power in a wide area, and you may have no natural gas. The solution is a Tri-fuel generator, si you can use Nat gas, propane or gasoline, in freezing temps propane wont work, pressure is too low, you need heating blankets on the bottles . everything else in theis video is awesome and very helpful, im in the process of buying all the stuff to do this at our house, in case we have a weeks without power from a freeze or storm.

  • @mfb6310

    @mfb6310

    4 ай бұрын

    So what are you going to do? I have NG but yes it is tied to the area's pump stations. If I chose propane, I'd have to get a big propane tank, the gen and wire it all, and keep it all warm. Huge battery bank is almost as expensive as a standing generator. I'm no electrician. Solar is too expensive to just decrease a monthly electric bill, if not in inclement weather by chance. And geothermal is expensive! Curious to your solution.

  • @jeremygallimore3042
    @jeremygallimore304211 ай бұрын

    Hey man I’m an HVAC guy in Salt Lake City and I have to say I’m pretty impressed with your set up. I’m sure this is a yes but did you have your refrigerator & deep freeze running? It’s not a huge load just curious. Great video my man. Keep up the good work!

  • @diyhvacguy

    @diyhvacguy

    11 ай бұрын

    Yes, I had two regular fridges (home and garage beer fridge) AND my deep freeze running 👍🏼

  • @publicmail2
    @publicmail2 Жыл бұрын

    That's the cheapest best way IMO, I have same setup on 3ton HP.

  • @benh580
    @benh5809 ай бұрын

    Awesome setup. My power went out for 8 hrs the other day. I have two ac units (upstairs and downstairs) I was able to run everything except the upstairs ac with a 12000W generator. I wonder if i added a soft start for both ac units if i could run them both. One system is a 2.5 ton and the other is a 3 ton.

  • @jimdavidson5208
    @jimdavidson52089 ай бұрын

    6.3 amps draw on the common? Off a 2 ton compressor and fan? Is it a multi stage unit? What is the LRA on that 2 ton compressor? Oh your soft start is where it's at. Wow that is working like a charm.

  • @humbledrummer777
    @humbledrummer77711 ай бұрын

    Running your AC at 66. My kinda bro! You must live in Houston!

  • @diyhvacguy

    @diyhvacguy

    11 ай бұрын

    Haha us hvac guys gotta make sure our system cools to 66 on a hundred degree day 🤣

  • @jasonlapres9838
    @jasonlapres983827 күн бұрын

    Thanks - looking into it, but I have 3 AC units at 4 tons each ouch

  • @wfodavid
    @wfodavid24 күн бұрын

    Great channel. Do you know of any auto transfer switch boxes besides Generac? Seems difficult to find. Thanks.

  • @cfitt
    @cfitt9 ай бұрын

    Hi, thank you so much for this video. We just bought the newest version of the Firman from Costco with Tri-Fuel. We have plumbed LP in our community and I am setting up the Firman as you have with a quick connection to this gas system. We live in Maui in a community north of the fire we just had. I realized we were totally unprepared and luckily found this generator after the fire and we are quickly becoming prepared. I would just like to ask you what is the best way to estimate how much gas we would be using from the community system to only power with extension cords. We would be powering for now only our deep freezer which is 7 cubic and a refrigerator 13 cubic and a Starlink satellite. In the future, I would love to set it up like you have to have a connection to the house but electricians are hard to come by right now during this crisis. Thank you for your help and God Bless.

  • @salmorreale7900
    @salmorreale790010 ай бұрын

    Good doggy!

  • @marylandgal5286
    @marylandgal52865 ай бұрын

    Thank you i rarely see vid about how to run hvacs on generators. Had never heard of a soft start kit! Can you run heat with this too? Or just AC ?

  • @boomni99y
    @boomni99yАй бұрын

    Do you have a video on how the transfer switch box was wired up ?

  • @natestakely1478
    @natestakely14789 ай бұрын

    Neighbor just did this, he's now operating a portable AC in 100 degree temps in Louisiana while they look for a condenser fan motor.

  • @CaptK-py8rq
    @CaptK-py8rq10 ай бұрын

    We were looking at this same generator at Costco. We have a single 5-ton AC unit, house is 3000 sf, will the soft start work with this generator with an AC this size? I know you said yours is only 2 tons. I was wanting to go this route since we have Nat-Gas. Last outage I used my gasoline only 7.5K generator. I wired in the 6 circuit Reliant transfer switch years ago but do not have the AC on it. Thank you and thank you for all of your informative videos!

  • @warriorblue63
    @warriorblue6311 ай бұрын

    You can run electronics on a sine wave generator

  • @user-tk1ec1hd4e
    @user-tk1ec1hd4eАй бұрын

    Just subscribed after watching this. I still cant pull off doing this alone so will just pay someone 🙈

  • @franksinatra2278
    @franksinatra22789 ай бұрын

    You really should let the generator idle for a few minutes before drawing power. My owners manual makes a big point of that as it will extend the life of the generator.

  • @Geeven1
    @Geeven12 ай бұрын

    Briljant💎

  • @goldblueberries326
    @goldblueberries32611 ай бұрын

    Is there a solution for a well pump soft start to reduce the start pump Amp draw?