Ice Storms: Propane Powered Backup Systems?
 

Currently I heat with propane (with a 500 gallon propane tank in the back yard), yet when an ice storm comes and the electricity goes out I am in exactly the same situation as someone who lives in an all electric home. (the furnace requires electricity to operate). I don't use propane for anything else.

For those of you in this same situation, what do you have in the way of propane powered backup systems which don't require electricity to operate (not just heating)?

Thanks.

Re: Ice Storms: Propane Powered Backup Systems?
 

QWAK,Last year in the BIG ICE STORM my brand new gas generator FAILED the first day! :36_1_25: I went over 14 days with NO POWER! :452:

Last summer I bought a CHEEP ($300.00) propane generator as a BACK UP generator for my BACK UP GENERATOR!:yes::thinkey:

Seemed like a good IDEA to ME!:wink:

If you got a 500 LB tank it should not be all that hard to install a conection for a small propane generator. :36_1_11: :23_30_104:

the DUCK :15_1_70v:

Re: Ice Storms: Propane Powered Backup Systems?
 

During our icestorm, a neighbour who heated with oil had spare car batteries set up for his furnace's electrical needs. Recharged them as needed off his car.

Re: Ice Storms: Propane Powered Backup Systems?
 

I have portable kerosene heaters as well as a monitor kerosene heater. The monitor will run off a generator, and the portable will work without any electricity.

Re: Ice Storms: Propane Powered Backup Systems?
 

I use a wall mounted ventless propane heater. 99% eff. so it doesn't need a vent. You can put it anywhere you can get a propane line. Uses piezo ignition and has 100% safety shutoff as well as a CO detector/shutoff.

In fact, these are all I use for heat. I have always planned on putting a wood stove in my house, but since I only use about 300 gallons of propane/ year, I haven't had much incentive to do it. YMMV on the amount of propane. We use it more as an area heater and only turn on hte one in the room we are in at the time. The rest of the house stays pretty cold.

Re: Ice Storms: Propane Powered Backup Systems?
 

Here you go, an electric free propane heater.

Re: Ice Storms: Propane Powered Backup Systems?
 

Been using a Mr.Heater Buddy
for years to tote around and
use where needed.
Only down side using it outside
is when the temp is so low it will
not light.

Re: Ice Storms: Propane Powered Backup Systems?
 

That one looks like a Mr.Heater chicom knockoff.

Re: Ice Storms: Propane Powered Backup Systems?
 

I have a few mr heaters as well, and like them. I keep several filled cylinders in storage at all times. We will be installing a wood stove soon.

Anybody have any experiance with propane refridgerators?

I have been looking into propane generators, they seem to be a viable option for sure.

Re: Ice Storms: Propane Powered Backup Systems?
 

Anyone looked into a tri-fuel system for the Honda EU?

http://www.generatorsales.com/order/...000iS_Tri_Fuel

Re: Ice Storms: Propane Powered Backup Systems?
 

I have the natural gas version. Works great. Have had to use the main furnace maybe 6 times when the temp drop below zero.

Re: Ice Storms: Propane Powered Backup Systems?
 

ventless wall mounted is one+ propane kitchen stove works but i have to light it manually. u can get a coleman w/ hoses for propane hookup & accessories also.

woodstove is our main, & emer source + propane mentioned above too..

Re: Ice Storms: Propane Powered Backup Systems?
 

I guess i went the expensive way but i just got through putting in a propane automatic whole house generator system......if the power goes off it kicks on automaticly within 30seconds and provides limited power to my whole place, i keep a 500gal tank of propane and the only other propane ussage i have is hot water.....from a full tank under full load i figure i can run 24/7 for about 20days i am looking around for another 500gal tank to move me to over 30days.
with this setup we also switched to ground source heat
.....

prior to this setup i used portable generators i would plug into a welder outlet in the work shop thus power the whole house including the furnace
......

before that i used a very small portable generator and rigged it so the furnace fan could just be plugged into a extension cord from the generator..
and also had a ventless propane fireplace log set.
....

Re: Ice Storms: Propane Powered Backup Systems?
 

Yes have/had several over the years in campers and trailers.......

never had a problem or issue with one..

they are very expensive

when i got my first one i had a hard time with the fact it didnt make any noise i was used to hearing a compressor/fan running and they are totally silent

Re: Ice Storms: Propane Powered Backup Systems?
 

www.uscarb.com

Is a good source for Natural Gas/Propane Conversions.