Good backup generator for house?

[AreaCode707]

Looking on Seattle craigslist to pick up a used generator but I don't know anything about brands. They've got some 5,000 watt generators for around $250-350 and that's about the price range I want to be in... goal would be to keep our well running and the house heater fan up, at the very least, in case of an extended outage.

http://seattle.craigslist.org/est/hsh/1988869701.html
http://seattle.craigslist.org/est/for/1988762250.html
http://seattle.craigslist.org/est/for/1986564494.html

Any experts out there?

 

[skyking]

If your well is a 220v 1hp unit, you'll need at least a 4000 watt to start it. The generac in the last link is a basic unit that will wear out or break sooner than later, in my personal experience. I have a similar B&S powered generator for our community well.
When we had the big outage a few years back I was driving around with it, charging up our friend's freezers and refrigerators. The carburetor shook itself to pieces, fractured in several places. I replaced the carb but I don't consider it very reliable when compared to a Honda powered unit.
That first generator I checked it out, it is a Chinese unit with some good features but questionable quality control.
http://www.consumersearch.com/portable-generators/blue-max-jd4000

 

[GuitarDaddy]

Need more info to make a good recomendation, volts and amps on the well pump and the heater.

One thing I can tell you is that the entry level gennies like you linked are very LOUD. With better generators you get reliability for constant usage and considerably more quiet operation. If their rated output covers what you need then they would suffice for short outages but I would not really trust them as a reliable backup if you have frequent outages.

For a complete auto backup system you will also need a transfer switch and a battery which can be expensive. Honestly a good reliable setup for a small med house is going to cost you $2500+

With just a small generator like you linked alone, your limited to running 2 or 3 devices attached with extension cords. If your well pump and or heater fan are wired directly it will require rewiring them or using a transfer switch at your main panel.

 

[Rifter]

We have a 8,000w Honda at work thats been super reliable and is very easy to start. Fairly quiet too.

 

[AreaCode707]

Thanks all! I appreciate the input, will give it some thought. A full house backup plan is beyond my budget right now, unfortunately.

 

[Analog]

Go with Honda. Mine is 7 years old and starts on the first pull every time.