For anyone considering buying a generator to run portions of the house during power outages, consider the hybrid car option instead. Though a gas generator can be bought for under $1000, they are noisy, polluting, and will prove undependable if not properly maintained. I overheard a hardware store manager speaking very pessimistically about the life span of the generators he sells. Natural gas generators hooked permanently to the house are quieter and more dependable, but are much more expensive, may require that larger bore gas pipes be installed, and also cannot be guaranteed to start when needed. A generator, after all, requires substantial investment in a machine that will be used very rarely.
One couple I know is considering using their money instead to invest in a Prius for their second car. Devices are available to convert a Prius (and perhaps other hybrids as well) so it can serve as a quiet, dependable generator to sustain vital home functions during power outages. The engine in a Prius is designed to automatically turn on and off to keep the battery pack charged. Here's one brochure on the subject. Definitely worth researching as an option.
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