Use a transfer switch.
Get a generator big enough to handle you needs, but not too big that you are wasting fuel running it and only using a small protion of its out put.
Keep the generator maintained so when it is needed you don't have to work on it.
Keep battery charged.
Keep fresh fuel in it (not an issue if running on LP or natural gas).
Stabil, and turn off the fuel and let it run out of gas after testing so no gas sits in the carb and gets it gunked up.
Store plenty of fuel and have cash to buy extra not credit.
I am trying to figure out a proper solar / alternative / battery solution. One that I can setup for a reasonable price and expand as needed.
Love having a whole house genny setup on my propaine, but also want an alternative so I can have power without running that 24/7
+1 for the RoyalTenenbaum.. Great "little" genny..
USED 20 KW 2-71 DETROIT DIESEL GENERATOR | eBay
Decent price but shipping from CO might cost a bit.
+1 for Hornadylnl's battery tender setup. I forgot to mention that cause my genny is a pull start..
I have a tiny Honda 2000i. Its just enough to run a single important unit at a time. Would require switching from refrigerator, to freezer, to HVAC blower (gas heat), to well pump, with enough juice to spare to run a few lights and a radio and or laptop. Its not ideal but I can run it for days with the fuel I keep around for the lawn mower and quiet enough that the neighbors won't know I have it.
Its also small enough to use for non-emergencies which justifies the extra $$$/kW.
Any solar setup is going to be expensive.I am trying to figure out a proper solar / alternative / battery solution. One that I can setup for a reasonable price and expand as needed.
Use 2 generators with a transfer Switch between them. Run 1 for 24 Hours then switch to the Second Generator, powering the 1st one down for Preventative Maintenance and minor repairs...