Preparing Your Wyoming Cabin for Power Outages: Alternatives to Gas Generators
Living at high altitudes in Wyoming comes with its unique challenges, especially when it comes to reliable electricity. My cabin, nestled at 8500 feet, suffers from periodic electric brownouts during the hot summer months, but rarely experiences such issues in the winter. For backup power, I relied on two gas generators and a few propane stoves, along with a portable wood stove. This setup seemed sufficient, yet I still felt unprepared.
Why Gas Generators Aren't Always the Best Choice
The gas generators in my cabin have served their purpose well, but there's a limit to what they can do. They are prone to issues like fouled spark plugs, especially at high altitudes, and their performance is often compromised due to the thin air. Another issue is that gasoline can go bad if left unattended, making it a less reliable long-term solution.
Switching to Propane Generators: A Better Solution
Instead of relying on gas generators, I've considered switching to propane generators. Here's why this might be a better choice:
Altitude Adjustments: Gasoline and propane generators need to be adjusted to run correctly at high altitudes, as the thin air can affect their performance. Propane generators are less susceptible to these issues. Long-term Fuel Storage: Propane has a much longer storage life compared to gasoline or diesel, which is crucial for infrequent use during emergencies. This means you won't have to worry about your fuel going bad. Power Reliability: Propane generators produce more reliable output at high altitudes, making them a safer and more dependable choice for backup power. Efficiency: Despite being slightly less efficient, propane still beats diesel when it comes to fuel quality over long periods.By choosing propane generators, you can ensure that your backup power source will perform as expected, even during the rare brownouts in the summer.
Storage and Usage
The decision to switch to propane generators hinges on your specific needs and the frequency of power outages. If you can limit your use to only the most critical situations, such as after a complete power failure, small gas generators might suffice. However, for a more reliable backup system, a dedicated propane generator is a better choice.
For those who live in areas like Wyoming, where the conditions can range from sunny and windy to cold and windy, having a reliable backup power source is crucial. I've personally found that swapping my emergency gasoline generator for a dedicated propane generator is a wise decision. I also recommend hauling a couple of hundred gallons of propane to the cabin for those absolute emergencies. The storage life of propane, which is much better than that of gasoline or diesel, makes it a practical and efficient choice for long-term backup power needs.
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Propane generators - Highlighting their advantages over gas generators, particularly for high-altitude living. Wyoming power outages - Providing context and advice specific to this region, which experiences frequent power outages. Altitude adjustments - Discussing the specific challenges and solutions related to running generators at high altitudes.By following these recommendations, you can ensure that your Wyoming cabin is well-prepared for any power outages, whatever the season may bring.