Weathering the Storm: Lessons in Home Backup Power from a Major Power Outage – HGG618
It’s a solo show this week. Last week’s show was canceled due to a 100-hour power outage at theAverageGuy.tv studios. What did I do? What gadgets did we use? How did it go and how did we stay cool? All that and plenty of links in the show notes. Thanks for listening!
Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg618
Join Jim Collison / @jcollison for show #618 of Home Gadget Geeks, brought to you by the Average Guy Network.
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Links
Briggs & Stratton Q6500 – 5000 Watt QuietPower™ Series Portable Inverter Generator w/ CO Guard®
Midea U 10,000 BTU 115-Volt Window Air Conditioner
Pelonis® 12,000 BTU 115-Volt Portable Air Conditioner
BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX* Cordless Chainsaw, Alligator Lopper (LLP120)
BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Cordless Chainsaw Kit, 10 inch, Battery and Charger Included (LCS1020)
Show Segments
- Tech gadgets, news, and reviews with a focus on Amazon affiliate links.[0:00]
- Jim Collison introduces the show and thanks Patreon subscribers.
- Preparation for power outage and dealing with storm damage.[2:48]
- Jim Collison describes a severe storm that hit Omaha, Nebraska, causing widespread damage and power outages.
- Jim Collison and his neighbors assess the damage, including a tree that fell on a neighbor’s deck.
- Jim Collison explains how he prepared for a power outage by setting up a generator, extension cords, and fans to protect his fridges and computers.
- Jim’s main concern is keeping food cold or frozen during a power outage, and he has taken steps to ensure that his fridges remain functional.
- Power outage and generator purchase.[8:24]
- Jim Collison describes his experience without power for 5 days and the measures he took to keep his home cool, including using two portable air conditioners.
- Collison purchased a generator from Electric Generators Direct for $1,200 during the pandemic, highlighting the importance of finding deals on these types of products.
- Using generators during power outages.[11:06]
- Jim Collison provides power to neighbors during heatwave.
- Jim Collison discusses his experience with generators during a power outage, highlighting their usefulness and limitations.
- Collison emphasizes the importance of having small gadgets, such as a USB-powered flashlight, during an emergency.
- Backup lights and portable air conditioners for power outages.[15:45]
- Jim Collison discusses the usefulness of a USB-powered flashlight he purchased for $20.
- He and his wife Sarah have purchased several lantern-style flashlights that use regular batteries.
- Jim mentions a Black and Decker work light that has a 20-volt battery on the bottom, which can be used as a backup light during power outages.
- Jim Collison recommends portable air conditioner for temporary cooling solutions.
- Collison purchased a 12,000 BTU portable unit for his living room, finding it easy to use and comfortable.
- Using a portable air conditioner in a power outage.[22:04]
- Jim tests a portable air conditioner in a hot room, finding it effective but quiet.
- Jim finds a window air conditioner that works well in a pinch.
- Using a window air conditioner with home automation capabilities and a battery-powered chain saw for tree clearing.[25:25]
- Jim purchases a 12,000 BTU window air conditioner and shares his experience with it.
- Jim considers purchasing additional portable air conditioners for more efficient cooling.
- Jim Collison discusses his experience with a battery-powered chain saw, praising its safety and ease of use.
- Collison recommends the tool for anyone looking for a safe and convenient way to cut branches, including children.
- Tools for trimming and cutting trees, including a chainsaw and pole saw.[31:33]
- Jim Collison discusses his experience with various tools, including a chainsaw and pole saw, and their usefulness for trimming branches and cutting logs.
- Collison finds the pole saw to be particularly handy for reaching high branches, but notes its weight and the need for caution when using it.
- Jim Collison discusses power outages in his neighborhood, mentioning that 220,000 customers are without power and that it may take a while to restore it.
- Collison highlights the challenges of restoring power in areas with significant tree damage, including the need for new poles and transformers.
- Using a blue Eddie as a UPS for computer backup during power outages.[37:17]
- Jim recommends the AC 180 blue Eddie as a reliable UPS for computers.
- Jim recommends using blue eddies to provide smoother power for appliances during a power outage.
- Backup power options for home during power outages.[40:53]
- Jim Collison shut down various devices during a power outage, including a gaming rig, server, and backup.
- Jim Collison encountered issues with his home assistant instance after the power outage, but was able to fix them.
- Jim Collison discusses his experience with power outages and how he prepared by installing a backup generator.
- Collison plans to rewire his system to add an interconnect for easier use and sharing with neighbors.
- Generator selection and installation for home use.[47:08]
- Jim explains the importance of installing a generator interlock to prevent both grid and generator power from being used at the same time.
- Jim demonstrates how to use breakers to selectively power devices in the house during a power outage.
- Jim Collison discusses generator options, including tri-fuel models that run on gas, diesel, propane, and natural gas.
- Collison weighs the pros and cons of each fuel type, including power output, cost, and convenience.
- Preparing for power outages with a generator and battery backup.[52:59]
- Jim Collison considers investing in a backup generator to prepare for power outages.
- Jim Collison takes initiative to help neighbors after power outage.
- Backup power options during power outage.[56:02]
- Jim Collison explores backup power solutions for his home, including solar and generator options.
- Jim Collison considers using portable solar panels for backup power during power outages.
- Jim Collison suggests using a hotel room to escape a hot home during a power outage, potentially saving money on hotel costs.
- Ken agrees, adding that using a generator or battery backup can also be helpful.
- Emergency preparedness and backup power sources.[1:02:10]
- Jim Collison considers investing in a backup generator and solar panels for his home studio.
- He believes it’s important to be prepared for power outages and to think through his own situation.
- Jim Collison mentions his daughter-in-law is from Japan and they’re hosting a student from Japan for the weekend.
- Jim Collison will be off next week and returns the following Thursday, with Mike Wiger joining him for the show.
Based on the conversation, the following products were mentioned:
- Briggs & Stratton Q6500 5,000-watt generator
- USB-powered flashlight
- La Crosse LED lanterns
- Black & Decker 20V work light
- Polonis 12,000 BTU portable air conditioner
- Mr. Cool 10,000 BTU window air conditioner
- Black & Decker 20V battery-powered chainsaw
- Black & Decker 20V pole saw
- Blue Eddie AC180 battery backup
More from Chat GPT
The conversation covers Jim Collison’s experience dealing with a major power outage in Omaha, Nebraska due to a severe storm. Collison describes how he was prepared with a generator, extension cords, and various backup lighting and cooling solutions to keep his home running during the multi-day outage. He highlights the importance of having a generator, portable air conditioners, battery-powered tools like chainsaws and pole saws, and a UPS-style battery backup like the Blue Eddie to power critical systems. Collison also discusses the pros and cons of different generator fuel types and considers upgrading to a larger, multi-fuel generator and potentially incorporating solar panels for more comprehensive backup power. Throughout, Collison shares his learnings and recommendations for being prepared for extended power outages, emphasizing the need to think through one’s specific situation and needs.
Action Items from Otter
Install an interlock kit and generator disconnect box.
Research getting a larger 10-12kW multi-fuel generator.
Consider setting up solar panels to charge batteries for emergency power.
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Popular Tags: Podcast, Home Gadget Geeks, Jim Collison, power outage, generator, backup power, portable air conditioner, battery backup, chainsaw, pole saw, home emergency preparedness, storm damage, Omaha, home automation, energy efficiency, fuel types, solar panels, home backup solutions, emergency lighting
