Emergency heat plan.

[M.P.C]

Yeah generac are great i used to install them at my last job, they come on in under a second of power going out so nothing is ever affected by the power loss during the switch over

[bcr229]

I have had a generator and looked at others. No a basic generator is not wired to the home and requires a person to start it. The thing to watch out with generators is the power output many are 'dirty' power and can cause stats to fail open full power. to my knowledge in portable gens Honda and Yamaha are the only 100% safe units.

Good point. For an extended outage in cold weather all of my snakes will be moved into bags and bins, and then stacked up in a small room like a bathroom where a space heater could keep them all around 80*F. It's much easier to do that than try to run all of their t-stats, heat tape, RHP's, etc.

Cooling is a bit trickier. While most of my snakes may be uncomfortable at high temps, we do get summer days that can top 100*F and my BRB's really can't go much higher than 88*F ambient without risking neuro damage from what I've read. On those days even the tap water is fairly warm. So I keep water in the refrigerator to refill their bowls during the heat of the day, or give them a light misting if needed.

[kitedemon]

Good point. For an extended outage in cold weather all of my snakes will be moved into bags and bins, and then stacked up in a small room like a bathroom where a space heater could keep them all around 80*F. It's much easier to do that than try to run all of their t-stats, heat tape, RHP's, etc.

Cooling is a bit trickier. While most of my snakes may be uncomfortable at high temps, we do get summer days that can top 100*F and my BRB's really can't go much higher than 88*F ambient without risking neuro damage from what I've read. On those days even the tap water is fairly warm. So I keep water in the refrigerator to refill their bowls during the heat of the day, or give them a light misting if needed.

I wish I had a cooling issue but up here I rarely need cooling! I can only wish! We still have 7 feet of snow!

[Monty's_Mom]

A good thread, this has been helpful. Its and old one but I think it is worth mentioning a few ideas.

For people who only have a tank or three, make a Styrofoam sleeve before the power goes out. It can be easily taped together to help steady the temps. Just ensure there are air holes in the proper places.

Propane powered generators are out there and are small enough to be considered temporary or for camping. The availability of pre-filled 20lb propane tanks via a propane tank certified exchange program I think has made these a great choice. No worries about running old gas or storing it. Most people who can utilize a small generator will have a BBQ as well. Certainly enough in case of emergency.

ALL GENERATORS, WHETHER THEY RUN ON GAS, PROPANE, DIESEL OR NAT GAS HAVE TO RUN OUTSIDE!! RUNNING IT IN A GARAGE IS NOT GOOD ENOUGH!!

A generator that is big enough to run or be wired into the existing house wiring HAS TO HAVE a complete disconnect switch installed. Electric utility workers are killed every year by people who have an improperly installed generator. The electricity runs on the power lines from your home unless a disconnect switch is installed. This switch completely cuts off your home from the power line. Good gen sets will do this automatically but it is better to doublecheck it is working.

As for the styrofoam sleeve, use it in different ambient room temps so you can better predict what Tstat settings to use when the power is working. This way, if you are going to be away from home for a weekend (with critters that don't need daily care) or longer, put the sleeve in place and it adds reassurance. It helps temp stability in the winter or summer.