Winter power outages

[mschemmy]

Hello,
I tried searching the boards for info on this topic, but most were about supplemental heating sources in addition to a working furnace.

I live in Pittsburgh, PA so our winters months get pretty cold. It is not uncommon to have a few power outages each winter. Some last a few hours, but more severe ones have lasted a few days. I am looking for advice on safe and economical ways to heat my tarantula room when I have no power, and my furnace is not operational. A whole house backup generator for thousands of dollars is not an option right now. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to handle a power outage when inside temperatures get dangerously low for my tarantulas? Is a kerosene heater safe to use around tarantulas? Any advice or suggestions are greatly appreciated! I have around 60 tarantulas ranging from slings to adults that I keep in a spare bedroom that is roughly 10x14 on the 2nd floor of my house.

 

[DomGom TheFather]

Keep them in a closet or small room to begin with. It makes it easier if you have to throw in a few hot water bottles or something but a kerosene heater is totally fine with some ventilation. That's all I do.

 

[Introvertebrate]

Do you have a gas furnace? It only takes a small generator to keep the electrical system on a gas furnace functioning. Mostly just something to operate the thermostat. You'd need some kind of switch set up to tap into the furnace electrical system only, not the whole house.

 

[Liquifin]

Reptile breeders use 3500+ watt gas powered generators, which usually lasts between 7-10 hours on a 5 gallon tank. I use them myself and they are a must to any exotic pet keeper in my opinion if it comes down to last resort and out of power completely. I'd prefer 4000+ watts, but that's just me and to each their own when it comes their preferred method.

 

[Tentacle Toast]

I'm in WNY, & just had a whole house genny installed the year before last. I happen to know that 1- they service your area, & B- offer financing. I can't imagine interest rates on such a small purchase are even close to attractive, but it's a nice thing to have considering the potential. Lost power at my old place for 12 days in 05', & again for 9 days in 09'. I can tell you that the lack of stress alone for the 09' outage was worth the price of admission. It's comforting knowing the lights will never go out. PM me, for details on the company, if you'd like. Not trying to coax you into spending money you don't have, but you'd recoup it regardless when it comes time to sell...

Reptile breeders use 3500+ watt gas powered generators, which usually lasts between 7-10 hours on a 5 gallon tank. I use them myself and they are a must to any exotic pet keeper in my opinion if it comes down to last resort and out of power completely. I'd prefer 4000+ watts, but that's just me and to each their own when it comes their preferred method.

Or this, & have an electrician wire your furnace with an auxiliary cord you can plug into the backup genny.
The only problem, as you know, is the acquiring of gasoline or diesel. For those 12 days in 05', this was a constant concern.

 

[Introvertebrate]

The longest outage I remember in my neck of the woods was Hurricane Ike in September of '08. About a week I believe. The outside air temperature was comfortable, so it wasn't a crisis.

 

[Woody72]

If you're going for a genny, go for diesel. Diesel can sit for a year or two and be perfectly fine unlike petrol which goes off pretty quickly.

 

[l4nsky]

https://arachnoboards.com/threads/l4nskys-dedicated-room-upgrades.360125/

 

[Tentacle Toast]

If you're going for a genny, go for diesel. Diesel can sit for a year or two and be perfectly fine unlike petrol which goes off pretty quickly.

Propane lasts indefinitely, unlike diesel, which can only sit for a year or two...

Fortunately, there are options:

5 Best Tri-Fuel Generators 2024: All Fuel Type Supported Units

Looking for the best Tri-fuel power stations? Check our list of top-rated and durable units for this purpose. All of them come with a warranty and high-quality mechanism.

voltagehero.com

 

[Introvertebrate]

A car power inverter would enable you to use your car as a backup generator. You'd have to keep the car idling so you don't drain the battery. I found one for $18 that provides 150W. Enough to run the electrical system on a gas furnace.

Amazon.com: 150W Car Power Inverter DC 12V to 110V AC Converter with 3.1A Dual USB Power inverters for Vehicles,Road Trip Essentials Camping Accessories Blue : Automotive