Generator or wood stove, which is a better buy?

Question

For emergency heating and such during short term power outages... Thanks

Answer 1

I opted to install a 5kW generator and proper transfer panel. I'm able to operate the well pump, prepare meals, keep things refrigerated, etc. For heat, the furnace is on backup power.

Check my web page for more details on portable generator use and safety.
http://members.rennlist.org/warren/generator.html

Answer 2

For emergency heating, if you live somewhere where you have true winter weather and a fair abundance of firewood, a wood stove would be the better fare.

I remember surviving more than 1 winter storm with fireplaces & comparing adventures with my friends who had generators. Of course the ones with generators AND fireplaces were really doing well, because mostly they used generators for other stuff like they were eating better and watching tv and when we couldn't. However like the other answer said, generators are meant to provide temporary solutions. Also, consider the case that happened in Dallas in the past year or so: A guy had his electricity turned off, so he was just using a generator that was being used too much and causing people in his apartment building to get sick off of the carbon monoxide fumes that it also generated.

P.S. I think we had more fun without a generator.

Answer 3

the wood stove is more cost efficient and last as long as you have wood, the generator will only last for it's specific time unless it has a manual crank and it will provide electric for a larger area and more items.

Answer 4

well with a generator u can keep things cold and hot. With a stove just HOT ;)