Freezing ass cold and power goes out

[Bongo Lewi]

Rather than complain, I see the occasional power outage as a dress rehearsal.

Last night around 11 pm, it's colder than a witches tit in an iron bra and the power goes out.

1. Transfer switch automatically activates, switch to batteries.
2. I don't have this automated (yet), but when the batteries get below 50% the propane-fueled 22kw generator kicks in, recharging the batteries. The generator can handle the entire household load if the batteries are damaged or otherwise fail.
3. Light up some wood in the fireplace to heat the house and reduce the demand on the 2 heat pumps. There's a fireplace in the master bedroom and the living room.

Everything worked the way it's supposed to. Grid power was restored within 3 hours.

 

[Stephen G]

Thats why I have gas heaters and appliances.
Entire neighborhood was out for 3 weeks once. Hot showers and just cooked meal goes a long way to improving my disposition.

 

[Curmudgeon]

I'm close to that readiness, just have to light up a propane heater or two, and run a generator for the large appliances (water heater, washer/dryer). I need to replace my electric furnace with heat pump(s) and change my battery backup to full house instead of the few select circuits. Batteries will recharge as soon as the sun comes up.