On Sun, 09 Dec 2012 10:00:46 -0500, j  wrote:   
      
   >On 12/8/2012 9:01 PM, Jim wrote:   
   >> My daughter moved to Alaska a few years ago, and they recently   
   >> moved into a small house belonging to a friend who is now   
   >> living in Hawaii.  The house had been vacant for some time,   
   >> and they worked a deal with the owner (a good friend) to keep   
   >> the place up and do repairs, etc.  They got the oil furnace   
   >> working, but since the cost of fuel oil is so expensive they   
   >> are now using two electric heaters which keep the place warm   
   >> as long as outside temps are above 20 degrees F.   
   >   
   >Electricity is usually the most expensive, but electric is great for   
   >spot heating.   
   >>   
   >> My concern is that if they lose electricity, which is not   
   >> uncommon on their island, they will lose not only their   
   >> electric heaters but the oil furnace too.   
   >   
   >This forced air? Then it is the same as it would be if it was gas.   
      
   Not true. Gas does not require a high pressure injection pump, or a   
   constant spark ignitor. The blower will LIKELY be either 1/6, 1/4, 1/3   
   or 1/2HP. The pump will be less than 1/6 and the ignitor will be less   
   than 2 amps -. The difference between gas and oil will likely be   
   relatively minor - but it WILL be a difference.   
   >>   
   >> I'm wondering what size generator they would need to keep the   
   >> oil furnace working, and maybe a few lights, fridge, freezer,   
   >> and a few appliances.  Would there be a label on the furnace   
   >> that specifies the power needed to run it?   
   >   
   >3-5kW sound about right. You need capacity for motor start surges.   
   >   
   >Keeping and getting the gas to run this, should be looked in to. Better   
   >would be a diesel that could run off the fuel oil.   
   >   
   >My idea of emergency heat in Alaska is a wood stove, and emergency   
   >refrigeration would be outside.   
   >   
   >Catalytic propane heaters are cheap, and even the smallest is more  BTUs   
   >than an electric space heater (5K BTU). Kerosene might be an option.   
   >   
   >http://www.toyotomi.jp/english/products/kerosene_h/double.html   
   >   
   >I guess living in Alaska has grown soft.   
   >   
   >   Jeff   
   >>   
   >> Any ideas how much juice a small oil furnace uses?  We live in   
   >> the deep South and we use natural gas for heat and for running   
   >> the generator.   
   >>   
   >>   
      
   --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05   
    * Origin: you cannot sedate... all the things you hate (1:229/2)