Hurricane Irma

Post by **laklak** » Sun Sep 17, 2017 4:30 pm

We're not quite normal yet, but we can see it just over the rise.

One other thing I must do is build a sound damping enclosure for the generator. Can't completely close it off because it's air cooled, but I can build an enclosure to dampen it down a bit and maybe direct the noise upward.

Post by **JimC** » Sun Sep 17, 2017 9:03 pm

Have you thought about solar panels and/or solar hot water plus a battery system? Might keep you going without the generator noise in a blackout, and in normal times, it should reduce your bills...

Post by **Brian Peacock** » Sun Sep 17, 2017 9:15 pm

Post by **laklak** » Sun Sep 17, 2017 9:24 pm

Yeah we've thought about solar and it's a possibility. We'd still need a generator, though, to power A/C unit(s), as it's not possible to tolerate life in Flo-Rida without it. Our power is still pretty cheap compared to other areas of the country.

The best option, from an initial cost, maintenance, and utility perspective is a propane fueled automatic start unit. We could get an 11Kw installed for around $5000 that would run pretty much the entire house, minus one of the 2 central air units. Would need a larger propane tank than we have currently but that's a useful thing in any case, I'd have gas lines installed for outdoor lights, grills, etc. installed at the same time. That's a lot of money, though, for something that (I hope) only happens once every decade or so. In the 11 years we've been here this is the first time we've lost power for more than a few hours, the worst was when a transformer blew and it took them 8 hours to replace.

Of course there's Maria out in the Atlantic now, taking pretty much the exact same goddamn path that Irma did. The bright sparks say it will move out to sea, but they said that about Irma also. So one way or another I need to build a damping cover, we might be using it again in two weeks time.

Post by **Brian Peacock** » Sun Sep 17, 2017 9:27 pm

laklak wrote:We're not quite normal yet, but we can see it just over the rise.

One other thing I must do is build a sound damping enclosure for the generator. Can't completely close it off because it's air cooled, but I can build an enclosure to dampen it down a bit and maybe direct the noise upward.

My father's marine driveline business used to supply and fit this formable insulation board for dry drive bays and cabins. http://meluton.fi/products/acoustic-mat ... foam-sheet I'm sure there's something similar available at your local marine supplier. Just make sure the enclosure doesn't act like a resonator - which is what happened with the external aircon unit for the local corner shop. They got someone in to build a box around the unit after complaints from neighbours, and all it did was amplify and focus the thrummm-thrummm-thrummm straight into the neighbours bedroom!

Post by **laklak** » Sun Sep 17, 2017 9:42 pm

That's pretty much what I'll be using. Looking at an MDF box lined with fiberglass batting, which is then covered by foam insulation with a metallic finish on one side. An electric blower for ventilation will be powered from the genny. Should bring the roar down to a tolerable level, though its more for the neighbors than for us. We put in new hurricane windows two years ago, they're triple glazed and rated for 150 mph winds, not much sound gets through them. But the noise of all the generators running in the neighborhood was pretty bad, and folks without new windows would suffer.

Post by **Brian Peacock** » Sun Sep 17, 2017 11:14 pm

Also make sure you posts some sweaty pictures of yourself making it, with oversized power tools and your top off. For research purposes only of course.

Post by **laklak** » Mon Sep 18, 2017 12:52 am

The last thing anyone wants to see is my sweaty man-boobs.

Post by **JimC** » Mon Sep 18, 2017 1:02 am

For those girls in the basement, it was the last thing they saw!

Post by **Sean Hayden** » Mon Sep 18, 2017 1:05 am

We have motherfucking power.

Post by **laklak** » Mon Sep 18, 2017 1:28 am

How you getting on, Sean? What's happened with your parent's house?

Post by **laklak** » Mon Sep 18, 2017 1:30 am

JimC wrote:For those girls in the basement, it was the last thing they saw!

The flood put the kibosh on the Basement Beauties. I'll have to start all over again. It's not FAIR!

Post by **Sean Hayden** » Mon Sep 18, 2017 1:51 am

laklak wrote:How you getting on, Sean? What's happened with your parent's house?

They've finally hauled off all the trash. The neighbors are rebuilding. I wonder if the county will offer to buy their houses?

My parents house was wrecked. It was a beautiful home too, my dad had done all kinds of custom work. Insurance has stepped in, maybe they get it close...

Anyway, it'll be months before they move back in.

Post by **laklak** » Mon Sep 18, 2017 1:59 am

Shit that sucks. Fucking hurricanes. We got trash piled up pretty high but they're supposed to start coming round tomorrow. I'm a bit embarrassed by the 4 recycle bins full of beer cans and booze bottles (and another 2 big plastic bags).

Post by **Sean Hayden** » Mon Sep 18, 2017 2:10 am

ah, trash shame, it's real folks.

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