Battery backup's a smart move, hadn't thought about that for infrared heaters. Do you think a small generator would be overkill for just keeping pipes warm? I've been debating getting one anyway for emergencies, but not sure if it's worth the hassle and maintenance. Curious if anyone's had luck with simpler solutions—maybe something less bulky or easier to manage?
"Do you think a small generator would be overkill for just keeping pipes warm?"
Honestly, I think a generator might be a bit much if your main concern is just preventing frozen pipes. Generators are handy, sure, but they're noisy, require fuel storage, and maintenance can be a hassle—especially if you're not using it regularly. I've found simpler solutions to be just as effective and way less of a headache.
For example, insulating pipes properly and adding heat tape has worked wonders for me. Heat tape uses minimal power, and if you're already considering battery backup for infrared heaters, it pairs nicely with that setup. Plus, good insulation reduces the need for constant heat in the first place, saving you energy and money in the long run.
If you're looking for something eco-friendly and low-maintenance, I'd definitely recommend starting with insulation and heat tape before jumping into generator territory. It's simpler, cheaper, and honestly just easier to manage day-to-day...
Good points about insulation and heat tape—definitely simpler and less hassle. But I wouldn't totally rule out a small generator, especially if power outages are common in your area. A friend of mine had insulated pipes and heat tape, but during a long blackout, everything froze anyway. A small generator saved him from a huge mess. Might be worth considering as a backup plan, even if it's not your first line of defense...
Hadn't really thought about generators for pipe protection, but you make a solid point. Last winter, my neighbor's pipes froze despite insulation—he ended up thawing them with a hairdryer at 3 AM...not exactly fun. Backup power might've saved him some grief.
Generators can definitely help, but they're not foolproof either. Had a tenant once who installed a backup generator specifically for pipe protection—thought he was all set. But when the power actually went out, turns out the generator hadn't been serviced in ages and wouldn't start. He ended up in the same boat as your neighbor, hairdryer in hand at some ungodly hour.
Backup power is great, but regular maintenance and testing are just as important. I've found that keeping taps slightly open during extreme cold snaps can sometimes be more reliable than relying solely on insulation or backup power. Curious if anyone's tried heat tape on their pipes? I've heard mixed reviews about it, but never personally tested it out.
