Short outages are inconvenient... but can be fun IF you know how to cope. But for longer terms, especially in the heat of summer and cold of winter: (pic is a link to Honda's sire)

I have mine w/wheel and electric start kits. It ain't big enough to run the house a/c, but it will run the whole house attic fan, refrigerator(s) tv, computer stuff and a few lights.
I initially bought a 3500W model for my travel trailer... but it wouldn't handle the start up drain for the A/C, so the dealer (who assured me it would), gave full value in trade for the 5500W I have. Purchased new in 1988, it's still in great shape, and handles whatever I "need"!
I've even put it on the little trailer w/the old (read 1950's) Craftsman arc welder and used it as a portable welder to repair gates and such in the barn and pastures. One of the very few investments I've made that every time I use it, I dislocate my shoulder pattin' myself on the back!!!
