I am looking to pick up a generator for the house. Would probably be only used for emergencies in case of extended power failures and sit in my garage(to be run outside when needed of course). 5000 watt models at Home Cheapo and Lowes seem to be in my price range. Would that be enough to run the heat or frigde if need be? Dont expect to run both at once or constantly. Not looking to wire it into the house power either. Just something to have just in case. Any advice would be appreciated.

5kw will run just about all your house. Get a gentran switch and you can load shed circuits and hook the generator in easily.

Query generators on-line too. I did in 2001, and saved about a grand on a 5000 watt honda. Honda has three grades, loud, so-so, and quiet. The quieter is the most expensive. I found a place in Colorado that had free shipping and it was $700.00 less than Benttencourt Honda. Oh yah, no sales tax either.