Choosing a backup generator on propane or natural gas has a few advantages. The two types of fuel are not noisy and neither requires a natural gas line. Liquid propane can be purchased on demand, which is a benefit. A propane generator can also be situated near or against the home, so it is quieter than a natural gas generator. Unlike natural gas, liquid propane has no expiration date.
Cost of backup generator on propane
When considering buying a backup generator, propane is a great choice. It can provide enough power to keep your home comfortable and safe during a power outage. Propane is clean burning and will not damage your appliances. It also reduces wear on your engine. This means a lower cost per day or month.
There are several types of propane generators. The first is the liquid type, which costs anywhere from $500 to $5,000. These generators can be portable or standby and are typically installed to your home’s gas line. The disadvantage to liquid propane is that the fuel is expensive and must be stored. The cost of a propane backup generator is considerably lower than that of an equivalent generator using diesel or gasoline. However, this type of backup generator requires a large fuel tank to operate.
Portable generators run on gasoline, propane, or natural gas. These are generally less expensive than a permanent standby model, but they may require you to install a propane tank or dig a long trench for conduit. Portable generators are also noisy, and they require manual firing during an emergency.
A backup generator can run on both natural gas and propane, but it is important to choose the fuel type that best suits your needs. Natural gas is cheaper, but propane is more energy-dense. Propane generators will run longer, but they cost a bit more than natural gas.
Cost of natural gas generator
A natural gas generator is a popular alternative to a propane-powered backup generator. A natural gas generator uses much less natural gas than a propane-powered one, but it still needs fuel. Just like a car, a natural gas generator needs fuel and periodic maintenance. For example, you need to check the battery voltage and exerciser circuits, change the oil, and fix any coolant leaks. The cost of running a natural gas generator depends on its size and fuel type.
Natural gas generators can be portable or permanently installed. They cost about $2,000 to $21,000 for a whole-house model. The main advantage of using natural gas is that it’s less expensive than diesel and doesn’t require fuel storage. A disadvantage to natural gas generators is that they rely on pipelines, which can become damaged during a storm. Liquid propane generators, on the other hand, are much cheaper, but require a huge storage tank.
Gasoline generators are another option, although they’re not as efficient as natural gas generators. They also tend to have shorter shelf life and may require expensive disposal when old. However, these generators are generally smaller and less powerful. They typically cost around $2,000-$6,000, depending on their size and capacity.
Like your car, natural gas generators require regular maintenance. A neglected generator could mean no heat in the event of a hurricane or no sump pump to empty a flooded basement. A properly maintained generator is an investment that will last for 20-30 years. A well-maintained generator is also less likely to break down, resulting in greater savings over the long term.
Cost of diesel generator
When considering the cost of a diesel generator as a backup generator, you should also consider its size and portability. The propane fuel tank adds a substantial load to your camping equipment, so a smaller diesel generator is a better option. Diesel is cheaper than propane, but the price of fuel varies from region to region.
A diesel generator has embedded fuel tanks. The evaporation process of diesel fuel is highly affected by the fuel temperature. As the temperature decreases, the fuel becomes harder to vaporize. Fortunately, there are diesel stabilizers available that can reduce the risk of sludge formation.
A diesel generator is much cheaper to operate than a propane generator. Propane is a scarce resource and can be expensive in remote areas. Propane is also difficult to transport. A full load generator can consume as much as 10 gallons of propane per day. In addition, propane can be twice as expensive as diesel fuel.
A diesel generator costs between three and twenty thousand dollars and is a good option for many homeowners. A diesel generator can power an entire home and is very energy efficient. Typically, diesel generators cost about seven dollars per kWh, while a propane generator costs approximately eight cents per kWh.