Choosing a generator that runs on propane is a great way to ensure you’ll always have an energy supply available. Propane is an alternative fuel that’s more cost-effective and environmentally friendly than diesel or gasoline.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that the amount of propane a generator consumes will vary depending on what you’re using it for and what your power needs are.
Cost
Generators can consume a lot of propane, so it’s important to keep it well-stocked. Propane fuel is often sold in large tanks with a 500-gallon capacity or more; many propane sellers also offer plans for regular top-offs, which can save you a substantial amount of money over time.
The cost of running a propane generator depends on how much power it consumes and how long you need it to run for. A 20-kilowatt portable unit, for instance, will burn about 3.6 gallons per hour at half-load and 5.4 gallons at full load.
This is roughly $200 in fuel costs for a 24-hour period. This is a bit lower than the cost of natural gas, but it’s still quite expensive to run a portable propane generator for an entire day.
It’s essential to work out how much propane your generator will use and then estimate how much you’ll need to store on hand. This will help you gauge your fuel budget and prepare for an unexpected power outage.
Environment
Propane is a clean-burning fuel that does not have the same negative impacts on the environment as other fuels such as gasoline and diesel. As a result, it can help reduce the greenhouse gas emissions that are caused by extracting and processing other fuels such as petroleum products.
In fact, propane is often regarded as one of the cleanest-burning fuels available for use in generators and other power generation equipment. It emits significantly less carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxides than other fuels and is better for the environment overall, according to a study from the Propane Education & Research Council.
Another benefit of using propane for generators is that it has a long shelf life, meaning that you can keep the fuel in the tank for a long time without worrying about running out. This makes it a good choice for large power generation operations that may be shut down for extended periods of time, as well as residential users who may want to save on fuel costs in the future.
Safety
Generators are a great source of power during a power outage. These appliances are easy to use and are designed to run for extended periods of time, helping homeowners maintain their routines even when the electricity is out.
Propane is an eco-friendly fuel and offers a safe and secure alternative to diesel and gasoline. It also provides more energy per cubic foot, which makes it a better choice for power outages.
Compared to gas, propane is much cleaner and releases less carbon monoxide into the air. This is an important consideration if you live in an area that has high emissions.
When running a propane generator, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines. Always keep the generator outside and away from open windows, doors or vents. Install a battery-powered carbon monoxide detector in every room and check it regularly.
Availability
Generators provide essential backup power during power outages. They ensure vital medical equipment like electric wheelchairs, home dialysis machines and suction and respirators remain operational, protecting your family’s health and safety.
Propane-fueled generators can also help businesses protect their operations from loss of grid power. Loss of power can have a severe impact on critical systems and operations such as elevators, refrigeration units, heating, cooling and air conditioning systems, fire alarms, communications and other vital services that are essential for business operation.
Availability
Propane is an affordable fuel source and it is easy to get, deliver and store on your property during extended power outages. Gasoline and diesel, on the other hand, can be difficult to obtain, degrade or evaporate when in storage for long periods of time.
In addition, propane produces significantly fewer greenhouse gas emissions than gasoline and diesel, making it an environmentally friendly fuel option. It can also be sourced from renewable feedstocks such as used cooking oil and animal tallow using a hydrotreated vegetable oil process.
