There are many advantages to owning a home generator that runs on natural gas. The first advantage is that a natural gas powered generator can run on a dedicated gas line, which may be a big plus in some areas. Another benefit is that it can provide an added source of power for emergency situations. However, there are also a few things to consider when you are shopping for a home generator.
Whole house generator vs portable generator
It’s important to choose the right generator for your home. You should consider your needs and the power consumption of your appliances.
If you live in a region that has frequent power outages, you may want to consider a portable generator or standby generator. Portable generators are usually more affordable than standby generators. They don’t require professional installation and can be moved from location to location.
Standby generators are fueled by natural gas or liquid propane. This type of fuel is safe to use during inclement weather and can be started from anywhere. However, it is also more expensive than gasoline.
Portable generators can be used to run small appliances. These generators usually have smaller power outputs than whole house generators. The minimum output of a portable generator is about 15,000 watts. Most portable generators are designed for recreational purposes and are not powerful enough to run all of your appliances at once.
LP vs NG standby generator
When buying a new backup generator, it is important to know which of the many types of fuel to choose. The most popular options are gasoline, propane and diesel. Diesel has the most notable advantages and disadvantages. In particular, it has a very low energy density compared to the propane.
Propane is an ideal fuel for standby and portable generators. It is an efficient and clean burning fuel. However, it is a little on the pricey side. A typical propane system has an initial price tag of around $500 to $6000.
On the other hand, natural gas can cost upwards of $1,900 to $5,000. Natural gas has a lower energy output per kilowatt hour (kwh), but the best part is that it doesn’t have to be refueled every few days like diesel. That also means less maintenance.
Although it’s not quite as environmentally friendly as NG, LP is a good choice if you’re concerned about air pollution. Also, it has double the heating efficiency of NG.
Dedicated gas line
The best way to ensure uninterrupted power during an emergency is by connecting your home generator to a dedicated gas line. This ensures a consistent supply of clean, energy-efficient gas to your generator.
In addition, having a dedicated line is safer. It prevents the risk of animals or other utilities from snagging and interfering with the flow of gas.
A professional plumber can install a dedicated line for you. But, they’re not the only ones who can help. Make sure you have a qualified electrician involved in your project.
The size of your dedicated line depends on the size and capabilities of your generator. Generally, you will need a 1” gas line.
A 1” gas line will deliver enough gas flow to most generators up to 30 feet from the meter. If you need more than this, you’ll need to consult a gas pipe sizing chart.
An alternative is to connect the line directly from the meter. This is much less expensive but it isn’t always the best option.
Regulations for switching gear between electrical panel and home generator
When a home uses natural gas standby generators, it is important to follow regulations for switching gear between an electrical panel and the home’s generator. If you do not, you risk a fire in your electrical system and the possibility of a generator explosion.
First, you must remove all non-essential loads from your electrical circuits. This includes heavier appliances that use 240 volts of power such as air conditioners. You also need to ensure that the breaker panels on both your main breaker panel and your generator panel contain essential circuits. In addition, you may have to disable some non-essential loads using load-shed devices.
Before you begin, you should have a licensed electrician inspect your home’s electrical system. He will then install an automatic transfer switch. The switch will be activated when the power goes out and will shut off the generator when the utility power is restored. A qualified electrician will also ensure that there are no back feeds into the utility line, which can damage a generator.
