There are three types of fuel used to run a whole house generator. These include Liquefied petroleum gas, propane and natural gas. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to choose the one that’s right for you.
Natural gas
A whole house generator uses a natural gas supply to keep the lights on when the power goes out. Natural gas is a clean and convenient fuel source. It is also one of the least expensive options available, as long as you’re connected to a gas line.
If you’re interested in a natural gas powered whole house generator, it’s important to make sure you get the right model for your home. You should consider your home’s needs, including the wattage of any appliances, the number of outlets you have, and other factors.
The best way to determine what’s right for you is to consult a qualified technician. They can provide recommendations and ensure the installation is done correctly.
Choosing the right natural gas generator isn’t just about finding the best model; you should also be sure you have an emergency plan in place. This includes having a backup generator on standby. Also, you may be able to find a rebate program through your local gas utility company.
Propane
If you’re looking for a fuel for your whole house generator, propane is a popular option. It costs less than gas, it burns cleanly and efficiently, and it is a relatively safe alternative. However, there are some downsides to using it.
Propane has a lower energy density than natural gas. In fact, it provides about 10% less power per gallon. You may want to look into buying a tri-fuel unit, which can burn either gasoline or propane.
Natural gas is a cleaner and more convenient fuel. You can connect it directly to your home. Unlike gasoline, it won’t run out. This means it isn’t dependent on power outages to provide its services. And if your home has gas lines, you won’t need to worry about power outages disrupting the supply.
On the other hand, gasoline is more volatile. The engine runs slower and requires a bigger engine to produce the same amount of power. Also, in cold weather, starting it can be difficult.
Liquefied petroleum gas
When buying a whole house generator, the choice of fuel can make or break your purchase. Propane and natural gas are two of the most common options. Each fuel has its pros and cons.
The primary benefit of natural gas is that it is a clean burning fuel. However, natural gas is not renewable. It is a fossil fuel, meaning that it does not grow or decay. This means that it can be a risky fuel source if your gas lines are damaged or compromised.
LPG is another common fuel for home standby generators. Liquid propane is a byproduct of the refining of petroleum. Unlike gasoline, LPG is colorless and has no expiration date.
A natural gas line can be installed directly in your home. Once you have a connection, you don’t have to worry about running out of power during a power outage.
Another advantage of a propane generator is that it is quieter than a diesel generator. Also, it is less likely to cause fuel spills. If you have a large tank, you can run your whole house generator for weeks on end.
Cost
If you have frequent power outages, a whole house generator can be a worthwhile investment. This type of backup system is also known as a standby generator. It powers all the electrical appliances in your home. They are usually installed by a professional.
Whole house generators typically run on propane or natural gas. You may need a propane tank, and a gas line to connect the generator to your gas meter. Depending on the size of your home, a whole house generator can be installed for between $1,500 and $5,000.
Standby generators can be installed for between $1,800 and $10,000. These units can be used to power only one appliance, or they can be plugged into ten circuits. The price varies depending on the brand and the capacity of the generator.
Some standby generators are equipped with automatic transfer switches, which automatically engage the unit when there is a power outage. A generator that has an Automatic Transfer Switch is more expensive than other models.