If you are searching propane vs gas generators ,you are the right site .What distinguishes a propane generator from a gas one? Which kind of portable generator fuel is best for you? Particularly when it comes to generators, each of us has unique demands.
Therefore, depending on what you plan to use the generator for, you should pick either a gas or propane generator. In this post, I give you a framework to guide your decision-making.
A dual-fuel generator is something I advise if you live in a region where hurricanes are both likely and probable. You’ll want the choice to obtain electricity from either gas or propane when fuel is in short supply.
Gasoline can only endure for roughly a year, while propane lasts forever (never expires or spoils) (with fuel stabilisers). When a calamity occurs, options are advantageous. Be prepared.
Propane vs. Gas Generators
While gas-powered generators could be more affordable initially, propane-powered generators can result in longer-term cost savings because your generator will likely not be used daily. Therefore the bulk of the time, you’ll be storing it. In addition, propane is a far more durable fuel source than other fuels.
Both propane and gas generators can help you keep the lights on during a power outage. But they have some key differences that may make one more suitable than another depending on your needs.
What Are Propane Generators?
Propane generators are a common source of power. These small, portable generators run on propane like your backyard barbecue. I have used some of the most common propane generators in cabins, recreation vehicles, and motor homes.
Propane generators are ideal for use in recreational vehicles and marine vessels. They are reliable, efficient, and extremely versatile. In addition, propane is easy to store and can be used repeatedly without any energy loss or energy output.
It needs a separate propane tank that is piped separately to the generator. You can unplug the tank from the generator when the fuel runs out. Then have it refilled at the nearby gas station or LPG supplier.
Also See: Propane Generator Pros and Cons
What Are Gas Generators?
Gas generators are an alternative to electric generators, but they can be more expensive, particularly since they require a direct-line connection or a gas tank. In addition, gas generators’ combustion chamber conforms to US EPA emission regulations and is completely enclosed to prevent emissions from escaping.
In this context, “CO2” refers only to carbon dioxide; the CO2 produced by natural gas does not contain other harmful chemicals such as hydrogen sulphide or mercury.
Because it can be found more easily inside buildings like houses, workplaces, and hospitals, natural gas is another common fuel for generators.
Depending on your energy needs, you may choose various sizes and power ratings for these generators.
Propane vs. Gas Generator Side By side comparison
If you’re looking for the right generator to power your home, you might wonder if propane or gas generators are the best options. Don’t be confused; I will provide detailed information based on my experience.
| No | Features | Gas Generators | Propane Generators |
| 1 | Efficiency | More efficient | Less Efficient |
| 2 | Run Time | It will run less than propane. | It will last longer |
| 3 | Fuel availability | More accessible | Less accessible |
| 4 | Clean burning | Methane,a greenhouse gas 84 times more potent than carbon dioxide, makes up the majority of gas. | The cleanest burning fossil fuel currently accessible is propane. |
Major Differences Propane vs. Gas Generator
Here are some differences you should consider when choosing between the two popular fuel sources.
1. Accessibility
Natural gas is more accessible because it comes from your home’s gas connection. However, on the other side, you must refuel at the closest gas station to refill your propane tank. This could be a bit of a hassle, especially if the closest petrol station is far away.
In light of this, natural gas is the best option if availability is a concern. But it won’t be very practical for you if you also use a cylinder for natural gas.
Propane can be difficult to find in some areas. Natural gas is found worldwide and is relatively cheap and easy to transport, so it will usually be available in large cities and towns. Propane is trickier—it has to be transported by truck, which means that shipping costs can be prohibitively expensive in some areas.
2. Running Noise
Propane generators are much quieter than natural gas generators.
Therefore propane is a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), which means it’s under pressure, but has a low boiling point. This means that when you release the pressure from the propane in your tank, it turns into vapour and exits the generator as a gas—a process called vaporisation.
On the other hand, natural gas is stored as a liquid under high pressure. So when you release this pressure and allow the gas to turn back into a liquid (called condensation), it emits more sound than propane during vaporisation.
3. Energy
Keep in mind that natural gas and propane release energy, but gas emits twice as much energy per cubic foot.
Natural gas only emits 1,040 BTUs per cubic foot, whereas propane burns at 2,490 BTUs per cubic foot. This indicates that less propane is consumed over a minute.
This does not, however, imply that propane would be more affordable than natural gas. We’ll talk about that afterward.
4. Maintenance
You don’t want to work as a technician on the side, do you? So consider the level of upkeep you’ll need to deal with.
Generators need routine maintenance since they have an engine. Owners of propane generators, though, need not be concerned. This is because propane ones don’t leave any accumulation or residue inside the fuel lines or other generator parts.
Additionally, minimal maintenance is natural gas generators. However, they do occasionally need to be serviced.
5. Durability
Most of the year will be spent with the generator sitting idle if you don’t plan to use it frequently. In that situation, you require a fuel source that doesn’t degrade over time or when not used.
When you need to start your generator, all you have to do is turn on your natural gas generator if it receives its fuel from a direct line.
Since liquid propane doesn’t lose its quality over time, you can store a propane generator for a long time without using it. So it’s more of a tie when comparing the two fuel sources based on lifetime.
6. Startup
You may need to choose your fuel source wisely if your generator will primarily be idle.
Most gasoline or diesel-powered generators have trouble starting up and frequently choke up. Starting up even natural gas generators is difficult, especially in cold weather.
On the other hand, regardless of the weather or how long it has been idle, propane gas generators easily start in every situation; This makes it one of the best fuel sources for cold weather and standby generators.
7. Application
Propane and gas generators; are used in various applications, but they have some significant differences. Propane generators are typically larger than gas-powered generators, producing more energy per unit volume, and can run for longer periods:
This makes them ideal for powering homes during emergencies or other situations that require long-term power generation. Gas generators are more compact, making them easier to transport and install. They also tend to be more affordable than propane generators because they require less fuel per unit of energy produced.
What is Cheaper To Run Gas Or Propane Generator?
Although propane often costs more than natural gas, it has a higher energy density. So although it may initially appear like propane is the more affordable choice because natural gas costs roughly 40% less than propane, this isn’t always the case.
Whatever you decide will depend on your location and whether you intend to refuel while travelling. Since propane is simpler to transport and store than natural gas, it can be the ideal option if you’re away from home for an extended period.
If you’re only going to be away from home for a few days or weeks, natural gas could save you some money over propane since it doesn’t require any special equipment or vehicles to transport it safely.
Are Propane Generators More Efficient?
Propane generators are less efficient than gas generators.
- Propane generators use a liquid fuel system, meaning the fuel must be vaporized before it can be burned in the engine.
- Propane generators are less efficient than burning natural gas directly in an engine.
- Since propane generators use more energy to convert liquid to gas than natural gas generators to burn natural gas, propane generators are less efficient overall.
- However, this can be overcome by using larger engines and larger tanks for the propane generator so that there is enough space for the required fuel to run the generator at full power for long periods.
Propane vs. Gas Generator Run Time
If you’re looking for a generator that’s as environmentally friendly as it is efficient, propane generators are the way to go.
Propane generators produce fewer BTUs per gallon of fuel than gas generators, but they don’t release carbon monoxide or unburned hydrocarbons like gasoline. That means that your generator will run cleaner and breathe easier than if you were using gasoline.
But don’t let all these benefits fool you into thinking that propane generators aren’t tough! On the contrary, they can handle power outages just as well—or even better—than their gas-powered counterparts.
Propane VS Gas Generator Noise
I’ve got you covered if you’re looking for a quiet generator that runs on propane. Propane generators are generally quieter than gasoline generators, so if you’re working in an area where noise is a concern, propane is the way to go.
But if you don’t care about noise, there’s no reason to spend more money on a propane generator.
How Does a Propane Generator Work with Natural Gas?
I must warn you that trying something like this without first visiting your specialist can be highly harmful.
It might occur. There is a sudden loss of power, leaving you unable to go outside to get more propane for your tank. You’re tempted to hunt for a solution that enables you to switch your propane generator to operate on natural gas.
In a technical sense, sure, it is possible to convert it. You may also purchase conversion kits to turn them into a dual-fuel generator and use them. But it’s not fully safe to do this.
Additionally, using various fuel sources might lead to various performance problems.
Natural gas and propane both have twice as much energy. Consequently, your generator will start to spit and operate at significantly lower horsepower when it is powered by gas. Unfortunately, this could also harm any appliances you use with the generator.
Do you believe your generator would require more than one fuel source in an emergency? Instead of modifying your current propane generator, I advise you to purchase a dual-fuel or tri-fuel generator.
How long would a 20lb propane tank last to power a generator?
It is not only a matter of how long your generator will run on a 20lb tank of gasoline; other factors also come into play. Other elements like the generator’s horsepower and the load put on it also come into play.
Assume we have a 10-horsepower generator that runs at five hp when it is generally operating at 50% load. Five horsepower produces 2,500 watts of energy, which is 500 watts more than one horsepower per hour of load.
Your generator will burn 50,000 BTUs per hour since each horsepower uses 10,000.
Which is better: A Gas Or Propane Generator? What would I suggest?
In my opinion, gas is better than propane for a generator.
Gas generators are the best option for homeowners who need to power their home, or a portion of their home, in the event of an outage.
Conclusion:
This article is very helpful for you if you are confused between Gas vs Propane Generators.Natural gas is more reliable and doesn’t cost anything upfront or need to be refilled.
On the other hand, I have concluded that propane has more energy and is good for starting intermittent generators.
Regarding deciding between propane and gas generators, I hope this post has clarified things for you. You’ll choose well if you keep the factors I mentioned in mind.
FAQs:
Are propane generators better than gas?
Less BTUs are produced per gallon of fuel by propane-powered generators compared to gas-powered generators. But propane burns cleaner than gasoline, which is better for the environment and your generator.
How long will a generator run on a 20lb tank of propane?
An average 20-pound propane tank will power a generator for five hours. A propane tank of this size typically holds 4.6 gallons of fuel. The total weight of your propane load will consequently affect the running times.
What runs a longer propane or gas generator?
However, if running out of fuel is a concern, propane is a better choice because it will keep you going longer. Second, I’ve noticed that propane burns cleaner than natural gas. Third, the environment and your generator gain from the decreased emissions. Finally, storing propane is less complicated than storing natural gas.