A comparison of gasoline-powered and propane generators

In the mid-Atlantic region, frequent storms and power outages make home generators essential. They ensure continuous electricity for heating, refrigeration, and medical devices, preventing disruptions. Reliable propane generators can significantly enhance safety and comfort, especially during prolonged power outages due to unpredictable weather conditions.

Both portable and whole-home generators can run on a variety of fuels: diesel, gasoline, and propane. Let’s take a closer look at the benefits and challenges of both gasoline-powered and propane generators, so you can select the type of generator that best suits your needs.

How does a generator create electricity?

Generators convert mechanical energy into electrical energy. An engine driven by fuel (such as gasoline, propane, or diesel) turns a rotor, which moves conductors through a magnetic field. This motion induces an electrical current, producing usable electricity to power household appliances and other electrical devices.

What to consider when looking for a backup generator

First, consider whether you’re looking for a whole-home power backup system or a portable generator to power only a few essential items, such as freezers, refrigerators, and a few lights and power outlets. Then, use this checklist to determine what size and type of generator you will consider:

1. Power capacity (in watts): Determine the total wattage of essential appliances to ensure adequate power. Consider that many generators list starting watts and running watts. Starting watts cover the initial surge of power needed to start devices; running watts sustain their continuous operation.
2. Fuel type (gasoline, propane, diesel): Select what type of generator fuel you’ll use based on availability, storage convenience, and environmental impact.
3. Runtime: Check how long a generator can run on a full tank to match potential outage durations. This will help you determine how much fuel you’ll need to store to power your generator for anywhere from a few hours to a week. If you’re considering a propane whole-home automatic backup generator, consider the size of your home’s propane tank, your home’s normal usage, and the generator’s potential usage in an extended-use scenario.
4. Noise level: Look for quiet-running models to ensure comfort and comply with local noise regulations. Portable gasoline-powered generators are generally the most noisy. Propane-powered units are quieter. All generators should have a decibel (dB) range in their specifications to help you determine just how loud they may be when in use. Here’s a chart to help you visualize and imagine potential noise levels by decibel.
5. Portability: Consider the ease of moving the generator if location flexibility is needed.
6. Maintenance and durability: Opt for models known for low-maintenance and long-term reliability. Other than online reviews, consider asking neighbors about their experience with specific generators and manufacturers.
7. Cost: Generators can be quite an investment, especially whole-home models that require installation and propane supply line connection. Balance initial investment with long-term operational costs to fit your budget, and consider starting smaller to power fewer things, then upgrading later if cost is a big concern right now.

A closer look at gasoline-powered generators

Gasoline-powered generators offer several pros and cons when compared to propane-powered generators:

Pros:

1. Affordability: Typically, gasoline-powered generators can be purchased at a lower initial cost, making them more budget-friendly.
2. Fuel Availability: Gasoline is widely available at many locations, ensuring easy refueling even during emergencies, for the most part. It may be a good idea to use ethanol-free gas for longer-term storage of backup fuel, or fuel inside the generator. Consider the availability of ethanol-free gas near your home if you choose to use it, rather than regular unleaded gasoline.

Cons:

1. Fuel Storage: Gasoline has a shorter shelf life than propane, degrading over time and risking engine damage due to water separation.
2. Environmental Impact: Higher emissions (when compared to propane units) contribute to pollution, making it less eco-friendly than propane.
3. Maintenance: Requires regular maintenance to keep the engine running efficiently, adding to potential upkeep costs. Carburetors are likely to gum up if gasoline is left in the generator from one storm season to the next, leading to difficulty starting or not starting at all.
4. Safety Concerns: Gasoline is highly flammable, posing storage and handling risks. Storing enough gasoline to run a generator for a week can pose a health and safety risk.

While gasoline-powered generators are cost-effective and offer convenience, their environmental impact, storage limitations, and maintenance needs are significant drawbacks compared to propane-powered options.

Propane generators: Benefits and considerations

Propane generators are the most common whole-home automatic backup generators in our area. The primary reason is that, once they are installed and connected to the home’s propane tank, they operate with almost no interruption in power and very little homeowner action. They are the ultimate generator for convenience and efficiency.

Pros:

1. Environmental Friendliness: Propane burns cleaner than gasoline, reducing harmful emissions and environmental impact.
2. Fuel Longevity: Propane has an indefinite shelf life, preventing fuel degradation over time.
3. Reliability: Permanent propane tanks ensure a stable fuel supply during emergencies, unlike gasoline, which can be in short supply or difficult to store due to shelf life limitations and safety concerns.
4. Maintenance: Propane generators often require less frequent maintenance, as propane is a cleaner-burning fuel, potentially reducing engine wear and damage.

Cons:

1. Higher Initial Cost: The initial investment for a propane generator and its installation is higher compared to gasoline-powered models.
2. Professional Installation: Setting up a propane system typically requires professional installation, adding to the overall cost and complexity.
3. Fuel Availability: Refueling propane can be less convenient if a propane delivery service is unavailable or if users cannot transport tanks on their own. This is when a permanent whole-home backup generator really shines. Just make sure your propane tank is sized appropriately to run your generator – in addition to your normal home propane needs – for at least a week.

Despite the higher upfront costs, propane-powered generators offer environmental benefits, long-term fuel stability, and reliability, making them a preferable choice for homeowners prioritizing sustainability and dependable power during emergencies.

Depending on where you live, you may need a permit to install an emergency backup generator. Here’s the regulatory information for the state of Delaware. If you live in Maryland, you’ll need to read this permit document to make sure your generator is covered.

Need help deciding which type of generator you’ll choose, or how you’ll get a permanent generator installed? Give us a call. Our Energy Specialists can help find the answers to all your questions so your family’s emergency power source is ready to go, whenever you need it most.