The Pros and Cons of Natural Gas vs. Propane Generators
Whether you’re in the middle of Florida’s hurricane season or just want the peace of mind that your power will stay on no matter what, you need a good working generator as the cornerstone of your home’s comfort and safety.
Beyond choosing the right generator, it’s also important to consider the best fuel to keep your unit powered.
While the team at Rack Electric is always here to service, repair, install, and maintain your generator in South Florida, we also have all of the info you need to weigh generator fuel benefits.
From pros to cons, here’s how to compare standby generator fuel options to make an informed choice for your South Florida lifestyle.
Natural Gas Generators
Natural gas generators connect directly into your home’s natural gas line. During an outage, they provide a consistent fuel source to maintain your power. These types of systems eliminate the need for manual refueling and a more permanent solution to keep your power generator running.
Pros of Natural Gas Generators
Natural gas generators come with several perks for your home or business. They’re cost-effective, as natural gas is usually a more affordable option than propane. The access to a constant fuel supply also eliminates worries over whether or not you’ll have enough fuel during a long power outage. Natural gas also burns cleaner than many other fuels and lessens your environmental impact while reducing emissions.
Cons of Natural Gas Generators
Despite all of their perks, natural gas generators come with some limitations. Because they depend on your home’s natural gas infrastructure, a disruption in your natural gas supply during an emergency prevents them from functioning. If the gas line goes down during a hurricane, the generator won’t have access to a consistent fuel source. Natural gas generators are also stationary and are limited to where you can move them, limiting their portability.
Propane Generators
As a generator fuel companion, propane generators run on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) that can be stored in tanks in a variety of sizes. The set-up makes propane generators versatile and can operate in areas without reliable natural gas lines. Propane is also widely available and has become a trusted fuel source for both portable and standby generators.
Pros of Propane Generators
Propane generators are often a desirable choice for their longer shelf life compared to other fuel types. Unlike natural gas, propane can be stored indefinitely without degrading. If you’re concerned about a backup for infrequent power outages, propane is a good choice. Propane is also portable and can be transported in tanks, making it easy to move it anywhere you need it. With an energy efficiency reputation, propane is known for producing more energy per gallon than other fuel types.
Cons of Propane Generators
Propane generators do come with some drawbacks that aren’t always a good fit for all homeowners. They require dedicated storage space for propane tanks, which can be a challenge if you have limited outdoor space to work with. Propane usually comes with higher upfront costs, including propane generator installation.
Best Situations for Each Fuel Type
Choosing between natural gas vs. propane generators depends on your preferences and specific needs. If you already have a reliable source of natural gas and need a stationary generator with low maintenance needs, a natural gas system is an ideal choice. If you want portability, long-term storage, and flexibility, propane generators are usually the better choice.
Call Rack Electric for All Your Generator Service Needs
No matter which system you choose, Rack Electric is always here to help with the best generator fuel options for South Florida. Our team can also offer customized recommendations and propane generator installation to keep your power on, no matter the weather. We also offer real-time generator monitoring to make sure your system is in good working order with the fuel it needs for reliable power.
Schedule your appointment today!
(561) 666-8960