Generator Fuel: Liquid Propane v.s. Natural Gas

Once you’ve decided which backup generator you want, you will also have to decide on your fuel source...

We Generally Don't Recommend Diesel...

Although Diesel fuel is an option, and we have done several installations of 20+kW Diesel generators, it is rarely something we recommend in residential settings. Although using Diesel allows the unit to operate independently from another fuel source, its functionality is limited in many other ways that make it far less desirable.

One of the uniform benefits of the more popular LP and Natural Gas options is the Air Cooled Construction, which allows the units to be smaller and more compact, as well as less expensive, without any loss in performance. This is not the case with larger diesel units, which generally need to be liquid cooled and are much larger because of the fuel tank.

None of this is to say that large diesel units are bad, just that they aren’t generally ideal for residential uses. If you’re deep in the research phase and have already set your sights on a diesel unit, then it may be exactly what you’re looking for.

Pro’s and Con’s of Natural Gas

Natural Gas is easily the most common and convenient method of fueling standby generators, particularly in suburban areas where most homes already have natural gas, and were likely built with it. One of the realities homeowners should embrace is that the best fuel source to use is the one you have the best access to. 

In areas where natural gas is plentiful, it is also relatively cheap (at least in comparison to other fuel sources).The existing infrastructure and wide distribution make it a bit of a no-brainer for use on your standby generator. If your home doesn’t already run on natural gas, then this fuel source doesn’t really make a whole ton of sense, and would be very expensive to have installed.

There are also concerns about the tightening regulations and limitations on Natural Gas usage, which have become more prominent in recent years, particularly in states like New York and California. The long term effects of this course have yet to be seen, but it’s hard to imagine these states being able to support current energy needs without it. 

Pro’s and Con’s of Liquid Propane

The point we made earlier about the best fuel source being the one that's most available to you is still the most important factor, but there are a few considerable differences between the two. In most places, Liquid Propane is a bit more expensive than natural gas, but also a bit more efficient. Most manufacturers will supply a comparison chart showing consumption levels at different output levels over periods of time.

If you're no stranger to the changing and expanding regulations of New York State, then you may already be aware of the declared and intended move away from Natural Gas within the state. For that reason, homeowners have been looking more closely at LP as a permanent alternative to Natural gas in their homes. One of the fantastic features of the Cummins Generators that we generally recommend is the ability to support both Propane and Natural Gas as fuel sources. 

The Choice Is Yours

There are undeniable differences between the major fuel sources available, but the reality is that those differences are pretty minor in a grand scope. If you could choose either one, we would probably recommend Propane as the first potion, because of its higher efficiency, but the best fuel source will continue to be the one that is most available to you.

Hurricane Home Solutions is a regional service provider in New York and Pennsylvania, and is also a Authorized Dealer of Cummins Power Generation and Champion Power Equipment. If you’re currently researching or considering a generator purchase, you can contact us today to learn more about the process and our recommendations.