Did you know that most of the propane used in the US is actually produced in the country?
This amazing fuel is a byproduct of gas processing and crude oil refining. But do you know its other amazing benefits?
If you currently use a gas generator, then you should consider switching. Read on as we discuss the nine benefits of a propane generator.
1. Low Cost
Propane really is a wonder fuel. It is capable of running a home for a much lower cost than other gases.
There are many residential and commercial properties that use it for everything from heating to cooking.
If you are using it to power a home, a propane generator can heat a hot water tank in 20 minutes, while it would take one hour to do it with electricity.
This is because the air supply is a higher temperature than the human body. As soon as the generator boots up, around 15 degrees of heat is delivered.
This makes propane an excellent choice for a backup generator.
Speak to a local supplier and discuss your generator needs. They may be able to run a calculation for you, seeing how much you could save on fuel between a traditional generator and a propane one.
2. Environmentally Friendly
When fossil fuels such as wood and oil are burned, they release carbon monoxide and other harmful chemicals into the air.
This gas also reacts with other gases in the atmosphere, such as methane and carbon dioxide.
Together, this contributes to global warming, and the more energy you use from these sources, the more your carbon footprint increases.
However, propane burns clean, meaning the gases it releases in combustion are not harmful. In the 1990 clean air act, it was listed as an environmentally friendly fuel.
Propane has little risk of spilling into local environs as other fuels may do, and even if it did, it would cause no risk to flora and fauna.
3. It Is Safe
Propane expands and contracts in different temperatures. Because of this, fuel for homes is usually kept in an underground propane tank. It is only ever around 80% full to account for this.
When you buy a gallon of propane, don’t be worried that you only get 80% of it for this reason. This will provide you with 27-kilowatt hours of electricity.
All you need to do is maintain the tank and keep it well stocked by local propane suppliers.
Propane is also non-toxic. Even if it did leak, it would cause no harm to property or the local environment. This means the risk of contamination is almost zero.
4. Reliable Supply
A generator’s purpose is to keep you going in adverse conditions. If the grid goes down, the generator is always there as a trusty backup. However, if times get really hard, you may find that gasoline also becomes hard to get.
Lucky people will have outages that will only be a few hours. But environmental disasters can make it go out for weeks. Propane never evaporates or deteriorates, so it will last the whole time.
This means that you can always keep a few spare tanks. Because it is less volatile, it’s not as dangerous as having a few drums of gasoline lying around.
Unlike gas pumps, which require electricity to work, propane pumps will not stop operating and will be able to carry on the supply.
5. Versatile Sizes
Whatever levels of power you desire, there will be a propane generator for it. An average home generator will put out 125 kilowatts of power.
If you have an outage, they will turn on automatically and switch back off once power returns.
6. Less Maintenance
A propane generator requires less maintenance than others. In the first instance, gas and diesel will degrade over time. Left in a machine, they can seriously damage the generator itself.
As traditional generators age, they require even more maintenance. You will find they need a lot of work to keep them going.
Propane is much cleaner when burnt and will apply less strain to the mechanical parts.
Of course, they will need tuning up once in a while. However, this will cost less and be more infrequent than other types.
7. Great for Allergy Sufferers
One of the more unknown benefits of propane is its lack of odor. It is a colorless gas but also has no scent. If you hate the strong smell of gasoline, then it will no longer be a problem.
Anyone who suffers from allergies or breathing problems such as asthma will be making a choice that is much easier to live with.
Occasionally, you may find some propane companies add ethyl mercaptan to their product. This gives it a faint odor and is purely an alert mechanism for leaks.
8. Minimize Business Downtime
If you own a business, a power outage can be a nightmare. Not only does it prevent custom, for catering firms, you may also lose stock in refrigeration. Thus, it is important to get up and running as soon as possible.
A gas generator works, but you will have less run time. You will also have to fill it up and keep gasoline to hand.
In a business, you need to prioritize safety and it makes sense to keep propane because of its less volatile properties.
9. It Is Portable
If you run a mobile business, such as a food truck, then propane is a great way to power it.
With a tank or two, you don’t have to worry about it puncturing or contamination. Just pitch up at your next spot, plug in the tank, and off you go.
Finding Quality Propane Companies
To power your propane generator, you have the choice of a range of national and local companies to supply you.
Local companies will have much faster service and are often able to provide more personalized customer service.
Your first stop should be Kauffman Gas. We can install, maintain and deliver all your propane needs. Contact us to discuss a range of options for your budget and lifestyle.
FAQs
What are the cost advantages of using a propane generator?
Propane generators offer lower operating costs compared to gas models.
They heat faster (e.g., a water heater warms in ~20 minutes rather than an hour), and propane fuel is less expensive and more efficient.
This translates into significant savings over time, especially in households relying on backup power frequently.
Is a propane generator better for the environment and safer?
Yes. Propane burns clean, emitting fewer harmful pollutants and reducing the carbon monoxide impact on both health and the environment.
It’s non-toxic, and even if a leak occurs, it poses minimal risk to the surroundings or wildlife. Its robust tank storage also makes propane safer than gasoline.
Why do propane generators provide reliable and low-maintenance backup power?
Propane doesn’t degrade or evaporate over time, ensuring long-term fuel reliability—ideal when gasoline is hard to get during outages.
Propane also burns cleaner, resulting in less engine wear and lower maintenance requirements.
Plus, propane generators come in various sizes, offering versatile power options.