In this article, we will be reviewing propane and gas generators. If you are torn between buying one or the other, here is an in-depth propane vs. gas generator review that will help you make an informed decision.
To come up with this blog post, we spent a lot of time researching both types of generators. We also used this information to make the best choice of a generator for our premises.
Propane vs. Gas Generators
Propane Generators
A propane generator for home operates by burning fuel to produce electricity. They are quite a common source of backup energy all over the country. Here is all the information you need about them.
Propane Generators Unique Features
Propane is one of the cleanest fuels you can use; it produces a minimal amount of carbon monoxide as it burns.
This is not only good for the environment, but it also lowers the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, which can be fatal.
Propane is also less flammable than gasoline. Storing it is a tad easier owing to this quality.
Better yet, propane typically comes in robust cylinders that lower the risk of inflammation even further.
Propane has a long shelf life of up to 12 years from the day of manufacture. For a home homeowner, this means that you don’t have to inspect your cylinders for years at a time.
It also means that you will always have backup energy when you need it.
Better yet, owing to the durable nature of propane cylinders, you can rely on them to hold the fuel even during natural disasters. This makes it one of the most reliable backup sources of energy.
However, propane is a more expensive fuel compared to gasoline. It is also harder to come by, which only adds to the costs of using it as a standby source of energy.
It also burns less efficiently than gasoline, which will prove to be expensive over time.
Propane generators also tend to be larger and bulkier than gas ones. The installation will also require a lot of planning and professional plumbing work.
Propane Generators Benefits: |
Propane Generators Reservations: |
| Clean-burning fuel that does not produce hazardous fumes | Propane is an expensive source of energy |
| Long shelf-life of up to 12 years | It produces less heat than gas during burning |
| Comes in durable cylinders that minimize leakages and contamination | Larger and bulkier than gas generators |
If you are looking for a reliable, clean source of energy, then a propane-powered generator is an excellent choice for you.
Gas Generators
Gas generators are a popular choice of standby energy in many homes. As the name suggests, these machines are powered by the combustion of gasoline, which turns an armature to produce electricity.
Gas Generators Unique Features
Gas generators are generally small in size compared to propane generators.
Not only do they take up little space, but they are also easier to maneuver than propane ones. They are also more portable owing to their small size.
Gasoline produces a lot of heat when it is burnt. Research shows that it produces up to 30% more heat than propane.
This fuel efficiency makes gas a cheaper option than propane since you will spend less on energy over the long haul.
Storing gasoline is a hard task since the substance is highly flammable. You should not store it indoors as it is a fire hazard.
Although it burns more efficiently, gas produces more harmful gases than propane does. The large amounts of Carbon Monoxide and Carbon Dioxide produced during the combustion of gas make it dangerous to the environment.
Gasoline also degrades quite quickly. You have to check your tanks every six months to ensure that the gas is in good condition.
Additionally, gas is generally more readily available than propane. You can pull up at any gas station and get your refill.
On the flip side, gas stations often run out of fuel during emergencies and natural disasters. This is likely a time when the power goes out, which is when you need a backup source of energy the most.
Gasoline Generators Benefits: |
Gasoline Generators Reservations: |
| Gasoline is the most efficient generator, producing about 30% more heat than propane | Gasoline is highly flammable, which makes storing it a challenge |
| Gasoline generators are small in size, which makes them portable and easy to store | It degrades quickly and requires regular checking to ensure that the fuel is in excellent condition |
| Gasoline is readily available in gas stations around the country | The fuel produces a lot of toxic gases as it burns |
| Gasoline is a cheap source of energy compared to propane | During emergencies or natural disasters, gas stations can run out of gas which renders your generator ineffective |
If you are looking for an affordable source of backup energy for your home, you should consider purchasing a propane inverter generator.
Conclusion
On the whole, both propane and gas generators are decent choices of backup energy for homeowners. Gas generators are however better suited to those who have a strict budget to stick to. They are the most fuel-efficient generators, which lowers the cost of owning one significantly.
Propane generators, on the other hand, are a great source of clean energy, and they are also more reliable than gas ones. However, they are also more expensive, so be ready to spend quite a bit on them.
