Propane vs Gas Generator – Which is Better for You?

Propane vs gas generator? What’s the difference? Which is better? You might have many questions like this when you buy a new generator.

If you live in an area where hurricanes are probable, then choosing the right generator is very important. Both the generator has its advantages and disadvantages. In this article, I will talk about all the points and concluded which generator is better.

Propane Vs Gas Generator

Any generator needs fuel to run, and there are different fuel generators available in today’s market, including propane generator, gas generator, dual-fuel generator, diesel generator, and so on.

In all of them, propane or LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) is becoming a popular fuel type because of its low harmful gas emissions, low price, and its convenience.

Please note that there are no generators available that will run only on propane. But instead, dual fuel generators are available that can run on both propane and gasoline, and it has so many advantages that the list is endless.

Propane has the same combustible qualities as gasoline and, above all, it uses the same carburetor as gasoline so you can use both propane and gasoline in one generator with an additional setup.

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FUEL: Gas Vs Propane; Which fuel is better?

There is a big debate on which fuel is better and cheaper to use. First of all, gasoline is very easy to obtain compared to propane, but on the other hand, you cannot store gasoline for too long because it goes bad after twelve months when used with a fuel stabilizer.

Also, ethanol mixed gasoline lasts only a month or two. Propane, on the other hand, can practically last for infinite time or until the tank it is stored in goes bad.

If you live in cold areas, then propane is no use because below -20 Celsius degrees temperature because it freezes (i have explained this in detail below) so at that time, gasoline becomes your best bet.

One of the biggest practical advantages of propane is how it is stored. As you know, the propane is stored in a completely sealed tank in the form of compressed gas, so there is no risk of hazardous fumes or fire. But if we talk about the gasoline, then it is stored in the can, and due to this, there is a high chance of fire and hazardous fumes and let’s not forget the unpleasant smell.

Run time

As you are aware, all the generator has a limited fuel tank, and thus it has limited runtime. In all of the inverter generator has the smallest gas tank compared to any other generator, so you need to refuel the tank every now and then, and it is quite cumbersome.

But by using the propane tank, you can eliminate this problem altogether. If your propane tank is bigger, then it can run for a long time without any refueling. But practically if you experience blackouts for many days then and only then you will need such a long runtime.

Fuel Efficiency

Gasoline has a high number of carbons, so its fuel efficiency is higher compared to propane. Typically, gasoline produces 10-15% more power than propane. BUT gasoline is expensive compared to propane. So, in the end, it will be a lot cheaper to run your generator on propane rather than gasoline, and besides propane has many other benefits as well, such as low harmful gas emissions, long runtime, and easy storage.

Convenience

One of the biggest disadvantages of using gasoline is that when you don’t want to use the generator, you will have to drain the carburetor to prevent it from clogging up after the gas is evaporated. Also, it helps in extending the overall life expectancy of your generator. Moreover, you also have to empty the gas tank or add a fuel stabilizer to prevent the gum buildup in the fuel tank, and it will become frustrating after some time.

But propane is sealed in a tank, so there is no need to empty the carburetor or add a fuel stabilizer to it. So the storage process of propane is very easy, and it lasts much longer.

Storage

Propane is stored in the liquefied state due to high pressure. Now, as the pressure released, the liquid propane turns into a gas state, and then you can use it. But to turn from liquid state to gas state, it requires some heat transfer which it collects from the surrounding air. But the temperature below 30 degrees is very less for such heat transfer, so at that time, the propane generator becomes useless.

Environmental issues and safety concerns

Gasoline is responsible for all the pollution because it produces the most harmful gases than any other fuel. Propane is known for its lowest harmful gas emission, which makes it best for everyone. But the only downside of propane is that it is heavier than air, so in the event of leakage it will be dangerous for you. So you need to continually monitor your propane tank to avoid any explosion.

Conclusion

It is no doubt that propane is superior to gasoline in every aspect, but as I said earlier, propane does have its disadvantages. Well, there is a solution to this problem too. You can use the dual-fuel generator to your advantage, and because you can use both gasoline and propane in this generator, it will become handy equipment for you. Moreover, a dual-fuel generator costs the same as a portable generator, which uses a single fuel system, so it is a win-win situation for you.