There are many good reasons for owning a propane generator. These devices are portable and can be moved from one location to another with ease. They give you the option of using natural gas or propane, and this is usually a better choice than propane. Propane is also considered to be a renewable fuel, it doesn’t degrade or evaporate over time like petroleum oil does. Another plus about propane generators is you can refill the containers even when the power is out, although this might not be possible with natural gas.
One of the most important things to consider when purchasing a propane generator is what the shelf life of the tank will be like. If you live in an area where extreme weather conditions are common, you might want to purchase one with a longer shelf life such as four or five years. In areas where there are heavy winds you should purchase a model that has a shorter shelf life, this will allow you to use your generator during less windy conditions. Another thing to consider is what kind of emissions you will be getting, some models will release more carbon into the air than others, so if this is something you are concerned about then you should make sure you get a model that uses a carbon filter.
Another important factor when choosing a propane generator is what are the available options for fuel in your area. Most areas have natural disasters in their history, severe storms, floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, and even fires. Many areas are dependent on electricity so if there is going to be a large natural disaster you will want to be prepared, this means having emergency plans in place, one of which will be a reliable source of electricity. You can find generators that use diesel fuel, natural gas, or propane fuel; there are advantages and disadvantages with each type.
If you plan on living in an area where there are large natural disasters like hurricanes and tornados, you will need to find a generator that uses diesel fuel. Diesel fuel produces cleaner emissions than natural gas, but you will pay more money for it does not last as long. Natural gas generators are also more reliable than diesel generators. These generators are more expensive than diesel generators and you need to replace them after a while. Another disadvantage of using natural gas is that if you ever want to move your home you will need to have it upgraded to use natural gas.
One final thing to consider is how loud the Propane generator will be. You should look at the noise level of the appliance you want to run, the size of your location, and if you plan to store your equipment. If you are planning to have a lot of small appliances around you may want to look at the small Appliance Power output, or SPO, rating of the appliance. For example a small refrigerator will have a higher SPO rating than a large dishwasher.
There are a few additional things to consider about propane, including the clean-burning fuel and how safe the unit is. A clean-burning fuel propane generator can be fueled by almost any liquid, even water. This makes them a great choice for use in an emergency preparedness kit, where you will probably stay connected to the clean-burning fuel source anyway.
Propane tanks usually come with a sealed air tube, but sometimes a gas line can be used. The sealed tubes to prevent carbon monoxide from entering the air that could cause health problems. Gasoline is also a good choice, and it has the advantage of being more widely available. These are some of the pros and cons of propane generators.
Gasoline engines usually only run for a few hours at a time and they can develop problems with the buildup of carbon monoxide inside. As well, standby generators require regular maintenance. Clean-burning propane generators are safer than gasoline engines, but the main consideration should be if they are the best choice for you. The best option may depend on where you live, where you will be storing your equipment, and what you are looking for in your backup power source.