When it comes to power outages, a portable generator is a convenience that can be a lifesaver. Many generators run on gasoline, but did you know that you can also power your portable generator on natural gas? It can be a lot less expensive, and more convenient, but how much does it cost?
In general, natural gas tends to be less expensive than gasoline on a per-unit basis. However, that’s not the only factor to take into account. The cost of running your generator on natural gas will depend on several factors, such as the size of your generator, the efficiency of your generator, and the price of natural gas in your area.
First, let’s look at the cost of natural gas. The price of natural gas can vary significantly depending on where you live. In some areas, natural gas is significantly cheaper than gasoline, while in others, it might be more expensive. As of September 2021, the average price of natural gas in the United States was $3.41 per thousand cubic feet (Mcf). While this might sound like a lot, it’s important to remember that a standard gasoline generator uses a gallon of gas for every 10 hours of operation, which can be much more expensive.
The next factor to take into account is the size of your generator. Generally speaking, larger generators will use more natural gas than smaller ones. A larger generator might be more powerful and able to power more appliances or your whole home, but it could also be more expensive to run. It’s important to consider your needs and the size of your generator when calculating the cost of running it on natural gas.
Lastly, the efficiency of your generator will also play a role in the cost of running it on natural gas. Efficient generators will use less fuel, which means you’ll spend less money on natural gas. Generally, newer generators tend to be more efficient than older models, so if you’re considering purchasing a new portable generator, it might be worth investing in a more efficient model.
So, how much does it cost to run a portable generator on natural gas? While the cost will vary depending on the factors mentioned above, as well as any other factors unique to your situation, we can make some general calculations. Let’s assume you have a 5,000-watt generator, and you’re using it for 10 hours a day. A 5,000-watt generator is often powerful enough to run several appliances, such as a refrigerator, lights, and a television, but might not be enough to power an entire home.
Using the average price of natural gas mentioned earlier ($3.41 per Mcf), and assuming your generator uses 5 cubic feet of natural gas per hour, you would spend approximately $1.37 per hour to run your generator. For 10 hours of daily use, that comes out to $13.70 per day or $411 per month.
To put this into perspective, let’s compare it to the cost of running a generator on gasoline. As we mentioned earlier, a standard gasoline generator uses a gallon of gas for every 10 hours of operation. As of September 2021, the average price of gasoline in the United States was $3.18 per gallon. Assuming you’re using the same 5,000-watt generator for 10 hours a day, you would spend approximately $0.32 per hour to run your generator on gasoline. For 10 hours of daily use, that comes out to $3.20 per day or $96 per month.
As you can see, running a portable generator on natural gas can be significantly less expensive than running it on gasoline. While there might be higher upfront costs associated with installing a natural gas line, if you’re planning to use your generator frequently, the long-term cost savings could be worth it.
In conclusion, the cost of running a portable generator on natural gas will vary depending on several factors, but it is generally less expensive than running a generator on gasoline. By considering the size of your generator, the efficiency of your generator, and the price of natural gas in your area, you can get a general idea of how much it will cost. While there might be higher upfront costs associated with installing a natural gas line, the long-term cost savings could be worth it if you’re planning to use your generator frequently.
How Much Does It Cost To Run A Portable Generator On Natural Gas?
When it comes to power outages, a portable generator is a convenience that can be a lifesaver. Many generators run on gasoline, but did you know that you can also power your portable generator on natural gas? It can be a lot less expensive, and more convenient, but how much does it cost?
In general, natural gas tends to be less expensive than gasoline on a per-unit basis. However, that’s not the only factor to take into account. The cost of running your generator on natural gas will depend on several factors, such as the size of your generator, the efficiency of your generator, and the price of natural gas in your area.
The Cost of Natural Gas
The price of natural gas can vary significantly depending on where you live. In some areas, natural gas is significantly cheaper than gasoline, while in others, it might be more expensive. As of September 2021, the average price of natural gas in the United States was $3.41 per thousand cubic feet (Mcf). While this might sound like a lot, it’s important to remember that a standard gasoline generator uses a gallon of gas for every 10 hours of operation, which can be much more expensive.
The Size of Your Generator
The next factor to take into account is the size of your generator. Generally speaking, larger generators will use more natural gas than smaller ones. A larger generator might be more powerful and able to power more appliances or your whole home, but it could also be more expensive to run. It’s important to consider your needs and the size of your generator when calculating the cost of running it on natural gas.
The Efficiency of Your Generator
Lastly, the efficiency of your generator will also play a role in the cost of running it on natural gas. Efficient generators will use less fuel, which means you’ll spend less money on natural gas. Generally, newer generators tend to be more efficient than older models, so if you’re considering purchasing a new portable generator, it might be worth investing in a more efficient model.
The Cost of Running A Portable Generator on Natural Gas
So, how much does it cost to run a portable generator on natural gas? While the cost will vary depending on the factors mentioned above, as well as any other factors unique to your situation, we can make some general calculations. Let’s assume you have a 5,000-watt generator, and you’re using it for 10 hours a day. A 5,000-watt generator is often powerful enough to run several appliances, such as a refrigerator, lights, and a television, but might not be enough to power an entire home.
Using the average price of natural gas mentioned earlier ($3.41 per Mcf), and assuming your generator uses 5 cubic feet of natural gas per hour, you would spend approximately $1.37 per hour to run your generator. For 10 hours of daily use, that comes out to $13.70 per day or $411 per month.
To put this into perspective, let’s compare it to the cost of running a generator on gasoline. As we mentioned earlier, a standard gasoline generator uses a gallon of gas for every 10 hours of operation. As of September 2021, the average price of gasoline in the United States was $3.18 per gallon. Assuming you’re using the same 5,000-watt generator for 10 hours a day, you would spend approximately $0.32 per hour to run your generator on gasoline. For 10 hours of daily use, that comes out to $3.20 per day or $96 per month.
Conclusion
As you can see, running a portable generator on natural gas can be significantly less expensive than running it on gasoline. While there might be higher upfront costs associated with installing a natural gas line, if you’re planning to use your generator frequently, the long-term cost savings could be worth it.
In conclusion, the cost of running a portable generator on natural gas will vary depending on several factors, but it is generally less expensive than running a generator on gasoline. By considering the size of your generator, the efficiency of your generator, and the price of natural gas in your area, you can get a general idea of how much it will cost. While there might be higher upfront costs associated with installing a natural gas line, the long-term cost savings could be worth it if you’re planning to use your generator frequently.
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Frequently Asked Questions: How Much Does It Cost To Run A Portable Generator On Natural Gas?
How much natural gas does a portable generator consume per hour?
The amount of natural gas consumption depends on the wattage and efficiency of the generator. On average, a portable generator running on natural gas would consume around 100-120 cubic feet of gas per hour.
How much does it cost to run a portable generator on natural gas?
Again, it depends on the wattage and efficiency of the generator as well as the price of natural gas in your area. However, on average, it could cost around $0.60-$0.95 per hour of running a portable generator on natural gas.
What are the benefits of running a portable generator on natural gas?
There are several benefits to running a portable generator on natural gas. Firstly, natural gas is cheaper than gasoline or diesel, which could translate into significant savings over time. Secondly, natural gas is a cleaner-burning fuel and produces fewer emissions than gasoline or diesel. Finally, you don’t have to worry about storing gasoline or diesel fuel, which can be a safety hazard.
Do I need a special type of portable generator to run on natural gas?
Yes, you need a portable generator that is designed to run on natural gas. You cannot simply switch the fuel type of a gasoline or diesel generator to natural gas without making significant modifications, which could be dangerous. Make sure to check the specifications of the generator before purchasing.
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