Electricity is what keeps our homes lighted, our food preserved, and our gadgets charged. It is one of the most significant bills we have to pay each month. That is why having a reliable backup generator is essential during a power outage. Generators are powered by different fuels, and two of the most common types are gas and propane. However, choosing between the two might be difficult for those who want to save on cost. In this article, we will discuss which is cheaper to run – a gas or propane generator?
Gas versus propane: what’s the difference?
Gas generators are powered by gasoline, which is easily accessible at gas stations. What’s great about fueling your generator with gasoline is its reliability. Gasoline is stored in a gas can, and when the generator needs fuel, you can quickly pour it in. On the other hand, propane generators are powered by cylinders filled with liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). Propane is widely used in households for cooking and heating, and it’s stored in a tank similar to an outdoor grill’s propane tank.
Fuel Efficiency
The primary factor to consider when choosing between a gas and propane generator is fuel efficiency. Gas generators are usually less fuel-efficient than propane generators. Propane generators consume approximately 2-3 times less fuel than gas generators to produce the same amount of power. Therefore, propane generators are cheaper to run than gas generators. Furthermore, fuel also lasts longer with propane generators, which means fewer trips to the gas station to refill tanks.
Price Comparison
The price of gasoline and propane fluctuates regularly depending on the market’s supply and demand. However, in general, propane is more expensive than gasoline. A gallon of propane is about twice the price of a gallon of gasoline on average. However, if you compare fuel efficiency, propane generators can still be more cost-effective in the long run.
Maintenance
Another factor to consider when choosing between gas and propane generators is maintenance. Gasoline can go bad and clog up the generator engine, making it challenging to start. The shelf life of gasoline is around one year, so it needs to be changed regularly. Propane, on the other hand, does not go bad, and the cylinders usually last for many years. Propane generators also require less maintenance than gas generators because there is no carburetor or choke to clean out.
Environmental Impact
Another important factor to consider when choosing between a gas and propane generator is environmental impact. Gasoline combustion releases harmful gases into the atmosphere, such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter. These pollutants can harm human health and contribute to climate change. Propane, on the other hand, burns cleaner than gasoline and produces fewer emissions. Propane-powered generators are more environmentally friendly than gas generators.
Conclusion
Overall, propane generators are cheaper to run than gas generators. Although propane is more expensive per gallon than gasoline, propane generators are more fuel-efficient and require less maintenance, making them more cost-effective in the long run. Furthermore, propane-powered generators produce fewer harmful emissions than gas generators, making them better for the environment. To sum it up, if you want a reliable and cost-effective backup power source, choose a propane generator.
Related article: What Does 65 Decibels Sound Like?
Further reading: What Size Portable Generator Will Run A House?