Propane Vs. Gas Generators

There are many different types of generators on the market today. There are stationary generators that are designed for home use and there are several versions that are portable enough to take on trips, onto the job site, etc. Each generator depends on a different energy source to produce electricity, some generators use propane as fuel, others use gas, some are even capable of running on several different fuel sources. Propane and gas generators are quite popular in America today.

Propane

Propane has the benefit of not degrading as quickly as gasoline. When stored in the proper container, propane has quite a long shelf life. When gasoline is left in a generator that goes unused for a while, the gasoline will begin to degrade somewhat quickly. Another thing that propane has on gasoline is that it burns cleaner. Propane generators are ideal for the home if a propane hook-up is easily accessible.

Gas

Gasoline may not burn as cleanly as propane, but it does put around 10 percent less methane into the atmosphere. Gasoline generators are not necessarily the choice for permanent home use, but they are usually the most popular choice for those who seek portability. Also, gasoline puts out more BTUs per gallon than propane. One gallon of gas can put out around 125,000 BTUs, while one gallon of propane can only put out around 91,000 BTUs.

Portability

Traditionally, gas generators are more portable than propane generators. Propane generators have to be connected to propane tanks via a pipeline. Gas generators enjoy the benefit of being equipped with a tank that can be filled when needed. Generators that use propane tend to require semi-permanent positions which make them better equipped for home use.

Cost

There are quite a wide range of propane and gasoline powered generators available to the public. Propane and gasoline prices vary by location but generator prices are relatively the same throughout the country. Both propane and gasoline generators offer a wide variety of products to meet specific demand.

Comparisons

Depending on the size, generators can cost anywhere from a hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. The propane powered APG3535 by Matrix is a 3,500-watt, 6.5-horsepower generator which costs about $600, as of 2009. A similarly powered gas unit is the Robin Subaru RGX3000, but it costs about $350 more. Both propane and gas generators offer several options in comparable wattages.

References

• propane vs gas generators
• home improvements, generators
• yamaha propane and gas generators