Propane or Gasoline Generator...

[wdwstateofmind]

Since we're moving to Florida I was considering getting a generator in-case I was graced by the repercussions of a hurricane...

I wasn't aware they made propane generators and was leaning towards one since propane can be stored more safely and is much more stable in the long run. I also feel, correct me if I'm wrong, it would easier to get propane is a hurricane led to a gas crisis.

Anyone have experience with propane generators? Maybe someone can sway me towards a gasoline one or can reaffirm my ideas so far...

 

[rsoxguy]

Cons to a propane generator:
1. Initial cost. You would have to pay for the initial setup, which might include a 120gal. or larger tank, the conversion of a generator to propane, and the regulators and lines needed for gas. Some propane companies supply the initial setup free of charge if you contract with them for a certain amount of time and use, thereby allowing you to avoid this point altogether.

2. If a devastating hurricane were to strike, the supply company might not be able to deliver gas for a few weeks after you ran out, as opposed to scrounging around for gasoline on your own for a conventional generator.

Pros to a propane generator:
1. Propane burns cleaner. The generator's carburetor and inner works would remain considerably cleaner over the years, which would in turn save you a good deal of money on maintenance.

2. Cost. Propane gas would generally run a little cheaper than gasoline when purchased in bulk for a 120-250 gallon tank.

3. Bulk. You could purchase the propane well in advance of the storm with gallons numbering well over 100, depending on the size of your tank. This would in turn help you to avoid shortages of fuel that are generally associated with hurricanes. While everyone else would be filling five gallon tanks of gasoline miles away from home, you'd be sitting back with a couple of hundred gallons of fuel and a running refrigerator full of food.

I have a gasoline generator, but my preference would be propane if I had it to do all over again. Best wishes.

 

[unkadug]

ayup...Hank Hill would be proud of this thread...I tell you what

 

[luv]

You may be able to get the gas company to run a line to your house. Easier cooking, warmer heat (if you can go that route) and no replacements necessary for grills and generators.

Just an idea.

 

[ScoutN]

You may be able to get the gas company to run a line to your house. Easier cooking, warmer heat (if you can go that route) and no replacements necessary for grills and generators.

Just an idea.

We have one of those new fangled auto switch NatGas generators. Love it. Would not do without. Now if a gas line was shut off during a storm them UH OH. Our power outages are not Hurricane much though so that was not a large factor.

 

[luv]

We have one of those new fangled auto switch NatGas generators. Love it. Would not do without. Now if a gas line was shut off during a storm them UH OH. Our power outages are not Hurricane much though so that was not a large factor.

Loved my old one. I didn't think of gas lines being stopped. Didn't even know that could happen, but I guess it could!!

I haven't put one in here. I keep thinking I'm going to build a house and don't want to pay for a generator I'm going to leave behind. Always assumed I'd get another nat gas one, since my realtor said the gas company could run a line here. Maybe I shouldn't go that route! I'm really happy to be reading this thread.

 

[ScoutN]

Loved my old one. I didn't think of gas lines being stopped. Didn't even know that could happen, but I guess it could!!

I haven't put one in here. I keep thinking I'm going to build a house and don't want to pay for a generator I'm going to leave behind. Always assumed I'd get another nat gas one, since my realtor said the gas company could run a line here. Maybe I shouldn't go that route! I'm really happy to be reading this thread.

They have in my area once since I have been here. 20+ years and it was in a Hurricane in the 90s because the surge and wind was nasty. Risk of it being turned was not large enough to decide against having one installed. We have a small one powerful enough to run our three refrigerators, deep freezer, and chest freezer in the VERY unlikely event that happens again.

 

[ChevisMickey]

I've been through Frederick, Opal, Ivan, and several lesser hurricanes since the late 70s here, and after Ivan the generator was a life saver. It was not ours, though. We were living with the in-laws while our place was being finished when Ivan hit. Power out for 3 weeks, in what I would consider the outskirts of town, but not quite in the country. We bought a generator for the new house, and haven't gassed it up once. That was 2004. So, depending on where you live, you might just want something for an emergency with the gasoline generator, or if you are thinking it will be used more than once a decade, propane.

So, it is nice when you need it, however you may not need it much. DO note, though, that if you need power for any medical conditions take that strongly into consideration. Power will go out during any strong storm.

 

[Master Yoda]

I would go with propane if you can afford it. That being said, I have lived in Florida for 41 years and have never owned a generator. In that 41 years the longest we have ever been without power was 3 days during the storm of the century in 1993. If you are moving to a rural area or an old section of town with above ground power lines I would get a small gas generator that can run your refrigerators, your TV and a few fans. I would only invest in a full size propane generator that could run the entire house if I was moving to the coast.

 

[nolatron]

If you have natural gas service, get a regular gasoline generator and then convert it to natural gas. No need to store gas as you have an unlimited supply from the feed.

http://www.uscarb.com/

I'm doing my 7500w portable, plus I installed an interlock kit and a 30-amp direct feed into my breaker panel. I can power my whole house except the electric dryer and A/C compressor (both wanna pull more than 30amps). Though I'm gonna eventually install a KickStart on the compressor to see if that help reduce the amp draw.

We lost power after Isaac last year for 5-6 days. I'm hoping to avoid that scenario again.

 

[MOXOMUMD]

ayup...Hank Hill would be proud of this thread...I tell you what

"The only woman I'm pimping out is sweet lady propane. And I'm tricking her out all over this town."