Rajan Wilcox
Standby generators are permanent fixtures installed outside homes, designed to power entire homes during long-term power needs. They are usually powered by natural gas, propane, or diesel. The amount of fuel consumed by a standby generator depends on the size of the generator, the load it is supporting, and the type of fuel used. For example, a 22-kilowatt generator burns around 3.6 gallons per hour under a full load, while a 5-kilowatt gas generator burns 0.75 gallons of fuel per hour. Propane is a popular choice for generators as it is versatile, does not degrade over time, and is ideal for remote areas. Natural gas is also a common choice for residential standby generators as it is convenient for homes with existing gas lines.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fuel type | Propane, natural gas, diesel, gasoline |
| Fuel consumption rate | Depends on the generator's fuel consumption rate, the number of appliances connected, and the fuel type |
| Fuel consumption per hour | A 5 kW gas generator: 0.75 gallons of fuel per hour |
| An 8 kW generator: 0.5 gallons of fuel per hour | |
| A 6 kW generator: 1.42 gallons of fuel per hour | |
| A 20 kW generator: 1.6 gallons of fuel per hour | |
| A 22 kW generator: 3.6 gallons of fuel per hour | |
| A 20 kW propane generator: 3.45 gallons of fuel per hour | |
| Fuel cost | Depends on the fuel type and market price |
| Gasoline: $3 per gallon | |
| Diesel: $4.34 per gallon | |
| Propane: $3.38 per gallon | |
| Natural gas: $3.25 per thousand cubic feet | |
| Fuel tank size | Propane-powered standby generators: 250 to 1,000 gallons |
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What You'll Learn
Fuel consumption depends on the generator's size and load
The fuel consumption of a standby generator depends on its size and load. Standby generators are permanent fixtures installed outside your home, and they automatically kick in during a power outage. They are designed to be powerful enough to run your entire home, making them a reliable option for long-term power needs.
A 5-kilowatt gas generator burns roughly 0.75 gallons of fuel per hour. The fuel consumption of a larger generator, such as a 22-kilowatt generator, will be higher, at around 3.6 gallons per hour under a full load. The fuel consumption of a generator also depends on the type of fuel used. For example, a propane generator may use around 2-3 gallons per hour, while a diesel generator will use less fuel over time as it burns fuel slowly.
The load on the generator also affects its fuel consumption. A generator operating at half load will consume less fuel than one at full load. For example, a 22-kilowatt generator connected to a natural gas supply consumes about 5.9 cubic meters of fuel per hour at half load, while at full load, it consumes about 9.7 cubic meters of fuel per hour.
The cost of running a generator will depend on the fuel consumption and the price of the fuel. The price of fuel can vary by type, with gasoline, diesel, and propane having different costs. The cost of running a generator can also be affected by extreme weather conditions, which can cause engines to run less efficiently and increase fuel consumption.
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Natural gas generators are convenient for homes with gas lines
The amount of fuel consumed by a standby generator depends on the size of the generator and the load it is supporting. For instance, a 20kW propane generator may use around 2-3 gallons per hour, while a 22kW generator connected to a natural gas supply consumes about 5.9 cubic meters of fuel per hour at half load. At full load, the same generator consumes about 9.7 cubic meters of fuel per hour.
Natural gas generators are a convenient option for homes with existing gas lines, as they provide a continuous fuel supply. They are also more environmentally friendly than diesel generators, producing less pollution and fumes. Standby generators are permanent fixtures installed outside your home, and they automatically turn on during a power outage. This means that they are a reliable option for long-term power needs, as they can power your entire home.
The cost of running a natural gas generator depends on the price of natural gas in your area. For example, a 22kW generator at half load may cost around $20 to $30 per day, while at full load, it may cost $30 to $50 per day.
It is important to note that the output power at which you run the generator will impact fuel consumption. For example, using 50% power output will help keep gas use down compared to using full power. Additionally, extreme weather conditions can affect generator performance, with cold temperatures and extreme heat causing engines to run less efficiently and increasing fuel consumption.
A Generac specialist can help you determine the right size generator for your home by considering the square footage, the systems or appliances you want to power, and the expected usage time.
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Propane is versatile and ideal for remote homes
Standby generators are permanent fixtures installed outside homes that automatically kick in during a power outage, providing seamless power transition. They are designed to be powerful enough to run an entire home, making them a reliable option for long-term power needs. Standby generators often run on natural gas, propane, or diesel.
Propane is a versatile and ideal fuel source for remote homes for several reasons. Firstly, propane-powered standby generators can draw from tanks ranging from 250 to 1,000 gallons, providing multiple days or even weeks of backup power. This is particularly advantageous for remote homes that may experience prolonged power outages. Propane is also a cleaner fuel option compared to diesel or gasoline, producing less pollution and fewer fumes. This makes it a safer choice for the environment and for homes with sensitive electronics or appliances.
Another benefit of propane is its versatility in terms of storage and supply. Propane tanks can be easily refilled or replaced, ensuring a constant supply of fuel for your generator. Additionally, propane is widely available, making it accessible for remote homes that may not have access to natural gas lines. Propane generators are also known for their efficiency. While the fuel consumption of a generator depends on its size and load, a 20kW propane generator, for example, may use around 2-3 gallons per hour. This means that with a 500-gallon tank, you can expect a run time of about 6 to 7 days.
Furthermore, propane generators offer a quieter operation compared to diesel generators. This makes them a more desirable option for neighbourhoods or remote areas where noise pollution is a concern. Propane generators also tend to be more cost-effective in the long run, as propane fuel prices are often stable and competitive compared to other fuel types.
Overall, propane is a versatile and ideal fuel option for remote homes due to its reliability, efficiency, accessibility, and environmental benefits. It provides a safe and continuous power solution, ensuring that remote homes can have peace of mind during power outages.
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Diesel generators are powerful but noisy and polluting
The amount of fuel consumed by a standby generator depends on the size of the generator, the load it is supporting, and the type of fuel used. Standby generators often run on natural gas, propane, or diesel.
Diesel generators are some of the most powerful backup generators available for heavy-duty appliances. They are celebrated for their durability and raw power. However, they have also developed a reputation for being unfriendly to the environment and are known for causing noise pollution.
The federal government began tackling the issue of air pollution from automobiles in 1963 with the Clean Air Act, but it wasn't until 1970 that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) began to address the emissions of "stationary" machinery such as generators. In 1994, the EPA adopted a series of emissions standards that laid out progressively tighter standards for diesel generators' emissions, based on their applications and horsepower ratings.
Today, diesel generator technology has improved significantly, and modern models do not have the same negative environmental impact as earlier versions. For example, innovations such as variable injection timing, rail fuel injection, and better combustion chamber configurations have resulted in decreased greenhouse gas emissions and increased power output. Additionally, the use of additives such as diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) has helped to address the NOx problem.
Despite these advancements, diesel generators are still criticized for causing noise pollution. They typically produce lower-frequency sounds—deep rumbles that can travel through walls and windows—and are measured at between 70 and 85 decibels when measured from 23 feet away. This level of noise is comparable to that of a vacuum cleaner or a busy restaurant, and constant exposure to such loud noises can pose a serious health hazard, potentially causing hearing loss over time.
To address noise pollution, some diesel generators feature extensive noise-reduction engineering, such as sound-attenuating enclosures that can reduce noise by 10-25 dB. Additionally, silencers can be used to reduce noise and filter emissions, helping to comply with local or EPA regulations.
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Gasoline is affordable, but generators need frequent refuelling
The amount of fuel consumed by a standby generator depends on several factors, including the size of the generator, the load it is supporting, and the type of fuel used. Standby generators can run on natural gas, propane, diesel, or gasoline.
Gasoline is generally affordable and accessible, making it a popular choice for generators. However, gasoline-powered generators typically require more frequent refuelling compared to other fuel types. This is because gasoline may be less efficient than diesel or propane, resulting in higher fuel consumption during operation. The frequency of refuelling will depend on the generator's usage and the number of appliances connected to it. Extreme weather conditions can also impact a generator's performance, with cold temperatures and extreme heat leading to reduced efficiency and increased fuel consumption.
For example, a 5-kilowatt gasoline generator burns approximately 0.75 gallons of fuel per hour. At an average gasoline price of $3 per gallon, this would cost $2.25 per hour or $54 over a 24-hour period. A 20-kilowatt gasoline generator would consume even more fuel, using up to 1.6 gallons of fuel per hour at full load.
In contrast, propane-powered standby generators can provide a more continuous supply of fuel. They draw from larger tanks that range from 250 to 1,000 gallons, offering multiple days or even weeks of backup power. Propane is also versatile and ideal for remote areas where other fuel types may be difficult to access. However, propane burns more quickly than diesel, resulting in higher fuel consumption rates.
Natural gas is another popular option for standby generators, especially for homes already connected to natural gas lines. Natural gas provides a continuous fuel supply, and larger generators can be connected to the home's gas lines for an infinite supply. While natural gas generators may offer lower output than diesel generators, they are more environmentally friendly and convenient for homes with existing gas distribution systems.
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Frequently asked questions
Standby generators often run on natural gas, propane, or diesel.
A 20-kilowatt propane generator will use around 3.45 gallons of fuel per hour while running at full load. A 500-gallon tank, filled to 400 gallons, would last around 6 to 7 days.
A 22-kilowatt natural gas generator consumes about 5.9 cubic meters of fuel per hour at half load, and 9.7 cubic meters per hour at full load.
The amount of fuel consumed depends on the size of the generator, the load it is supporting, the type of fuel, and extreme weather conditions. Larger generators and higher power outputs will use more fuel.
