Propane vs. Gas Generator: Cost and Fuel Usage Differences

Generators can bring great expenses. Whether it’s initial purchase costs, installment costs, maintenance costs, or repair costs, the bills can add up. Furthermore, the fuel source you use could affect your generator’s efficiency. So, maybe you’re thinking about changing your fuel source to save money. Thankfully, most natural gas generators can be converted to use propane. All it takes is a conversion kit! Some generators also come ready to use both natural gas and propane as a fuel source! Therefore, fuel costs essentially become the same. But in this blog, we’ll discuss some of the main points of propane vs. gas generator cost, the advantages/disadvantages to each fuel source, and what to do about a conversion kit.

Propane vs. Gas Generator Cost

First, let’s discuss propane vs. gas generator cost. What’s the difference? Well, with natural gas you can connect your generator to a public pipeline. Thus, fuel costs just get added to your company’s overall gas bill. With propane, you’ll need to get a fuel tank. Furthermore, larger fuel tanks can become quite costly.

However, as mentioned above, gas generators can convert to run on propane with a conversion kit. Consequently, differences in fuel costs between the two are essentially nil.

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Advantages/Disadvantages of Each

Second, before you consider purchasing a conversion kit and converting your generator, it may be helpful to know the pros and cons of each fuel source.

• Natural Gas
  • Pros: Connected to public pipelines, no fuel storage, cheaper.
  • Cons: Pipelines shut off during public emergencies, no on-site fuel storage, delayed start times.
• Propane
  • Pros: Ideal for remote sites, fuel ages well.
  • Cons: Highly flammable, costly large tanks, weak generator regulator.

Now you can make a more informed decision about which fuel type will work best for your facility.

Conversion Kit

We’ve looked at propane vs. gas generator cost and pros and cons of the fuel sources. Third, here’s some more information on conversion kits. These small devices can make generators run on either gas or propane. For some conversion kits, you need to add stud extenders, cut the crank case tube, and maybe even cut into the frame. Others, however, you simply slide it over the studs, mount the regulator to the generator, and then connect the gas supply.

Propane vs. Gas Generator Cost and Woodstock Power

Finally, if you’d like more information on propane vs. gas generator cost, or more information on conversion kits, please reach out! A friendly member of our staff would be glad to help. For all of your other generator needs, look no further than Woodstock Power.