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Power outages are more than an inconvenience — they disrupt daily life, cause property damage, and threaten safety. According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2023 American Housing Survey, about 33.9 million or 1 in 4 households nationwide reported they were without power at least once in the year. Approximately 70 percent, or 23.6 million of the households, reported an outage lasting longer than 6 hours.
Losing access to power for that long can impact everyday tasks like cooking, home heating, and food refrigeration. More importantly, it can leave families without essential systems like medical equipment or security alarms.
That’s why many families turn to propane-powered generators during these times of disruption. Propane-powered generators offer a reliable, clean, and efficient solution. Whether you need portable power or seamless whole-home backup, propane generators are a dependable choice. By doing your research ahead of time to select the right generator for your home, you won’t be left in the dark when the inevitable outage strikes.
Power You Can Count On
During a power outage, homeowners need to feel confident their generator will work. Propane provides that reliability because it doesn’t degrade over time, unlike diesel or gasoline, making it a stable and powerful energy source you can rely on when you need it most. Even during widespread power disruptions, propane can be transported and delivered by propane retailers, ensuring homeowners have access to fuel.
It’s also a safe energy source. Propane is clean and non-toxic, so it won’t contaminate the soil or ground water. It also produces 52 percent fewer greenhouse gas emissions than using an equivalent amount of electricity generated from the U.S. grid. Homeowners can feel good about selecting propane for its environmental benefits and can trust that it’s a reliable energy source.
Types of Propane Generators
There are several types of propane-powered generator options to meet the varying needs of any home.
Standby Generators
Standby generators are permanently installed and activate automatically within 10 seconds of a power outage. These units connect directly to a home’s propane supply and electrical system, providing seamless whole-home backup power to keep families safe, secure, and comfortable. They operate quietly and efficiently for extended periods — sometimes weeks — until grid power is restored, ensuring critical systems like HVAC, refrigeration, and medical devices remain functional.
Standby generators are ideal for homeowners who want comprehensive, hassle-free backup power.
Portable Generators
Portable propane generators are compact, mobile units designed to be positioned where power is needed. The units are versatile and easy to transport to keep essential appliances running. They are particularly useful for temporary outages or outdoor activities, like camping.
Propane-powered portable generators offer significant advantages over their diesel counterparts, emitting 98 percent fewer pollutants while operating more quietly and efficiently. Their longer fuel shelf life makes them a reliable choice for occasional use.
How to Choose the Right Propane Generator
Selecting the perfect propane generator for your home starts with three simple steps.
- Begin by assessing your power needs. Determine which systems and appliances you need to power during an outage. Critical systems might include HVAC, refrigerators, medical devices, and sump pumps. Then think about how often you experience power outages. If your home is in an area prone to natural disasters or grid instability, you may require a more robust solution.
- Consider the energy source you use to power your home. Switching to propane-powered HVAC, water heaters, and cooking appliances can reduce your generator’s required size and save on costs. Across the U.S., all-electric homes require generators anywhere from one-third to twice as expensive as homes using both electricity and propane. According to Dave Dawson, CEO of Smart Homes of Virginia, a generator installer in Charlottesville, homeowners can save up to $2,000 on the generator by bundling propane appliances with their generators.
- Finally, seek professional guidance. Work with a certified propane professional to recommend the proper generator size and assist with safe installation and maintenance. Proper sizing prevents overloads, prolonging generator life and providing reliability.
Peace of Mind for Any Power Outage
A propane-powered generator is more than a backup power source; it protects your family’s safety and comfort. Whether you choose a portable unit for temporary use or a standby generator for comprehensive protection, propane provides the clean, reliable energy homeowners need. Don’t wait until it’s too late — explore your propane generator options today and protect your home against the unexpected.
