Can Propane Be Used to Power Backup Generators and Appliances?

We can have some wild weather here in Central, PA. When the power goes out, can a propane supply power your appliances and backup generators? With the right configuration, absolutely.

How Propane Works for Backup Generators

Propane is a great fuel for backup generators because it burns cleanly and stores well. Propane generators convert propane gas into mechanical energy, which then produces electricity to keep your home running. Unlike gasoline or diesel, propane won’t gum up the engine or have to be cleaned out all the time. And while you can’t just store gasoline indefinitely, there are no issues like that with propane, so it’s ideal for standby units that sit idle most of the time.

For a typical home in Central, PA, a propane generator can power lights, refrigerators, heating systems, and even the whole house if sized correctly. Standby models can connect directly to your home’s electrical panel and start up automatically within seconds of an outage. Portable versions are cheaper and very flexible, but they will need a manual setup and have to be refueled from cylinders.

Figuring It Out

To determine if a propane generator will fit your needs, consider your power requirements. A 5-kilowatt generator can handle basics like keeping the sump pump and freezer going, while larger 20-kilowatt units can support HVAC and electrical use over multiple rooms. Fuel consumption will, of course, vary by what you’re making it power. You can expect a mix-sized unit to use around two or three gallons an hour, so a 500-gallon tank can usually keep things going for a week or more.

How Propane Works for Backup Appliances

Propane can power a wide range of appliances, from clothes dryers to ovens, and you can either buy appliances that are ready to go with propane or have adapters installed to make it possible. Alternatively, if you get a big enough propane backup generator, you can simply plug in your appliances and use them as normal.

Propane Supply Options for Generators and Appliances

Setting up a propane system starts with choosing the right tank size and delivery method. For generators, a 100- to 500-gallon aboveground or underground tank will usually give you plenty of storage, and that’s all connected by pipes to your unit. If you schedule automatic delivery services, we can monitor your usage and the weather and refill you as needed. You can also just call us when you need a top-up, and we offer our customers a free tank monitor to make this easy.

Things to Keep in Mind

Propane generators produce less power on propane than on gasoline, so if you’re switching, bear in mind that you might need a larger unit than you currently have. Propane tanks must also be placed safely away from structures, so you’ll need room in your yard to do that. Finally, you’ll need to get regular inspections to make sure there are no leaks or other issues.

Propane can be a great way to power your generator and appliances, so talk to us today at W.C. Eshenaur & Son Inc to learn more. We serve Harrisburg and all the towns of central PA.

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