Is it cheaper to run a generator on gas or propane?

Cheapest Way to Run a Generator: Gas vs: Propane Generators are devices that convert mechanical energy into electrical energy. They can be used to power various appliances and equipment in case of a power outage or emergency. There are different types of generators, such as portable, standby, inverter, and solar generators. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, depending on your needs and preferences.

One of the benefits of using a generator is that you can choose the type of fuel that suits you best. The most common types of fuel for generators are gasoline and propane. Both have their pros and cons, and the cost of running a generator on either fuel depends on several factors. In this article, we will compare the cost of running a generator on gas vs. propane, and also consider other factors such as efficiency, availability, environmental impact, and personal preferences.

Cost of Gas vs. Propane

The first factor to consider when comparing the cost of running a generator on gas vs. propane is the price of the fuel itself. The price of gasoline and propane varies depending on the location, season, supply, and demand. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), the average price of regular gasoline in the U.S. as of October 2023 was $3.25 per gallon, while the average price of propane was $2.75 per gallon. However, these prices may not reflect the actual cost of fuel in your area, so you should check the local prices before making a decision.

Another factor to consider is the energy content of the fuel. The energy content of a fuel is the amount of heat that is released when a unit of fuel is burned. The higher the energy content, the more power the fuel can provide. The energy content of gasoline is about 114,000 BTU (British thermal units) per gallon, while the energy content of propane is about 91,000 BTU per gallon. This means that gasoline has about 25% more energy than propane per gallon.

To calculate the cost of running a generator on gasoline vs. propane per hour, we need to divide the price of the fuel by the energy content, and then multiply by the power output of the generator. For example, if we have a 5,000-watt generator that runs on gasoline, the cost per hour would be:

$3.25 / 114,000 BTU x 5,000 watts x 3.41 BTU/watt-hour = $0.49 per hour

If we have the same generator that runs on propane, the cost per hour would be:

$2.75 / 91,000 BTU x 5,000 watts x 3.41 BTU/watt-hour = $0.52 per hour

As you can see, the cost of running a generator on gasoline is slightly lower than the cost of running a generator on propane per hour, based on the average prices and energy content of the fuels. However, this does not take into account other factors such as the cost of delivery and storage of the fuels, which may vary depending on your situation.

Efficiency of Gas vs. Propane

The second factor to consider when comparing the cost of running a generator on gas vs. propane is the efficiency of the generator. The efficiency of a generator is the ratio of the electrical energy output to the fuel energy input. The higher the efficiency, the less fuel the generator consumes to produce the same amount of electricity. The efficiency of a generator depends on several factors, such as the type of generator, the load, the temperature, and the maintenance.

The efficiency of gasoline and propane generators is similar, but not identical. According to some studies, propane generators are slightly more efficient than gasoline generators, especially at lower loads . This means that propane generators can run longer on the same amount of fuel than gasoline generators. For example, if we have a 5,000-watt generator that runs on gasoline with an efficiency of 30%, the fuel consumption would be:

5,000 watts / 0.3 x 3.41 BTU/watt-hour / 114,000 BTU/gallon = 0.51 gallons per hour

If we have the same generator that runs on propane with an efficiency of 32%, the fuel consumption would be:

5,000 watts / 0.32 x 3.41 BTU/watt-hour / 91,000 BTU/gallon = 0.51 gallons per hour

As you can see, the fuel consumption of the propane generator is the same as the gasoline generator, even though the propane generator has a higher efficiency. This is because the energy content of propane is lower than the energy content of gasoline. However, if we compare the cost of running the generators based on the fuel consumption, we will see a difference:

0.51 gallons x $3.25 = $1.66 per hour for the gasoline generator

0.51 gallons x $2.75 = $1.40 per hour for the propane generator

The propane generator is cheaper to run than the gasoline generator based on the fuel consumption, even though the cost per hour based on the energy content was higher. This shows that the efficiency of the generator affects the cost of running a generator on gas vs. propane.

Other Factors to Consider

The third factor to consider when comparing the cost of running a generator on gas vs. propane is the availability of the fuels in your area. Depending on where you live, you may have easier or harder access to gasoline or propane. For example, if you live in a rural area, you may have to travel farther to get gasoline than propane, or vice versa. You may also have to pay more for the delivery and storage of the fuels, depending on the availability and demand.

Another factor to consider is the environmental impact of the fuels. Both gasoline and propane are fossil fuels that emit greenhouse gases and pollutants when burned. However, propane is considered to be cleaner and more environmentally friendly than gasoline, as it produces less carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter . Propane also has a lower risk of spills and leaks than gasoline, as it is stored in pressurized tanks and does not contaminate the soil or water.

The last factor to consider is your personal preferences and needs. You may have a preference for one type of fuel over another, based on your experience, comfort, or convenience. You may also have specific needs that require one type of fuel over another, such as the size of your generator, the frequency of use, the climate, or the regulations in your area. For example, some areas may have restrictions on the use of gasoline generators due to noise or safety concerns, while others may have incentives for the use of propane generators due to environmental or economic reasons.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the cost of running a generator on gas vs. propane depends on several factors, such as the price, energy content, efficiency, availability, environmental impact, and personal preferences of the fuels. Based on the average prices and energy content of the fuels, gasoline is slightly cheaper than propane per hour, but based on the fuel consumption and efficiency of the generators, propane is cheaper than gasoline per hour. However, these calculations may not reflect the actual cost of fuel in your area, or the other factors that may affect your decision. Therefore, you should do your own research and compare the options that are available to you, and choose the one that suits you best.

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