The average cost of a whole-house generator falls between $5,000 and $25,000. Keep reading to learn how much you can expect to spend.
Propane vs. Natural Gas Generator: What’s the Difference?
Let’s generate an answer to this electric question
Photo: nycshooter / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
Photo: nycshooter / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
Highlights
Natural gas generators cost slightly less to install than propane generators.
Propane generators are portable, reliable, and quiet.
Natural gas generators are eco-friendly with a continuous fuel supply.
Pick propane if you live in an area without a natural gas supply, and opt for natural gas if you’re on a tighter budget.
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Propane vs. Natural Gas Generator
Now that we’ve considered each contender separately, let’s explore how they measure up against each other in terms of price, noise, sustainability, and more.
Price: Natural Gas
Natural gas generators are more affordable than propane generators because natural gas is so widely available. You can purchase a natural gas generator for an average cost of $9,000, while propane generators cost around $11,500. However, you can pay anywhere from $2,000 to $25,000 or more for both natural gas and propane generators.
Noise: Propane
Propane generators have a slight edge on natural gas generators in the noise department. Propane generators are said to be much quieter than gas-powered generators. This makes propane ideal for homeowners who live in tranquil areas.
Sustainability: Tie
Compared to other fuel sources, both natural gas and propane are heralded as eco-friendly. They’re both clean-burning fuel sources with relatively low emission levels. While natural gas is slightly cleaner, propane has greater energy density. Since it’s such a close call, you’ll have to choose based on your own environmental values and electrical needs.
Ease of Installation: Propane
When it comes to setting up your propane generator, it’s a simple process of attaching a propane tank to your generator. On the other hand, installing a natural gas generator involves working with utility lines, plumbing, and wiring which makes it highly dangerous for a DIYer. We strongly recommend hiring a local general contractor to handle the installation of your natural gas generator.
Length of Life: Tie
Natural gas and propane generators both have a lifespan of around 10 to 30 years, so long as they’re maintained properly. Since natural gas burns cleaner than propane, buildup is less likely and may promote a longer lifespan. However, propane is still quite energy-efficient compared to other fuel sources and also less likely to cause erosion damage.
Photo: sphraner / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
Propane vs. Natural Gas Generator
Now that we’ve considered each contender separately, let’s explore how they measure up against each other in terms of price, noise, sustainability, and more.
Price: Natural Gas
Natural gas generators are more affordable than propane generators because natural gas is so widely available. You can purchase a natural gas generator for an average cost of $9,000, while propane generators cost around $11,500. However, you can pay anywhere from $2,000 to $25,000 or more for both natural gas and propane generators.
Noise: Propane
Propane generators have a slight edge on natural gas generators in the noise department. Propane generators are said to be much quieter than gas-powered generators. This makes propane ideal for homeowners who live in tranquil areas.
Sustainability: Tie
Compared to other fuel sources, both natural gas and propane are heralded as eco-friendly. They’re both clean-burning fuel sources with relatively low emission levels. While natural gas is slightly cleaner, propane has greater energy density. Since it’s such a close call, you’ll have to choose based on your own environmental values and electrical needs.
Ease of Installation: Propane
When it comes to setting up your propane generator, it’s a simple process of attaching a propane tank to your generator. On the other hand, installing a natural gas generator involves working with utility lines, plumbing, and wiring which makes it highly dangerous for a DIYer. We strongly recommend hiring a local general contractor to handle the installation of your natural gas generator.
Length of Life: Tie
Natural gas and propane generators both have a lifespan of around 10 to 30 years, so long as they’re maintained properly. Since natural gas burns cleaner than propane, buildup is less likely and may promote a longer lifespan. However, propane is still quite energy-efficient compared to other fuel sources and also less likely to cause erosion damage.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Long shelf life | More expensive |
| Clean-burning fuel | Requires refills |
| Reliable and easy to store | Requires storage space |
| Relatively quiet | Strict safety protocols must be followed |
Propane vs. Natural Gas Generator
Now that we’ve considered each contender separately, let’s explore how they measure up against each other in terms of price, noise, sustainability, and more.
Price: Natural Gas
Natural gas generators are more affordable than propane generators because natural gas is so widely available. You can purchase a natural gas generator for an average cost of $9,000, while propane generators cost around $11,500. However, you can pay anywhere from $2,000 to $25,000 or more for both natural gas and propane generators.
Noise: Propane
Propane generators have a slight edge on natural gas generators in the noise department. Propane generators are said to be much quieter than gas-powered generators. This makes propane ideal for homeowners who live in tranquil areas.
Sustainability: Tie
Compared to other fuel sources, both natural gas and propane are heralded as eco-friendly. They’re both clean-burning fuel sources with relatively low emission levels. While natural gas is slightly cleaner, propane has greater energy density. Since it’s such a close call, you’ll have to choose based on your own environmental values and electrical needs.
Ease of Installation: Propane
When it comes to setting up your propane generator, it’s a simple process of attaching a propane tank to your generator. On the other hand, installing a natural gas generator involves working with utility lines, plumbing, and wiring which makes it highly dangerous for a DIYer. We strongly recommend hiring a local general contractor to handle the installation of your natural gas generator.
Length of Life: Tie
Natural gas and propane generators both have a lifespan of around 10 to 30 years, so long as they’re maintained properly. Since natural gas burns cleaner than propane, buildup is less likely and may promote a longer lifespan. However, propane is still quite energy-efficient compared to other fuel sources and also less likely to cause erosion damage.
Propane vs. Natural Gas Generator
Now that we’ve considered each contender separately, let’s explore how they measure up against each other in terms of price, noise, sustainability, and more.
Price: Natural Gas
Natural gas generators are more affordable than propane generators because natural gas is so widely available. You can purchase a natural gas generator for an average cost of $9,000, while propane generators cost around $11,500. However, you can pay anywhere from $2,000 to $25,000 or more for both natural gas and propane generators.
Noise: Propane
Propane generators have a slight edge on natural gas generators in the noise department. Propane generators are said to be much quieter than gas-powered generators. This makes propane ideal for homeowners who live in tranquil areas.
Sustainability: Tie
Compared to other fuel sources, both natural gas and propane are heralded as eco-friendly. They’re both clean-burning fuel sources with relatively low emission levels. While natural gas is slightly cleaner, propane has greater energy density. Since it’s such a close call, you’ll have to choose based on your own environmental values and electrical needs.
Ease of Installation: Propane
When it comes to setting up your propane generator, it’s a simple process of attaching a propane tank to your generator. On the other hand, installing a natural gas generator involves working with utility lines, plumbing, and wiring which makes it highly dangerous for a DIYer. We strongly recommend hiring a local general contractor to handle the installation of your natural gas generator.
Length of Life: Tie
Natural gas and propane generators both have a lifespan of around 10 to 30 years, so long as they’re maintained properly. Since natural gas burns cleaner than propane, buildup is less likely and may promote a longer lifespan. However, propane is still quite energy-efficient compared to other fuel sources and also less likely to cause erosion damage.
Photo: MDV Edwards / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
Propane vs. Natural Gas Generator
Now that we’ve considered each contender separately, let’s explore how they measure up against each other in terms of price, noise, sustainability, and more.
Price: Natural Gas
Natural gas generators are more affordable than propane generators because natural gas is so widely available. You can purchase a natural gas generator for an average cost of $9,000, while propane generators cost around $11,500. However, you can pay anywhere from $2,000 to $25,000 or more for both natural gas and propane generators.
Noise: Propane
Propane generators have a slight edge on natural gas generators in the noise department. Propane generators are said to be much quieter than gas-powered generators. This makes propane ideal for homeowners who live in tranquil areas.
Sustainability: Tie
Compared to other fuel sources, both natural gas and propane are heralded as eco-friendly. They’re both clean-burning fuel sources with relatively low emission levels. While natural gas is slightly cleaner, propane has greater energy density. Since it’s such a close call, you’ll have to choose based on your own environmental values and electrical needs.
Ease of Installation: Propane
When it comes to setting up your propane generator, it’s a simple process of attaching a propane tank to your generator. On the other hand, installing a natural gas generator involves working with utility lines, plumbing, and wiring which makes it highly dangerous for a DIYer. We strongly recommend hiring a local general contractor to handle the installation of your natural gas generator.
Length of Life: Tie
Natural gas and propane generators both have a lifespan of around 10 to 30 years, so long as they’re maintained properly. Since natural gas burns cleaner than propane, buildup is less likely and may promote a longer lifespan. However, propane is still quite energy-efficient compared to other fuel sources and also less likely to cause erosion damage.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Cost-effective | Limited portability |
| Convenient | Dependent on your home’s natural gas supply |
| Clean-burning fuel | Lower energy density |
Propane vs. Natural Gas Generator
Now that we’ve considered each contender separately, let’s explore how they measure up against each other in terms of price, noise, sustainability, and more.
Price: Natural Gas
Natural gas generators are more affordable than propane generators because natural gas is so widely available. You can purchase a natural gas generator for an average cost of $9,000, while propane generators cost around $11,500. However, you can pay anywhere from $2,000 to $25,000 or more for both natural gas and propane generators.
Noise: Propane
Propane generators have a slight edge on natural gas generators in the noise department. Propane generators are said to be much quieter than gas-powered generators. This makes propane ideal for homeowners who live in tranquil areas.
Sustainability: Tie
Compared to other fuel sources, both natural gas and propane are heralded as eco-friendly. They’re both clean-burning fuel sources with relatively low emission levels. While natural gas is slightly cleaner, propane has greater energy density. Since it’s such a close call, you’ll have to choose based on your own environmental values and electrical needs.
Ease of Installation: Propane
When it comes to setting up your propane generator, it’s a simple process of attaching a propane tank to your generator. On the other hand, installing a natural gas generator involves working with utility lines, plumbing, and wiring which makes it highly dangerous for a DIYer. We strongly recommend hiring a local general contractor to handle the installation of your natural gas generator.
Length of Life: Tie
Natural gas and propane generators both have a lifespan of around 10 to 30 years, so long as they’re maintained properly. Since natural gas burns cleaner than propane, buildup is less likely and may promote a longer lifespan. However, propane is still quite energy-efficient compared to other fuel sources and also less likely to cause erosion damage.
Propane vs. Natural Gas Generator
Now that we’ve considered each contender separately, let’s explore how they measure up against each other in terms of price, noise, sustainability, and more.
Price: Natural Gas
Natural gas generators are more affordable than propane generators because natural gas is so widely available. You can purchase a natural gas generator for an average cost of $9,000, while propane generators cost around $11,500. However, you can pay anywhere from $2,000 to $25,000 or more for both natural gas and propane generators.
Noise: Propane
Propane generators have a slight edge on natural gas generators in the noise department. Propane generators are said to be much quieter than gas-powered generators. This makes propane ideal for homeowners who live in tranquil areas.
Sustainability: Tie
Compared to other fuel sources, both natural gas and propane are heralded as eco-friendly. They’re both clean-burning fuel sources with relatively low emission levels. While natural gas is slightly cleaner, propane has greater energy density. Since it’s such a close call, you’ll have to choose based on your own environmental values and electrical needs.
Ease of Installation: Propane
When it comes to setting up your propane generator, it’s a simple process of attaching a propane tank to your generator. On the other hand, installing a natural gas generator involves working with utility lines, plumbing, and wiring which makes it highly dangerous for a DIYer. We strongly recommend hiring a local general contractor to handle the installation of your natural gas generator.
Length of Life: Tie
Natural gas and propane generators both have a lifespan of around 10 to 30 years, so long as they’re maintained properly. Since natural gas burns cleaner than propane, buildup is less likely and may promote a longer lifespan. However, propane is still quite energy-efficient compared to other fuel sources and also less likely to cause erosion damage.
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