Natural Gas Generator Questions

[jbgreig]

For those who have recently acquired quite a bit of knowledge about generators, I have a few questions.

I am looking at getting a whole-house generator. I am looking at Natural Gas / Propane generators, as well as diesel generators.

Question is this: After the recent storms made landfall, was the natural gas shut off to residential customers? If so, how long did it last? Would a few days worth of propane be enough to carry until natural gas is restored?

I live about 20 miles inland on the Upper Texas Coast, and would like a generator as insurance against prolonged power outages. I prefer the idea of a natural gas generator assuming the fuel is available, as storing large amounts of diesel does not appeal to me.

Thanks for any advice!

[SwampDawg]

We have a natural gas generator that powers our station here in Morgan City. It has worked through all of our past storms. The only concern is if the gas has to be turned off, which is very possible during direct hits. We also have a propane located at our tower site. I would recomend that you go with the propane...it last forever so it seems. Sorry i don't have any other info, hope this helps.

[NFLnut]

IIRC, those generators (I'm assuming you're looking at a Generac type) run on EITHER natural gas OR propane, but not both. IOW, your natural gas generator will NOT run on propane. For that reason I would go propane and have the gas company bury the tank in your yard.

[jbgreig]

Thanks for the suggestions. As for the ability of dual fuel, can a conversion be made between Natural Gas and Propane? On the Generac web site, I don't see where they differentiate between the two. They are stated as LP Vapor or Natural gas. Any ideas?

Here's a link:

http://www.guardiangenerators.com/suppo ... sp?NavID=1

Thanks!

[ricreig]

Thanks for the suggestions. As for the ability of dual fuel, can a conversion be made between Natural Gas and Propane? On the Generac web site, I don't see where they differentiate between the two. They are stated as LP Vapor or Natural gas. Any ideas?

Here's a link:

http://www.guardiangenerators.com/suppo ... sp?NavID=1

Thanks!

It doesn't say clearly what it means by 'or'. One choice or the other choice, or intercchangably? That is the question. My question is HOW MUCH $$$$ ??? It seems like a nice unit.

[jbgreig]

Looks like about $7500 or so. Expensive, but I'm not sure I could survive SE Texas heat and humidity for weeks without A/C like our friends in Florida / Alabama and elsewhere are having to do.

My sister-in-law is from Pensacola, where her family still lives. Still no power. Just makes you think about contingency plans when the lights (and the A/C) go out.

[Robert]

We currently have propane at our house, but they are talking about installing natural gas in "the next few years." When I bought a furnace I asked about switching it over and for a furnace the only thing that needs to be changed was the nozzle (where the gas comes out and is burned). My guess is that it is similar with a generator. Same unit, just put a different size injector opening (and hookups for the gas line) when they ship it to you. Most gas appliances clearly say "This is a natural gas" or "This is a propane gas appliance" on them.

Which is better? If they shut off natural gas in a hurricane you would think propane. However, if it above ground it could float away (you seem to often see video of a propane tank floating away in floods), if it is burried (and not full) and the water table rises it could come up out of the ground (like pools will do if you drain them in a high water table area). When we had a propane tank installed recently there was no option of above or below ground, don't know if that is just where I live, or the company I was dealing with. However, I didn't ask either, they just asked where I wanted it and I said "how about over there."