Best Fuel For a Whole-House Generator: 5 Options
Focused fuel feedback
Dealing with frequent power outages, brownouts, or power grid failures? If you’re considering installing a generator to supply your home with backup power, you’ll need to determine the best type of fuel for your whole-house generator.
Whole-home generators rely on either propane, gasoline, diesel, or natural gas. These fuels vary in cost, availability, longevity, and how well they can perform in emergencies, so it’s an important choice. Let’s review the fuel types and their pros and cons so you’re well-equipped to buy the right whole-home generator.
1. Propane
Propane is similar to natural gas, but it’s a more refined type of fuel that’s compressed and shipped instead of traveling through underground pipes. The fuel is stored in small tanks for appliances (like grills) and very large tanks for home generators.
Propane can be a convenient choice because the tanks can be installed in nearly any home and refilled as necessary. Propane burns cleanly and lasts for a long time in its tank, but it has a higher initial cost to set up, and refills may not be available in remote areas. Otherwise, it’s one of the best fuel options for a whole-house generator.
| Propane Pros | Propane Cons |
|---|---|
| Tank installation is flexible | More expensive than other fuels |
| Convenient re-supplying | High initial tank setup costs |
| Clean burning | Propane refills aren’t always easy to arrange |
| Stores safely for a very long time | Large propane tanks can be an eyesore |
2. Diesel
Diesel is more stable, long-lasting and energy-efficient than gasoline as an option for powering a whole-home generator. While you can often refill diesel at local gas stations, for a whole-house generator, it’s better to arrange for periodic home deliveries. That means diesel is a good fuel type for homes in rural areas or homes without natural gas.
While diesel is stable and carries a low fire risk, it only lasts about two years. It can also struggle in especially cold temperatures, requiring additional maintenance to work well. Plus, you may need an on-site tank for regular generator refills. Compare propane and diesel prices carefully before making a choice, and keep in mind diesel-powered generators tend to last longer without needing maintenance.
| Diesel Pros | Diesel Cons |
|---|---|
| High fuel efficiency | Must be replaced every two years |
| Low flammability | Runs into problems in very cold weather |
| Lower purchase price than other generator types | Somewhat noisy |
| Low-maintenance performance | Frequent operation requires a nearby diesel tank |
3. Natural Gas
Natural gas is significantly less refined than fuel options like propane, but it carries major advantages. Natural gas is supplied through underground infrastructure, so you never have to worry about refills or running out of fuel. Natural gas is less expensive than most fuel alternatives, making it an affordable option that’s reliable in cold winter conditions.
However, your area needs access and infrastructure to tap into natural gas. That’s more common in densely populated areas, and less likely in rural areas. It’s important to note that natural gas is a flammable fuel source, meaning a busted gas line could become highly explosive. Since natural gas infrastructure is vulnerable to natural disasters, such as earthquakes, consider your home’s safety when choosing this fuel type for your whole-home generator.
| Natural Gas Pros | Natural Gas Cons |
|---|---|
| No need for refills or deliveries | Requires local natural gas infrastructure |
| Affordable fuel option | Not very efficient compared to alternatives |
| Unaffected by power outages | Hookups may be expensive without prior access |
| Easy on generators | Flammable and vulnerable to natural disasters |
4. Gasoline
Gasoline is one of the most readily available fuel types, making it essential during an emergency. However, the advantages of gasoline generators end there. It’s not a stable fuel, usually degrading beyond use before a year. It’s also more flammable and volatile than most alternatives, meaning you can’t legally store as much of it as other fuel types.
Finally, gasoline prices fluctuate based on time and location, so it’s difficult to predict how affordable it will be in your area. These reasons make it clear why whole-house gasoline generators are rare, although smaller gas portable generators are viable options for emergencies.
| Gasoline Pros | Gasoline Cons |
|---|---|
| Readily available fuel | Fluctuating prices |
| Legal limits on storage | |
| Lasts less than a year | |
| Volatile and flammable | |
| Rarely offered in whole house generators |
5. Solar
There’s another option modern buyers can choose if they want to avoid fuel altogether. A solar backup generator transmits energy from the sun and converts it into electricity stored in a large home battery. That battery serves as a backup to power your important appliances during a power outage. These backups are incredibly easy to use, passively recharge on their own, and power multiple batteries to increase your charge. Plus, they can recharge even if your power stays off.
However, solar options have some disadvantages. They will charge slowly in cloudy weather and can’t charge at night, so you’ll have to be careful with power allocation. Plus, they have a very high initial cost, especially if you’re also buying solar panels and installing a transfer switch, often costing $6,000 to $10,000. However, they remain a sustainable alternative for smaller homes in areas with plenty of sunlight.
| Solar Backup Pros | Solar Backup Cons |
|---|---|
| No fuel required | Very expensive initial installation |
| Eco-friendly | Requires solar panel setup |
| Incredibly easy to use | Won’t work as well during bad weather |
| Passive recharging even without power | Can’t charge up at night |
| Can add more battery banks |
Things to Consider When Choosing the Best Fuel For a Whole House Generator
Having trouble choosing a fuel for your generator? There are several important questions you should ask when narrowing down your final choice. Here’s what to consider:
Where do you live? Examine the fuel prices and fuel transportation costs in your area. See if you could hook a generator up to natural gas or the options for home propane or diesel deliveries.
How frequently does your home experience blackouts? The frequency of blackouts affects your fuel usage and replacement needs. Very frequent blackouts indicate you need a fuel that’s always on hand, like natural gas, or at least an extra-large tank.
How long do you need fuel to last unused? If your home experiences blackouts every year, a fuel like diesel is a great choice because it will stay stable for up to two years. But if your blackouts are less regular, you’ll want to stick with a fuel that won’t need to be replaced often, like propane or a natural gas.
Are certain fuels less reliable in your area? Always choose a fuel with easy access, especially when supplies are running low. In some areas, you may be able to get propane more easily, while others may favor diesel shipments or offer nearby stations to fill up on diesel.
What is your budget for generator operation? In addition to initial costs, consider how much you are willing to spend to fill and maintain a generator. Remember, most generators use a full tank of fuel each day they need to power your house, so you’ll need to refill it every day or so.
Do you want to use the fuel for other purposes, too? Do you want to avoid wasting fuel by using it in other tools or appliances? This is one example of having, say, a diesel riding lawnmower or a diesel snowblower could be an advantage.
Frequently Asked Questions
In many cases, yes. There are models called dual-fuel generators and fuel switches, but only between certain types of fuel. For example, with the right setup you can convert a generator from natural gas to propane. Some allow switching between diesel and gasoline. There are even tri-fuel generators available in some cases, which adds a large layer of security if you are worried about fuel availability in times of crisis. Always check your generator capabilities and manual instructions before trying to switch fuels. Some generators can use another fuel but may need a fuel conversion kit to prep them first.
In some situations, yes. Never try to put biofuel into any home generator without checking the specifics first. If a generator has the ability to run on diesel, it can also run pure biofuel (the clear kind made from seed oils, for example). But if you are using biofuel made from animal fats or vegetable oils, the generator will need significant modifications before it can handle a sludgier type of biofuel.
