Backup Power Generators

With a backup power generator, thunderstorms, ice-storms, hurricanes, or any kind of weather emergency means no-worries. A propane fueled generator starts reliably, immediately and gives you all the comforts of home – in spite of the conditions outside.

Why Run A Generator on Propane?

Due to the standby nature of generators, they spend most of their time not running. When sitting for long periods of up to 6 months, diesel fuel and gasoline can gum up and clog the inner parts of the engine. Over time, these fuels can damage rubber seals and fuel lines. In addition, diesel fuel and gasoline can make for very hard starting in cold weather. Clean burning propane has an indefinite shelf life, reduces engine wear and can be used for other appliances in your home.

How Long Will I Have Power?

Typical home backup generators range in size from 7 kilowatts (kW) to 20kW. A 7 kW generator is powerful enough to run just the critical systems in a home. This includes gas heating systems, a well pump, a sump pump, a refrigerator, and some lighting (but not all at the same time). A homeowner would have to move up to at least a 15 kW system to enjoy their home just as they would with their regular electricity.

Using a full 100 gallon tank, a 7kW generator will run for 66 hours or a 12kW generator will run for 36 hours. Most of the time, the generator is operating between 25-75% capacity and the fuel supply can last much longer. Learning from our experience in previous storms and other emergencies, Osterman recommends that customers installing a home standby generator have enough propane storage for 5 days worth of generator run time.