Home Generators

By Tyler Lacoma

Home generators have an immediate benefit when the power shuts down - they preserve food, keep the heat on, and supply electricity for a variety of necessary appliances and pumps. However, house generators - specifically natural gas home generators - also have long-term benefits many homeowners aren't aware of before purchase.

A natural gas generator is a type of standby home generator system that connects directly to a gas line and automatically begins operation when a house loses power.

With that in mind, those considering this type of generator should know the following:

1. It increases the value of your home. Gas home generators are typically a permanent part of the house. Owners can sometimes uninstall one and take it along if they move, but most are standby generators rigged directly into the house's electric setup. How much value a generator adds depends on several factors. A home gas generator in rural area, where the power grid is frequently knocked out by harsh storms, will be a stronger selling point than a generator in the middle of the suburbs. It's worth noting that some locations may require a permit for this kind of generator.
2. It's practically maintenance-free. A natural gas generator is expensive to set up, but from then on, the maintenance process is largely worry-free. Standby gas generators, much like heat pumps or furnaces, need only occasional cleaning to keep them in top condition. Homeowners do not need to worry about refilling or monitoring fuel tanks, or reattaching the generator (as required with portable models). The automatic transfer switches that standby generators use automatically restore power immediately when it's lost - saving both the time and hassle of having to manually start the generator engine.
3. They save money in operation. Gas home generators tend to save money compared to other fuel options. While fuel prices vary widely from region to region, natural gas is often the least expensive option compared to propane, gasoline, and even diesel. Not only is the generator connected directly to the gas line in a one-and-done installation process, but it also operates at lower costs than other options.

Natural gas generator prices

Home backup generators are broken into a number of different categories, rated by their wattage. While some are designed to be portable in nature, these models largely run on gasoline and are more suited to power tools, camping, and similar applications requiring a lightweight, mobile power source. In contrast, natural gas generators are almost exclusively dedicated to permanent installation, due in part to their size and weight, but also because they require a permanent connection to your city's natural gas line to function properly.

With models produced by Generac, Briggs & Stratton, and Honeywell, typical sizes that accommodate natural gas and their respective price ranges include:

• 14 to 20 kW - $2,900 to $5,800
• 20 to 30 kW - $4,000 to $12,000
• 30 to 50 kW - $9,300 to $22,000
• 50 kW and above - $14,000 to $29,000

Natural gas is not always available. But alternative fuels, like propane, can also provide long-term operations at slightly higher prices, which is why many backup generators are capable of using either as a fuel source. Check current natural gas infrastructure and prices to compare fuel costs between local alternatives, and you'll find out exactly how much a home gas generator can save in your area.