In modern society, electricity has become an indispensable part of daily life. However, natural disasters (such as typhoons and earthquakes), power grid failures or extreme weather may cause prolonged power outages, affecting the safety of household electricity usage. Therefore, many families have begun to consider backup power supply solutions. Propane (Liquefied petroleum gas, LPG) generators have gradually become one of the alternative solutions due to their characteristics such as stable fuel, environmental friendliness and easy storage.
The advantages of propane generators
Stable fuel and safe storage
- Propane is stored in liquid form at normal temperature and is not volatile, making it safer than gasoline.
- Propane tanks can be stored for a long time (5 to 10 years), while gasoline is usually only stored for 6 to 12 months.
- Propane is not prone to explosion and is suitable for household use as a backup.
Environmentally friendly and low emissions
When propane burns, it produces less CO (carbon monoxide) and particulate matter, making it cleaner than diesel or gasoline. Some models of propane generators comply with the emission standards of the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency of the United States) or CARB (California Air Resources Board).
Relatively low operating costs
The price of propane is relatively stable, and it has a high combustion efficiency. Its long-term usage cost is lower than that of gasoline generators. In the areas covered by natural gas pipelines, some generators can switch to natural gas mode, further reducing fuel costs.
Strong adaptability
Propane generators have better starting performance than diesel generators in low-temperature environments. The dual-fuel (propane + gasoline) model can be flexibly switched in case of fuel shortage.
Disadvantages of propane generators
The power is slightly lower than that of diesel/gasoline generators
The energy density of propane of the same volume is lower than that of gasoline, so the output power of generators of the same level may be slightly lower. It is suitable for small and medium-sized households to use electricity, but not for high-power industrial equipment.
Rely on fuel supply
Propane tanks need to be stocked in advance. If there is a prolonged power outage and the fuel is exhausted, continuous power supply may not be possible. In some areas, propane refueling is not as convenient as gasoline refueling.
The initial investment is relatively high
The price of propane generators is usually 10%-20% higher than that of gasoline generators of the same power. If an automatic switching system (ATS) needs to be installed, the cost will be higher.
Calculate the household electricity demand
Before choosing the power of the generator, it is necessary to calculate the total power demand of the key household appliances.
Power references for common household appliances
Electrical starting power (W) Operating power (W)
Refrigerator:
- 1200-2000, 100-200
- LED lighting – 5-20 per lamp
- Laptop – 50-100
- Router + mobile phone charging – 20-50
- Electric fan – 50-100
Microwave oven:
- 1500-2000, 800-1200
- Electric kettle 1500-2000 1000-1500
- Television set – 100-300
- Small air conditioner (1 horsepower) 2500-3500 800-1200
Example
Suppose the household emergency electricity demand
- Refrigerator (200W）
- Five LED lights (20W×5=100W)
- Router + mobile phone charging (50W)
- Notebook computer (100W)
- Electric fan (100W)
- The total operating power is approximately 550 watts
However, the starting power needs to be taken into account (for example, a refrigerator may reach 2000W at the moment of startup), so it is recommended to choose a propane generator with a power of 2000-3000W.
Recommended power for different family sizes
Single/small apartment: 1000-2000. Basic lighting, charging, refrigerator. For a 2-3 person family, the price ranges from 2,000 to 3,500 yuan for basic appliances and a small air conditioner For families with more than four people, there are 3,500 to 7,000 electrical appliances and some high-power equipment.
Villas/large-sized units: 7,000-12,000 yuan. Central air conditioning and full-house power supply
Key Suggestions for Purchasing Propane Generators
Select the brand and model
Recommended brand
Honda: Silent and efficient, but the price is relatively high.
Generac: Professional household backup power supply with automatic switching function.
Champion: High cost performance, suitable for families with limited budgets.
Westinghouse: Highly durable and suitable for outdoor use.
Key purchasing factors
Fuel type: Pure propane or dual-fuel (propane + gasoline)?
Noise level: <60 decibels, suitable for residential areas.
Operating time: It can run for at least 8 to 12 hours under full load.
Portability: Models with wheels are more convenient to move.
Safety features: Automatic shutdown at low oil pressure, overload protection, etc.
Installation and usage precautions
Ventilation: It must be used outdoors or in a well-ventilated area to avoid CO poisoning.
Fuel storage: Propane tanks should be kept away from fire sources and direct sunlight.
Regular maintenance: Check the engine oil and spark plugs every three months.
Conclusion
Propane generators, as emergency backup power sources for households, have advantages such as stable fuel, environmental friendliness, and strong adaptability, making them suitable for short-term power supply needs of small and medium-sized families. When making a purchase, the power should be calculated based on the household electricity consumption. Generally, 2000-5000W can meet the needs of most families.
