Propane can help you address power reliability challenges in the Northeast
The electrical grid in Western Connecticut and nearby areas of New York is aging, and the strain of growing energy demands isn’t helping. With the rise of EV charging, AI-related data centers and other energy-intensive needs, our grid infrastructure is being pushed to the limit. Add in severe weather events and seasonal spikes in demand, and it’s easy to see why blackouts are so common.
For homeowners in West Redding and throughout western Connecticut and the rest of Leahy’s Fuels’ service area, one smart solution to an unreliable grid is a whole-house propane generator. These units provide dependable backup power when outages strike, ensuring your family stays safe and comfortable.
If you’ve been considering investing in a propane generator, one of the most critical factors to understand is fuel consumption. Here’s what you need to know.
Understanding Propane Usage in Generators
The amount of propane your generator uses depends on its size and the appliances you need to power during an outage. To choose the right generator for your home, consider your electrical load requirements in two categories:
- Essentials, such as medical devices, lights, refrigerators, sump pumps, furnace fans and security systems
- High-wattage appliances like heating systems, air conditioners, dryers, water heaters and major electric appliances
This exercise will help you in choosing the best generator size. For example:
- A smaller 8-kilowatt (kW) generator can power essentials like your lights, refrigerator and small appliances.
- On the other hand, a larger 25 kW unit is robust enough to handle those smaller appliances as well as a central HVAC system.
Fuel Usage for Propane Generators
The propane consumption of your generator depends on its load. According to Generac, a leading generator manufacturer:
- A 22-kW generator burns approximately 2 gallons of propane per hour at 50% load and 3.6 gallons per hour at full load.
- A larger 38-kW model typically uses 3 gallons per hour at 50% load and 5.4 gallons per hour at full load.
To determine your generator’s exact needs, consult with an experienced electrician who can perform a load calculation for your home.
Why Propane for Your Generator?
Propane stands out as an excellent fuel choice for standby generators because of its unique advantages:
- Longevity: Unlike gasoline and diesel, propane doesn’t degrade over time, making it ideal for long-term standby use.
- Convenience: Propane is stored in an on-site tank, so there’s no need for last-minute trips to the gas station during a storm.
- Reliability: Propane generators start automatically during an outage and don’t require you to be home to operate them.
Trust Leahy’s Fuels with Your Generator Propane
For homeowners across western Connecticut and nearby New York towns, Leahy’s Fuels is the name to trust for reliable propane service. We proudly deliver to countless generator customers who depend on us for automatic propane deliveries that keep their generators ready when they need them most.
Don’t be left in the dark during the next power outage. Contact Leahy’s Fuels today to learn more about our generator propane services. We have a long-standing reputation for reliability, and we never let our customers down!