Side by Side
| Natural gas | Propane (LP) | |
|---|---|---|
| Supply | Utility main, no refilling | On-site tank, delivered by a supplier |
| Run time | As long as the main has pressure | Limited by what is in the tank |
| Output | Most units are rated a bit lower on natural gas than on LP (check the spec sheet) | Full rated output on most units |
| Extra hardware | Possibly a bigger meter or regulator | Tank, pad or burial, regulator, line |
| Unit price (HomeGuide) | $3,000–$6,000 | $2,000–$6,000 |
Natural Gas: Check the Meter First
A generator can need more gas than your furnace, water heater and range combined. The installer adds up every gas appliance and compares the total with what your meter and regulator can deliver. If it falls short, the gas utility may need to upgrade the meter. That step depends on the utility’s schedule, so ask about it early. Gas piping is priced at roughly $12–$25 per foot (HomeGuide).
Propane: Size the Tank to the Outage You Fear
A tank that is fine for a gas fireplace can run dry in a multi-day outage with the generator under heavy load. Ask the installer for the unit’s fuel use at half and full load from the spec sheet. Then decide how many days you want covered, and size the tank for that. HomeGuide puts a propane tank at $400–$1,800. Some homeowners lease from the propane supplier instead of buying.
Cold Weather
Central Oklahoma ice storms bring cold that is hard on batteries and thick oil. A cold-weather kit (battery warmer, oil heater) costs $130–$500 per HomeGuide. Propane also vaporizes more slowly in deep cold, another reason not to undersize the tank.
Already Have Both?
Some homes have natural gas and an existing propane tank for a pool heater or outbuilding. Most installers will still choose the natural gas line for the generator, because of the unlimited supply.
Next: where the unit can go, or what it all costs.
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Tell us a little about the house. An independent installer that serves your part of the metro will reach out to set up an on-site estimate.
Please note: Edmond Generators refers homeowners to independent generator installers. We are not a contractor.