Generators - Pros and Cons of Choosing
By Hklbrries
Q. We are considering a propane generator with 20-gallon tank to run our sump pump and refrigerator during power blackouts. We feel gasoline gets stale too quickly. What size generator do you recommend and how long would the tank of propane last?
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A. Some homeowners like propane generators because of the ability to store a sizable amount of fuel, and because they often get steady, reliable performance, but propane has never achieved the popularity of gasoline-powered generators. It’s impossible to say how long 20 gallons of propane would last, since it would depend on the size and running time of the generator, but if you equip the tank with a fuel gauge you should be able to tell at a glance.
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If you want to run only a sump pump and refrigerator, you should not need more than 3,000 watts, plus enough surge watts to start the motors, which requires extra power. This is a relatively small generator, but even so it should also be able to power some lights, a television set and other low-watt devices. You can find propane generators in many sizes on the Internet, and dealers should be able to answer your questions.
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Homeowners who prefer gasoline generators say propane machines lack portability, since they must be attached to the fuel tank, are sometimes hard to start on very cold days, and that there is a lack of trained maintenance people. Also, it is not necessarily true that gasoline generators must have problems with stale fuel. If a fuel stabilizer such as Sta-Bil is added to the tank when you fill it, the fuel should stay fresh enough for easy starts for six months to a year.
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There are other strategies that can prevent stale gasoline problems. After the power is restored following a blackout, you can use a hand pump to almost drain the generator gas tank into a container, start the machine, and run it completely out of gas to clear the carburetor. Keep spare gasoline in safe two-and-one-half gallon containers, each can treated with stabilizer. Store the containers in a safe place away from fire or sparks, such as a shed or a plastic outdoor storage box, sold at many home centers and on the Internet.
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When you feel stored gasoline might be getting too old, transfer it to your car (the car should have at least half a tank of fresh gas), refill the storage cans, and treat them with stabilizer. If you can’t find a hand pump at a local hardware store or home center, you can buy one on the Internet by searching for Hand Pumps (less than $15).
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Preparation
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