Propane Generator Essentials

Written on: July 15, 2024

Preparing for Storm Season

A bad thunderstorm can down lines and knock out electricity, and more frequent extreme and unpredictable weather—coastal storms, tornadoes, unexpected cold and ice storms—can leave you without power for days. The National Hurricane Center predicted yet another above-average hurricane season, and the Gulf of Mexico has been active since June. So it’s more important than ever to be prepared. Don’t wait until the next big storm is already churning our way across the Gulf.

A backup propane generator comes on within seconds of a power failure to provide real peace of mind—whether you are at home or away. It will keep your lights on and your refrigerator, furnace and a/c running, as well as your security systems, until the utilities get the lines back up.

Compared to a gas-powered portable generator, a propane generator is quiet, extremely efficient and clean-burning, with low emissions. It’s also a less expensive (and less stinky) option.

Know Your Generator Options

You’ve got a lot of choices when it comes to size and capacity. “Essential power” models will run key equipment such as your refrigerator, heat and lights. True whole-house generators can manage the demands of most extra-large homes, even during extended outages. Not sure what’s right for you? Work with one of Pico’s pros—our team can help you determine the best size for your home and needs—but you can use these guidelines to start.

• What size is your propane storage tank? An average 5000-watt whole-house generator will run for one to two days on a 100-gallon tank. A 500-gallon tank would keep the same generator running for 7 to 10 days. Most homes have storage tanks that are 100 to 500 gallons.
• Typical 5,000-watt whole house generators use about two gallons per hour. The most powerful, 9000-watt generators use three gallons per hour.

Here are a few other factors to consider as you make your choice:

• How much power do you need to keep your home safe and comfortable? (You may not feel the need to power your whole house in emergencies.)
• Does anyone in your home require power for medical equipment?
• How big is your home?
• Do you want to be able to heat or cool your whole home, or just specific areas?

If you think you need a new propane storage tank to meet the needs of a whole house generator, we can help you replace your old tank—and make sure your generator is connected safely and properly. We can also provide reliable automatic delivery service and tank monitoring so you will always have enough propane. Our automatic delivery service takes the forecast into consideration when we plan deliveries—and we try to deliver early to ensure folks have propane ahead of storms.

Have more questions about how a whole-house generator can provide peace of mind year-round? When it comes to protecting your family and home, a whole-house propane generator can help you get through almost any power outage. The Pico team is at your service and here to help! Contact us any time.