How Long can a Generator Run on Propane (+Tips)

How long can a generator run on propane? Depending on the size of your generator, you may be able to run it on propane for an extended period.

Propane is a reliable fuel source that can provide power for your appliances during a blackout or emergency situation.

In this blog post, we will explore how long a generator can run on propane and the benefits of using this fuel type.

We will also provide tips for maintaining your generator so that it is in optimal working condition. Keep reading to learn more!

How Long Can a Generator Run on Propane?

How many Pounds of Propane is in a Gallon?

The standard tank has 20 pounds of propane, so a gallon is about 4.2 pounds of propane.

There are roughly 8.3 pounds of LP gas in a US Gallon (slightly more than 3 quarters of a kg).

As always, there are variances between manufacturers and the incoming pressure of the tank, so this is just an average.

How Long will a 20-Pound Propane Tank Run a Generator?

A 20 pounds generator can run up to 4 hours at full load on a 20 pounds tank. A 20-pound tank, which holds approximately 4.6 gallons of propane, will run an average of 4-5 hours.

A propane tank is filled with enough liquid propane that expands into more than 250 gallons of gas when the valve is opened.

To fill a 20-pound tank, the tank is connected to a propane hose and filled with about 18 pounds of liquid propane.

A 480 lb/hour (208 liters/hour) generator will use 1 or 2 20 lb tanks in 4-5 hours if running full throttle all the time (that is not likely) vs. 1 5-gallon tank.

If the generator is on for 4 hours, it will use 2 tanks or 20 lbs of propane (one full tank).

How Long will a 1000-Pound Propane Tank Run a Generator?

A 7-kilowatt generator can run for around 66 hours on a 100-pound tank of fuel.

A 12-kilowatt generator can run for around 36 hours at 25% of its capacity.

This means that the fuel supply could last longer than if it was running at full capacity.

Portable Generator with Propane

If you have a propane-powered portable generator, you are in control of the fuel tank.

That means you may keep it operating without having to go anywhere or purchase more fuel.

You can hook up two tanks with a changeover regulator or the stopcock valves to get more out of your propane generator.

Make sure you have a changeover regulator or stopcock valve so that when one tank runs low, the other is ready to take over seamlessly with no interruption in service.

Now turn on one tank and close the other tank.

So now, when one runs low, just open up the second closed-off valve and let it run until both tanks are depleted again, then switch them back around as needed!

So now, you can change the one propane tank depleted to a fresh tan.

Now you have an endless supply of propane, but still, the question is, how long can you run your propane generator?

The most accessible generators need maintenance once every 100 hours, but this isn’t always the case.

Instead of this, the amount of oil in your generator’s engine will ultimately restrict you.

After 150-200 hours of usage, most modern generators will automatically switch off when the oil runs out to protect the engine since this usually occurs after 150-200 hours of use.

Heat build-up is another crucial factor when operating your generator for extended periods.

Over a 12-24-hour span, generators can only accumulate a small amount of extra heat.

Still, after running it continuously for a day, you risk accumulating engine heat that may harm your machine.

If you’re using your generator in the summer, pack it with ice and turn on a fan to cool down the engine.

You may change the settings on your generator, so it doesn’t make as much heat.

So, if you take care of your generator, it can run continuously for as long as 150-200 hours on propane.

Fortunately, you will have a greater range with your generator if it runs on propane.

A standard 20-pound propane tank should be able to power a 5000-watt generator for about 5 hours.

If you have a larger tank, your generator can run longer.

A 100-pound propane tank will provide power to your generator for up to 65 hours!

Standby Generators with Propane

Fortunately, we can enjoy continuous power for longer, but a portable generator isn’t the greatest solution.

A standby generator is the most acceptable alternative if you want to maintain power continuously.

Standby generators ensure that people will still have power when the power goes out. They are made for running for a long time.

They also have engines that work well and can run for a long time. Standby generators were created to last a long time.

Standby generators have efficient engines that are made to run for extended periods.

They’re also connected to big 500- or 1,000-gallon propane storage tanks or run on natural gas lines.

All standby generators have a recommended limit, usually around 2-3 weeks of continuous power generation.

Operating your standby generator for longer than the suggested time is conceivable. However, doing so might result in irreversible damage to your generator and the whole house‘s electrical wiring and appliances.

Propane generators can easily refuel, whereas gas-powered generator has to be connected directly to a power source to function.

Portable generators come in gasoline and diesel-powered versions. The gas-powered one has a maximum output of 8,500 watts; the diesel has 10,000 watts.

Propane generators are usually used in fixed situations, such as homes and businesses because they can produce up to 15,000 watts.

Gas and diesel-powered generators need to be watched carefully. If they are not used often, the gas may get stuck. The engine might need fixing.

Gasoline is bad for your engine. It makes it so you can’t start the car.

Gasoline also has low octane ratings and high carbon content, which can cause oil contamination in an engine.

Propane is better because it does not have a shelf life and does not harm a car’s engine.

A dual-fuel generator is typically noisier than a propane generator. If keeping a peaceful and silent atmosphere is important, propane may be your best bet.

Consider constructing a quiet generator box if you’d want to minimize the noise from your generator.

Benefits of Using Propane Generator

1. It is more efficient than a gasoline generator and can get more power from the same size.

They are also clean running for their size and the quietest of all generators. It’s almost silent when it’s on idle speed.

A propane generator usually provides more watts per pound than a gas or diesel model in a similar power range and weight.

2. Propane is also cheap and relatively clean to use.

It’s not as cheap as gasoline, but you can run it directly from a 20-bottle, and the whole bottle will last for 8 hours on high output.

3. Propane is very efficient in an LP generator without the pollution issues of gasoline engines.

Propane has 143,300 BTU per gallon vs. 125,000 BTU per gallon of gas which costs about 20% more.

4. If you plan on using your generator for hours at a time, you will also want the quietness of the propane models.

They are quieter because they don’t have that whine or rumble sound like their gas-powered counterparts do.

5. They are also smaller in size, with not as much room required for storing as a gas generator.

6. Some best generator brands carry automatic dual-fuel generator models, which will automatically switch over to propane if there is a gasoline shortage.

You can manually turn them over by pushing the “propane” button.

Maintenance Tips for Propane Generator

The maintenance of a propane generator is very important to ensure stable operation.

To avoid the lack of electricity for a long time, it is very necessary to maintain a propane generator.

Please confirm if you have difficulty maintaining your generator as follows:

1. The control panel has been damaged or breakage

The mainboard near the battery box is easily damaged due to the damage to the battery terminal, bad contact with short circuits, and so on. In this case, the propane generator is unable to start.

To avoid damage to the control panel, please take care when you place your propane generator or change the battery.

Please confirm if there is a burn mark on the mainboard near the battery box.

2. The controller is broken.

The propane generator is frequently used during winter, so the water inside of electrical components easily corrodes when it gets wet due to rain or humidity for a long time.

In this case, the propane generator can not be started because the controller breaks down and does not work properly due to the corrosion of electrical components.

Please confirm if you can see a water drop in the controller when you open the cover.

3. The starter is broken or damaged.

The propane generator is likely to produce harm when there are excessive vibration and bad weather due to the damage to the motor start, so it takes time to fix the propane generator. In this case, you need to change the new propane generator.

Please confirm if your starter is broken or damaged.

4. The battery is dead or unable to charge.

Please confirm if the voltage of a battery is lower than 12V when you check it with a voltage detector.

If so, please change it to a new one after you connect the cable to the battery properly.

Please confirm if your generator cannot start when you check with a voltage detector.

In this case, it’s necessary to recharge the battery with a charger before you operate a propane generator.

FAQs

What are the best cheap propane generators on the market?

Some of the most reviewed propane generators are as follows:

Is propane more eco-friendly than gasoline and natural gas?

Propane is a cleaner-burning fuel and emits fewer greenhouse gases into the atmosphere than gasoline or natural gas.

Propane is also a great choice for powering your home appliances, including those fueled by natural gas.

It produces fewer pollutants than gasoline and most other fossil fuels.

Is propane more eco-friendly than diesel?

Propane is a fossil fuel that burns cleaner than diesel. It doesn’t produce as many harmful gases when it is burned.

When it’s used for heat, energy, or transportation, there are not many pollutants in the air.

Is Propane more Eco-Friendly than Gas?

Yes! Propane is a more environmentally-friendly fuel for your home appliances, including appliances that are fueled by natural gas.

It burns cleaner than gasoline or natural gas, reducing the number of greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere.

Can I use Propane instead of Gasoline?

You could try using propane as an alternative to gasoline in your car.

However, many propane users have found their vehicles are not designed for the different burning rates of propane.

As a result, your engine may run poorly, or you could damage it.

You would need to find an aftermarket kit designed especially for propane, so contact one of our local distributors for advice.

Final Verdict

How long can a generator run on propane? Make sure your generator is sized correctly so it can run on the amount of fuel that will last through an outage with enough time left over to refill before running out again.

You might also want one that has more power than what you need if there’s any chance at all of needing additional power during emergencies or regular use.

For many homeowners, this means choosing between 5-8 days and 66 hours, depending on their needs.

A 20 pounds generator can run up to 4 hours at full load on a 20 pounds tank, while 7-kilowatt generators typically require 100-pound tanks, which could provide energy for around 66 hours.

You can use these products indoors as well as outdoors because they don’t produce harmful emissions like gasoline and natural gas do.

Here is a top propane generators list. You can choose any according to your needs.