Imagine a sudden storm hits, and the power goes out. Your lights flicker and die, leaving you in the dark. For many families, this blackout means spoiled food, no way to heat their homes, and a general feeling of helplessness. But what if there was a way to keep your lights on, your fridge running, and your family comfortable, no matter what the weather throws at you?
Choosing a natural gas backup generator might seem complicated. There are so many different sizes and features to consider! You might wonder which one is best for your home, how much it will cost, and if it’s really worth the investment. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the technical details and options available on the market.
This post is here to help. We’ll break down everything you need to know about natural gas backup generators in a way that’s easy to understand. By the end, you’ll feel confident in choosing the perfect generator to keep your home powered and your family safe during any outage. Let’s dive in and explore how a natural gas generator can bring peace of mind to your home.
Top Natural Gas Backup Generator Recommendations
- Perfect as a backup power source for larger homes or a dependable source of portable power
- 14,500 peak watts, 11,500 running watts (gasoline); 13,500 peak watts, 10,500 running watts (propane); 12,000 peak watts, 9,500 running watts (natural gas)
- Powered by a heavy duty 550cc 4-Stroke OHV Westinghouse Engine constructed with a durable cast iron sleeve; Runs for up to 19 hours on a 9.5 gal. fuel tank with built-in fuel gauge; up to 7 hours on a 20 lb. propane tank
- Engineered with low THD, so it's safe for sensitive electronics. Power phones, computers, TVs and more. Stay connected with people, news and entertainment during power outages, or on jobsites and campsites. Durable copper windings help your generator produce cleaner power, run cooler and last longer
- 13500 Peak Watts, 10500 Running Watts (Gasoline); 12500 Peak Watts, 9500 Running Watts (Propane); 10000 Peak Watts, 8500 Running Watts (Natural Gas); Remote Start with Included Key Fob, Electric and Recoil Start; Up to 19 Hours of Run Time on a 9.5 Gallon Fuel Tank with Fuel Gauge
- Features Two GFCI 120V 5–20R 20A Standard Household Receptacle, One Transfer Switch Ready 120V L14-30R 30A, and One RV Ready 120/240V 14–50R 50A; All Outlets Have Rubber Covers for Added Safety
- Powered by a Heavy Duty 500cc Westinghouse 4-Stroke OHV Engine Featuring a Long-Lasting Cast Iron Sleeve with Automatic Low Oil and Carbon Monoxide (CO) Shutdown, and Digital Hour Meter
- Plug-and-Play: Comes with a Remote Start Key Fob, 12V Battery Charger, Oil, and Oil Funnel, a Tool Kit, and a User’s Manual to Get You Started Right Out of the Box (Minimal Assembly Required)
- Whole House Protection: Keep your family comfortable and connected during power outages. Avoid the disruption of losing refrigeration, heating/cooling, lights and connectivity of your devices with a Home Standby Generator that automatically detects an outage and delivers backup power to your home.
- Lowest Total Cost Of Ownership: Electronic fuel & ignition control optimizes fuel use for a more cost-efficient and lower emission back-up power solution* and financing options that offer you solutions that meet your budget *On average versus Generac Guardian Series standby generators
- Remote Monitoring & Control: Built-in Cellular Connectivity allows you to monitor performance and control your generator with Mobile Link app whether you're home or away. Provides real-time updates and maintenance alerts right on your device.* *Requires Mobile Link premium subscription
- Superior Reliability: Oil level sensors monitor oil level to help ensure generator readiness, support in cold climates with improved cold start performance and sloped roof & rear intake to reduce risk of ice or snow intrusion
- Power Your Entire Home - With 13,000 watts of power, the DS13000MXT Tri Fuel generator will keep your whole home running during a storm or power outage, while protecting your family from harmful fumes with CO Alert.
- Tri Fuel Technology - DuroStar Tri Fuel Technology allows your generator to run on either gasoline, propane, or natural gas, offering the freedom and flexibility of fuel choice.
- Fully Loaded Power Panel - The DS13000MXT comes with a push button start, a fuel selection knob, and a wide variety of outlets (including a transfer switch-ready 50 amp outlet).
- CO Alert - Our innovative CO Alert eliminates the threat of carbon monoxide poisoning by automatically shutting down the generator when harmful fumes are detected.
- Perfect as a backup power source for larger homes or a dependable source of portable power
- 14,500 peak watts, 11,500 running watts (gasoline); 13,500 peak watts, 10,500 running watts (propane)
- Runs for up to 19 hours on a 9.5 gal. fuel tank with built-in fuel gauge; up to 7 hours on a 20 lb. propane tank
- Engineered with low THD, so it's safe for sensitive electronics. Power phones, computers, TVs and more. Stay connected with people, news and entertainment during power outages, or on jobsites and campsites. Durable copper windings help your generator produce cleaner power, run cooler and last longer
- 12500 Peak Watts, 9500 Running Watts (Gasoline); 11200 Peak Watts, 8500 Running Watts (Propane); 9500 Peak Watts, 7500 Running Watts (Natural Gas); Remote Start with Included Key Fob, Electric and Recoil Start; Up to 12 Hours of Run Time on a 6. 6 Gallon Fuel Tank with Fuel Gauge
- Features Two GFCI 120V 5–20R Standard Household Receptacle, One Transfer Switch Ready 120V L14-30R, and One RV Ready 120/240V 14–50R; All Outlets Have Rubber Covers for Added Safety
- Powered by a Heavy Duty 457cc Westinghouse 4-Stroke OHV Engine Featuring a Long-Lasting Cast Iron Sleeve with Automatic Low Oil and Carbon Monoxide (CO) Shutdown, and Digital Hour Meter
- Plug-and-Play: Comes with a Remote Start Key Fob, 12V Battery Charger, Oil, and Oil Funnel, a Tool Kit, and a User’s Manual to Get You Started Right Out of the Box (Minimal Assembly Required)
- Whole House Protection: Keep your family comfortable and connected during power outages. Avoid the disruption of losing refrigeration, heating/cooling, lights and connectivity of your devices with a Home Standby Generator that automatically detects an outage and delivers backup power to your home.
- Lowest Total Cost Of Ownership: Electronic fuel & ignition control optimizes fuel use for a more cost-efficient and lower emission back-up power solution* and financing options that offer you solutions that meet your budget *On average versus Generac Guardian Series standby generators
- Remote Monitoring & Control: Built-in Cellular Connectivity allows you to monitor performance and control your generator with Mobile Link app whether you're home or away. Provides real-time updates and maintenance alerts right on your device.* *Requires Mobile Link premium subscription
- Superior Reliability: Oil level sensors monitor oil level to help ensure generator readiness, support in cold climates with improved cold start performance and sloped roof & rear intake to reduce risk of ice or snow intrusion
- TRI-FUEL FLEXIBILITY FOR ANY SITUATION: Run on gasoline, liquid propane, or natural gas with a simple dial turn, delivering 9,500 running watts and 12,500 starting watts to power home backup, job sites, or RV setups
- STABLE POWER WITH AUTOMATIC VOLTAGE REGULATION: Built-in AVR continuously stabilizes output voltage, protecting connected equipment from fluctuations and enabling reliable operation of motor-driven tools, pumps, and appliances
- 12,500 STARTING WATTS FOR HIGH-SURGE LOADS: The 500cc Generac OHV engine delivers 12,500 starting watts on gas — 32% more surge capacity than running output — handling simultaneous starts of air conditioners, sump pumps, and power tools
- COSENSE TECHNOLOGY WITH ELECTRIC START: Onboard COsense automatically detects rising carbon monoxide levels and shuts the generator down before reaching dangerous thresholds; push-button electric start with included 12V battery eliminates pull-cord effort
Your Guide to Natural Gas Backup Generators
Having a reliable backup power source is super important. A natural gas backup generator can keep your lights on, your fridge running, and your devices charged when the power goes out. This guide will help you pick the best one for your home.
What to Look For: Key Features
When you’re shopping for a natural gas generator, think about these important features:
- Power Output (Wattage): This tells you how much electricity the generator can provide. You need to figure out how much power your home needs. List all the appliances and devices you want to run during an outage. Add up their wattage. Get a generator with a bit more power than you need, just in case.
- Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS): This is a smart device. It senses when the power goes out. It automatically switches your home from the grid power to the generator power. This is a big convenience. It means you don’t have to do anything yourself.
- Fuel Type: This guide is about natural gas generators. Natural gas is convenient because it connects directly to your home’s gas line. You never run out of fuel.
- Noise Level: Generators can be loud. Look for models with lower decibel (dB) ratings. Some generators are designed to be quieter than others.
- Starting Mechanism: Most natural gas generators have electric start. This is easy to use. You just push a button.
- Durability and Weather Resistance: Generators sit outside. They need to withstand rain, snow, and sun. Look for sturdy casings and good weatherproofing.
Important Materials
The materials used in a generator affect its strength and how long it lasts.
- Engine Block: A strong engine block is key. It keeps the engine running smoothly. Cast iron is a common and durable material for engine blocks.
- Alternator: This part makes the electricity. Copper windings are good. They conduct electricity well and last a long time.
- Frame and Housing: A strong steel frame protects the generator. Powder-coated steel resists rust. The housing should also be tough to protect from the elements.
What Makes a Generator Great (or Not So Great)
Several things can make a generator perform better or worse.
- Brand Reputation: Well-known brands often make better generators. They have a history of quality. They also usually offer good warranties and customer support.
- Engine Quality: A high-quality engine is the heart of the generator. Engines from reputable manufacturers are built to last. They run more reliably.
- Maintenance Requirements: Some generators need more upkeep than others. Look for generators that are easy to maintain. Simple maintenance helps them run well for years.
- Warranty: A good warranty is a sign of a manufacturer’s confidence. It protects you if something goes wrong.
- Installation: Proper installation is crucial. A professional installer ensures your generator runs safely and efficiently. Poor installation can reduce its quality and lifespan.
User Experience and Use Cases
People use natural gas generators for many reasons.
- Homeowners: They keep essential appliances running during power outages. This includes refrigerators, lights, heating and cooling systems, and medical equipment.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing you have backup power brings a lot of comfort. You won’t be left in the dark.
- Convenience: Automatic models are very easy to use. They start up on their own.
- Remote Locations: For homes far from the power grid, a generator is often a necessity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the main benefit of a natural gas generator?
A: The main benefit is that it connects to your home’s natural gas line. This means you never have to worry about running out of fuel.
Q: How do I know what wattage generator I need?
A: You need to add up the wattage of all the appliances and devices you want to power. Then, choose a generator with a bit more power than that total.
Q: Is an automatic transfer switch (ATS) really necessary?
A: An ATS is not strictly necessary, but it is highly recommended. It makes the generator super convenient by switching power automatically.
Q: How loud are natural gas generators?
A: Noise levels vary. Look for generators with lower decibel (dB) ratings if you want a quieter option.
Q: Can I install a natural gas generator myself?
A: It’s best to have a professional install your generator. They ensure it’s connected safely and correctly.
Q: How often do natural gas generators need maintenance?
A: Maintenance needs depend on the model. Check the owner’s manual. Regular checks and oil changes are usually required.
Q: What happens if my natural gas line is not connected to my house?
A: If you don’t have a natural gas line, a natural gas generator won’t work for you. You might need to consider a propane or diesel generator instead.
Q: Are natural gas generators eco-friendly?
A: Natural gas burns cleaner than some other fossil fuels. This can make it a more environmentally friendly option.
Q: How long do natural gas generators typically last?
A: With proper maintenance, a good quality natural gas generator can last for many years, often 10-20 years or more.
Q: What is the warranty usually like for these generators?
A: Warranties vary by brand and model. Many offer warranties ranging from 2 to 5 years for parts and labor.
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