In an age where uninterrupted power is crucial for both comfort and safety, a natural gas home generator stands out as a reliable and efficient solution. From providing backup power during outages to offering a cleaner and more convenient alternative, the versatility of natural gas home generators makes them an increasingly popular choice for custom homes. As a longtime owner of a natural gas home generator myself, I will dive into the various aspects of natural gas home generators, shedding light on their benefits, functionality and why they are becoming an integral part of many custom homes.
Understanding the Natural Gas Home Generator
A natural gas home generator is a backup power system that relies on natural gas as its fuel source. Unlike traditional generators that often require diesel, propane or gasoline, natural gas generators tap into the existing supply of natural gas in many custom homes, making them a convenient and cost-effective solution. These generators are typically installed permanently, providing a seamless transition to backup power for part or all of the home when the main electrical supply is disrupted.
The Benefits of Natural Gas Home Generators
When I’ve had our home’s power disrupted by storms or other outages, there are some clear benefits. Here are some that I’ve noted.
Reliability in Emergency Situations: The primary advantage of a natural gas home generator lies in its ability to provide reliable power during emergencies. Whether it’s a storm, grid failure, or another unforeseen circumstance, these generators automatically kick in to keep essential appliances and systems running. This reliability ensures that you can maintain a sense of normalcy even in the face of power outages, avoiding inconveniences and potential hazards.
Continuous Fuel Supply: Unlike traditional generators that require the storage of fuel on-site, natural gas home generators connect directly to the home’s natural gas supply. This eliminates the need for refueling and ensures a continuous fuel source as long as the natural gas supply remains intact. This seamless integration with existing infrastructure enhances the convenience and autonomy of natural gas home generators.
Cleaner and Environmentally Friendly: Natural gas is known for being a cleaner-burning fuel compared to diesel or gasoline. When used in generators, it produces fewer emissions, contributing to a more environmentally friendly power solution. With a growing emphasis on sustainability, homeowners are increasingly drawn to natural gas generators as an eco-conscious choice that aligns with their commitment to reducing their carbon footprint.
Reduced Maintenance Requirements: Traditional generators often require regular maintenance and meticulous care, especially if they are not used frequently. Natural gas home generators, on the other hand, generally have lower maintenance requirements. The cleaner combustion of natural gas results in less residue buildup, reducing the frequency of maintenance tasks. For example, my personal generator does a weekly automatic startup and runs for 5-10 minutes, but only requires maintenance once a year. This feature adds to the appeal of natural gas home generators, especially if you are like me and want a hassle-free backup power solution.
How Natural Gas Home Generators Work
While I am a experienced homebuilder and have installed 40-50 natural gas home generators on our homes in the last several years, I am by no means an expert. Regardless, I feel that I can share at a high-level how they work, so here it goes.
Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS): The functionality of a natural gas home generator is orchestrated by an Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS). This switch monitors the electricity supply from the utility grid. When it detects a interruption, the ATS signals the generator to start, and within seconds, the generator assumes the responsibility of providing power to the home. Once the grid is restored, the ATS seamlessly switches the power source back to the utility.
Combustion Process: Natural gas home generators operate on the principle of an internal combustion engine. The generator’s engine, fueled by natural gas, turns a rotor within the generator, creating an electrical current. This current is then converted into usable electricity for the home. The combustion process is designed to be efficient and, as mentioned earlier, results in lower emissions compared to generators using other fuel sources.
Integration with Home Systems: Natural gas home generators are designed to integrate seamlessly with a home’s electrical systems. They are capable of powering essential appliances, heating and cooling systems, lighting, and other critical components. For my personal home, our generator powers all the electrical requires for the entire home. The integration ensures that you should have minimal disruption during power outages, maintaining a comfortable and secure environment.
Considerations for Installation
Here are some of my thoughts and considerations that you should think about when planning and installing a natural gas home generator for your home.
Professional Installation: While natural gas home generators offer numerous benefits, their installation is a task best left to professionals. Even with my experience, we always hire experts for the install. Certified technicians ensure that the generator is installed correctly, adhering to local building codes, safety regulations and the manufacturers installation specifications. Professional installation also includes the proper setup of the automatic transfer switch, which is crucial for the generator to function properly.
Sizing for Power Needs: Determining the appropriate size of a natural gas home generator is crucial for its effectiveness. You should assess with a professional what your home’s power needs may be during an outage and choose a generator with sufficient capacity. Sizing is done by Kilowatts and my personal home uses a 22KW system which powers all the electrical requirements for a 4,000 square foot home. Undersized generators may not provide ample power, while oversized ones can be inefficient and costly. Consulting with a professional can help you make an informed decision regarding generator size.
Location Considerations: The placement of a natural gas home generator requires careful consideration. Generators should be installed in a well-ventilated area to ensure proper airflow and prevent the accumulation of exhaust gases. Additionally, local regulations may dictate specific setback requirements and noise restrictions. The generator will need a stable platform which can be be a concrete pad or pavers. Depending on your location, if the property is in a flood zone, the generator may have be mounted on a stand and elevated to the required height. Occasionally, some privacy fencing may be needed to keep it secure and looking decent for neighbors. Again, you should work with professionals to identify an optimal location that meets safety and regulatory standards.
The Cost of Natural Gas Home Generators
The cost of natural gas home generators encompasses various factors, including the generator’s size, brand and features, as well as the expenses associated with professional installation. For my personal home, the upfront cost was in the range of $12-15k. While natural gas generators may have a higher upfront cost compared to portable generators, their long-term benefits often outweigh the initial investment.
Long-Term Savings: Natural gas, typically supplied through pipelines, tends to be more cost-effective than gasoline, propane or diesel, especially if it is already plumbed to other devices in your home, such as your water heater, cooktop, grill, dryer, fireplace, heating, or spa/pool heater. This means that, over time, the operational costs of a natural gas home generator can be lower than those of generators using traditional fuels. Additionally, the reduced maintenance requirements contribute to long-term savings.
Increased Property Value: The installation of a natural gas home home generator can enhance the overall value of a property. Potential homebuyers recognize the appeal of a home equipped with a reliable backup power system, especially in regions prone to power outages. The presence of a natural gas generator can be a selling point, offering peace of mind and convenience for future homeowners.
Conclusion
If you are like me, the desire for uninterrupted power is increasingly vital for daily living. The natural gas home generator clearly emerges as a practical and sustainable solution. Its reliability, continuous fuel supply, environmental friendliness, and seamless integration with existing home systems make it a compelling choice for your home if you are seeking a robust backup power solution. Investing in a natural gas home generator is not merely a precautionary measure against power outages; it is a commitment to a more sustainable and resilient lifestyle.
Additional Resources
Up to date Costs: This link provides info on current costs ranges for Natural Gas Generators based on sizes.
Different Generator Types: While we are a proponent of natural gas generators, this link provides a good overview of a variety of different types, not just natural gas.
Video Installation: This is a brief video shows how a generator is installed.
Safety Tips: This page is from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and does a good job providing many safety tips on generator use.
Generator Pricing, Sizing & Installation: Longer video that provides a solid overview of the process.
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