Where’s the Best Generator Installation Near Me? We’re Glad You Asked…
When it comes to a trustworthy fuel source and technical expertise, what’s the best generator installation near me? While connecting your Generac backup generator to a natural gas line is a popular option, you’ll want to consider some important facts.
Make sure you have access to a natural gas line on your property and confirm gas service with a local utility or a Generac technician. Permits are usually required for the installation of new gas lines or the modification of existing ones.
Plumbers and gas fitters typically dig a shallow ditch or trench from the existing gas line to the generator’s location. Installing a gas line extension with appropriate safety features and valves, as well as a pressure regulator, is the responsibility of a certified professional. Your technician will eventually connect the extension to your generator’s fuel inlet.
So what are the pros versus cons of using natural gas? We’re glad you asked. There’s no need for propane tank refills or onsite deliveries with a natural gas line. In areas with abundant natural gas, it’s even cheaper than propane, per unit of energy. Plus, you’ll usually always have a steady supply of fuel.
Just know that gas line extensions are more expensive than propane, and safety protocols and installation requirements are governed by local regulations. Also, your generator’s power will potentially be disrupted if the main gas line goes out, although this rarely happens.
What’s nice about a propane tank? It’s independent of the natural-gas utility grid.
In the end, you can ensure your backup generator is connected to a natural gas line with the help of a Generac technician. Besides providing accurate estimates, an expert can ensure compliance with local regulations and address safety concerns.
Generator Installation Near Me: Why is Natural Gas Cheaper?
Think to yourself: Finding the best generator installation near me comes down to first understanding the basics of natural gas. Natural gas is a fossil fuel energy source and contains many different compounds. The largest component of natural gas is methane.
“Natural gas also contains smaller amounts of natural gas liquids, which are hydrocarbon gas liquids and non-hydrocarbon gases, such as carbon dioxide and water vapor,” states an article from the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
At $1.80 per gallon for propane and $0.70 per therm for natural gas, the cost per one-million British thermal units is $8.24 for natural gas and $23.12 for propane. While these prices can vary, the lower energy cost in this example is natural gas, according to a study by Oklahoma State University.
“Natural gas is usually cheaper than propane on an energy basis,” the study states. “But if natural gas is not available, propane may be the least expensive heating fuel available.”
For a comparison, let’s look at more potential benefits of propane. It’s ideal for areas prone to outages or without access to natural gas because it doesn’t rely on your local energy utility grid. Additionally, depending on your power needs and frequency of refueling, you can choose the size of the tank.
However, it’s generally more expensive than natural gas on a per-unit-of-energy basis. One needs to consider ongoing costs due to tank refills or automatic delivery services, as well as safety considerations if propane tanks aren’t installed or maintained properly.
Are you able to connect your generator to natural gas? Is it worth paying more upfront for installation of a natural gas extension or for ongoing propane fuel delivery costs? What’s your typical backup power requirement, and how long does it last? Your individual circumstances will guide you.
Convenience, Cost Effectiveness, and Reliability of Natural Gas
What else should I consider when looking for the best generator installation near me, especially when deciding between natural gas and propane?
With natural gas, you won’t have to worry about lugging propane tanks or scheduling propane deliveries. In the event of an outage, a natural gas line provides a continuous, readily available fuel source that provides a sense of security. When access to natural gas is abundant, you’ll reap significant fuel cost savings in the long run.
Fortunately, the maintenance requirements for natural gas generators are generally lower than propane generators, especially since a fuel storage tank isn’t required. Natural gas backup generators may also be eligible for rebates or tax credits in some regions, further reducing your upfront cost.
Being a constant fuel source, even in harsh weather conditions, natural gas is unlike propane, which relies on timely deliveries or refills. Wind, falling debris, and accidental damage aren’t a concern since the gas line is buried underground.
Natural gas generators also emit fewer pollutants and greenhouse gases. You could almost say natural gas is future-proof compliant because of stringent and evolving emission regulations in many regions. As natural gas generators burn cleaner fuel, they produce fewer exhaust fumes during a power outage, thereby enhancing indoor air quality.
We should also note that in the event of an outage in your main gas line utility provider, your generator will shut down. Plus, natural gas lines are not available in all areas.
It’s important to weigh these benefits against potential drawbacks, such as upfront costs and availability. For an accurate estimate of the cost to install a gas line extension, consult a Generac technician or licensed gas plumber. To determine the most cost-effective solution, consider your long-term needs and backup power consumption.
What About a Gas Line Extension and Generator Installation Near Me?
Finding the best generator installation near me is all about budgeting and making informed decisions that require an understanding of the upfront cost of installing a gas line extension. Costs are significantly impacted by the length of the trench and the extension of the gas line.
Gas lines over a certain distance require more materials and labor, which raises the price. It’s faster and cheaper to dig open trenches, but landscaping restoration may be necessary. The cost of directional drilling is higher, but it’s less disruptive. It’s also more expensive to handle obstacles like landscaping or underground utilities, if they require special handling.
There’s also a geographical variation in labor and materials cost, which affects the overall price. Remember that any project cost is increased by permits and inspections.
The typical cost to have a natural gas line extension prepared and installed is $2,000 – $5,000 for a relatively short gas line with minimal complications that’s approximately 20 – 30 feet long. If there are additional obstacles, such as complex trenching methods or if the extension gets up to 40 – 50 feet long, your cost range could be higher.
For backup power, you need an accurate estimate to determine if a gas line extension fits your budget. Making informed decisions requires an understanding of the cost compared to propane tanks or alternative generators. Overall, having a financial plan in place can streamline the project timeline and prevent unexpected costs.
You can make an informed decision about your backup generator’s gas line extension by understanding its upfront expense. It’s crucial to consult qualified professionals for accurate estimates and planning to ensure a successful and cost-effective installation.
W. Danley Electrical
The best generator installation near me: It’s available through W. Danley Electrical. We assist you throughout the entire process, from helping you prepare for installation, repair and maintenance to anything else surrounding your backup generator journey, as well as obtaining permits, inspections, and much more. We help you optimize and fine-tune your situation so you get the most out of your investment, as well as determine the correct generator size.