propane generators?

[Garandman]

Man.. I'm reading this thread and the difference in price on propane, gas and diesel fuel is all over the place..

We paid $2.65 contract price last summer for propane because we only use about 300 gallons a year. It went down to $2 with more volume. The trick still comes by once or twice a month even though we might only need 20-40 gallons, whereas last delivery was after four days of running the generator and a month of heating and we used over 150 gallons.

Gasoline is currently 2.30-$2.55. But we purchase pure gas at a local station for $3.25 for all our small engines.

The unreliability of stored gasoline containing ethanol has driven a lot of people to propane or even diesel. Our generator in Boston is gasoline powered and we store 15-20 gallons of pure gas for it.

 

[PEJ5]

Here are current fuel prices in NB Canada converted to US gallons. Gas is $4.10 (10%eth) which is the lowest in 4 years - it is normally about $4.75. Diesel is $4.88, and propane is $3.99. These are Canadian dollars, but we earn Canadian dollars. A US$1 is CDN$1.40 right now. Read it and weep ...for us.

It is rare to find someone who heats with propane - no duh! Many in New Brunswick heat with wood since it is cold in winter and wood is plentiful. We tend to drive energy efficient vehicles. From what I hear, a propane generator is still cheaper to operate than a gas generator.

I continue to learn lots from this forum. Thanks from a newbie.

Happy New Year.

Peter

 

[Sawyer Rob]

From what I hear, a propane generator is still cheaper to operate than a gas generator.Peter

NOT around here it isn't...

SR

 

[coobie]

NOT around here it isn't...

SR

Nice to have a Options then....

 

[Stimw]

A lot of interest in a 14 YEAR OLD THREAD!!!
Maybe the OP is very patient.

 

[buckeyefarmer]

Propane never gets old

 

[Jstpssng]

In the early days of propane heating we learned of some of the shortcomings.

The main one being that at very cold temps the tank pressure would drop to the point that you'd only get some 60-70% of the tank capacity and the other being that heavy demands could actually freeze things up.

For winter heating we'd bring in 6 or more 100lb tanks and come summer we'd re connect the discarded winter tanks to use up the balance.
Back then we had no electricity so propane was essential for heat, light and cooking.
Some even had propane incinerator toilets.(phew, you did not wish to be down wind)

Late fall it was common to see a boat floating a half dozen tanks to the cottages.
Making things worst I had to carry my tanks up 50 steps so I opted for 60 lb tanks that were manageable.

Today I understand they have a system to maintain some heat to the tanks while I know some installations rely on ground vaults to use below frost line heat.

Always remember that propane is heavier than air so it will accumulate in basement areas and create a terrific explosion if ignited, only takes one spark!

A few years ago a campowner went to check on his place because the low heat alarm had gone off. He checked the camp and flushed the toilet to ensure that the line wasn't frozen, then went outside to check the propane tank. That must have been when the water pump kicked on because just as he stepped behind his shed the house blew up. I believe that it was a log cabin, and the news report said that the place scattered like match sticks.
Somebody sure was looking out for him that day.

 

[coobie]

A lot of interest in a 14 YEAR OLD THREAD!!!
Maybe the OP is very patient.

Like it was yesterday.LOL

 

[fried1765]

We paid $2.65 contract price last summer for propane because we only use about 300 gallons a year. It went down to $2 with more volume. The trick still comes by once or twice a month even though we might only need 20-40 gallons, whereas last delivery was after four days of running the generator and a month of heating and we used over 150 gallons.

Gasoline is currently 2.30-$2.55. But we purchase pure gas at a local station for $3.25 for all our small engines.

The unreliability of stored gasoline containing ethanol has driven a lot of people to propane or even diesel. Our generator in Boston is gasoline powered and we store 15-20 gallons of pure gas for it.

You must be buying your "pure gas" in New Hampshire, as it is illegal to "dispense non-ethanol gas from a pump" in the sanctuary state of Taxachusetts (except for airports).

 

[HillStreet]

A lot of generator companies will not even install a generator in cold climates if it doesn’t have a cold weather kit. My generac has an electric heating pad under the battery and one over the oil filter. Three years now with no issues except one fluke (lost power and generator did not stop because of a breaker tripped). Generac got involved immediately and all the experts could say was “we just don’t know why it failed. Never happened again. I change the synthetic oil, spark plug, and filter every year in the fall. I travel in winter and do not worry.