Monday, March 2, 2009

Why Use A Propane Generator

By Trevor Rice

It is not widely known that there are many ways a propane generator has an advantage over a typical gasoline electrical generator. Many would be pleasantly surprised to know that the propane generator can be more efficient, will burn with less emissions and are becoming more common all the time.

To begin with lets examine that fact that propane emits less fumes when combusted. The atmospheric emissions are higher with unleaded gasoline than with a propane generator. Remember that propane still puts carbon dioxide into the atmosphere as it is burned. The amount is less than it would be if you used gasoline, and this is why it is less dangerous to the environment. It is still necessary for us to practice moderation and look for better long term solutions, but it is a start.

Propane is found in a liquid state when it is stored in a steel pressure cylinder. When you turn the valve to use the propane bottle it changes to a gas it evaporates off of the liquid in the tank, which sometimes makes the outside of the cylinder frost up as heat is absorbed to allow this change in state from liquid to gas. Propane containers are filled at service stations and centers everywhere, or can be traded in for full bottles in some places. The cylinders are safe to store as long as there are no sources of ignition ie. fires in the vicinity.

An electrician and a gas fitter could permanently install a propane generator in most homes as a backup electrical supply. Since so many residences use propane to run the furnace and water heater, they already have a large tank of propane on the premises. In this case a propane generator can provide electricity on demand and can be set up to run over a number of days using this household supply tank.

A propane generator of sufficient capacity will meet the electrical demands of the household as a standby generator in case there is a long term power outage or emergency. At the same time the home would still be able to use the propane to heat water, cook and power the furnace. This would make the home much more self sufficient than most.

Camping is a good use for portable propane generator, for complementing an RV or campsite. Propane generators can also be used to get electricity to remote areas for construction tools such as air compressors and wood working saws, etc. And for a limited emergency standby generator for your home nothing beats the portable propane generator.

If you are in the market for a portable or permanently installed generator, have a look at propane generators. The environment needs all the help it can get.

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