A whole-house standby generator is a fantastic investment for your home’s comfort and your family’s safety. Unlike portable generators that require you to head outside in rough weather, a standby generator switches on automatically the moment an outage occurs. It can power everything from your lights and refrigerator to your home medical equipment.
For homeowners in Morristown and across Northern New Jersey, where grid outages are becoming more frequent, a standby generator provides invaluable peace of mind. And when you choose a propane-fueled model, you get the added benefit of a power source with an unlimited shelf life. Propane won’t degrade over time like gasoline or diesel.
But how much fuel can you expect your generator to use? Let’s break it down.
The amount of propane a generator consumes depends on its power output (measured in kilowatts, or kW) and how much electricity your home is drawing from it. This is called the “load.”
The Honeywell whole-house generators we sell and install range in power. A mid-range generator, which is what most homeowners need, typically uses between 2 and 3.5 gallons of propane per hour when running at or near its full capacity.
It’s important to remember that while your generator will run continuously during a power outage, it likely won’t operate at full load the entire time. Your power usage will fluctuate as appliances cycle on and off.
The best way to determine the right generator size for your home is to consult with a professional. Our equipment experts will perform precise load calculations to assess your home’s size and your family’s specific power needs. Some people want to power just the essentials, like lights, a sump pump and the refrigerator. Others need to run home offices, entertainment systems, or vital, electricity-dependent medical equipment. We’ll help you find the perfect fit.
With proper maintenance, your propane standby generator can last for 30 years or more. A key part of that care is exercising the generator regularly. Once a month, let your generator run for about 20 minutes under a full load. This keeps all the parts in working order and helps you spot any potential issues before the next outage hits. If you hear strange noises or notice it isn’t running smoothly, contact us right away.
At Dixon Energy, we are your one-stop shop for whole-house generator services. We proudly sell and install premium Honeywell generators by Generac, and our skilled technicians will help you select the ideal size for your home’s needs and your budget. We can even assist with financing options to make this important home investment more manageable.
To ensure your generator is always ready, we can also install a dedicated propane tank on your property. With our reliable automatic propane delivery service, you can rest assured that your generator will have the fuel it needs to keep your home safe and comfortable for as long as the power is out. Dixon Energy’s skilled technicians are also on hand to provide regular generator maintenance to ensure your system is running as it should.
Don’t be left in the dark. Contact Dixon Energy today to get a FREE estimate on a Honeywell whole-house generator installation!