Fuel options (shopping, not install)
Quick comparison
| Fuel | Shopping upside | Shopping tradeoffs | Ask your pro |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natural gas | No on-site tank refill in many neighborhoods; continuous supply if utility is up | Needs adequate meter/line capacity; utility outage of gas is rare but possible; pipe sizing is a pro job | Meter capacity, dedicated run, utility notification |
| Propane (LP) | Works off-grid from utility gas; common in rural areas | Tank sizing, setbacks, refill logistics in a regional emergency; vaporization in cold weather matters | Tank size/location, lease vs own, winter performance |
| Diesel | High energy density; familiar for larger / longer-run sets | On-site storage limits, fuel polishing/turnover, cold-weather additives, spill rules | Tank permits, runtime goals, maintenance plan |
Questions for the sales / site visit
- What runtime do we want at the expected load (hours vs multi-day)?
- Is natural gas service on the same side of the house as the preferred pad?
- For propane: existing tank capacity shared with furnace/range, or dedicated?
- For diesel: where can a tank sit legally, and how often will fuel be refreshed?
- Who pulls fuel/mechanical permits — electrician’s GC, HVAC, or propane company?
- What maintenance / exercise schedule is required for warranty?
Portable gasoline note
Portable gas generators are a different product path (storage, refueling, manual transfer / interlock where allowed). This desk focuses on permanent standby shopping. If you stay portable, still use a legal transfer method — never backfeed — and keep the unit outdoors away from openings. CO kills.
CO & placement (all fuels)
- Exhaust contains carbon monoxide. Follow manufacturer clearances and local code for distance from windows, doors, and air intakes.
- Install / maintain CO alarms inside the home per local residential code expectations.
- Smoke alarms ≠ CO alarms.
Next: gear shopping list → or permit path →