Propane vs Natural Gas for Generators in Fort Myers Homes
We get this question a lot around Fort Myers — right about the time hurricane season starts to sneak up on everyone. Homeowners call and ask, “Should I go with propane or natural gas for my standby generator?”
Good question. And honestly, it’s one of those things where the answer really depends on your house, your neighborhood, and how you plan to use that generator.
We’ve installed hundreds of standby systems across Lee County — from the tight neighborhoods around McGregor to rural spots out near Buckingham and Alva — and we’ve seen both fuels work great when they’re set up properly.
So, let’s break down the real-world pros and cons of each, without the sales fluff, the internet arguments, or the “my neighbor said” advice.
First Things First: What We’re Talking About
Most standby generators in Fort Myers are dual-fuel capable — they can run on either propane (LP) or natural gas (NG). They use the same engine and generator head, just different fuel delivery setups.
The difference comes down to where that fuel comes from:
Natural gas comes from underground utility lines, piped directly into your home.
Propane is stored in a tank on your property and delivered by truck.
Both fuels burn clean, both are reliable, and both can power your whole house through a hurricane. But how they behave in a real-world Fort Myers setup is where the choice gets interesting.
Natural Gas: The “Set It and Forget It” Option
If your home already has natural gas service — for your stove, water heater, or pool heater — then this is usually the easiest route.
Here’s why homeowners love it:
1. Unlimited supply.
You never have to worry about running out. As long as the utility lines are pressurized and the service is live, your generator can run indefinitely.
2. No refills, no deliveries.
With propane, you’ve got to track your tank levels and schedule fills. With natural gas, it’s just there — no trucks, no scheduling.
3. Lower fuel cost (most of the time).
In normal conditions, natural gas tends to be cheaper per BTU than propane.
4. Cleaner burning.
It produces slightly less CO₂ and fewer byproducts than propane, which helps with engine longevity.
But — and there’s always a “but” — there are a few things to keep in mind.
Downsides:
During major hurricanes, gas line pressure can sometimes drop, or utilities can shut down portions of the system for safety. It’s rare, but it happens.
If you don’t already have a gas meter or service line, you’ll need to get one installed — and that can take time (and coordination with TECO or the local utility).
Some homes, especially in older parts of Fort Myers, simply don’t have gas infrastructure available.
For homes that do, natural gas is about as hassle-free as it gets.
Propane: The Independent Power Player
Propane systems are a little different. Instead of relying on a utility, you’ve got your own on-site supply. That means you control it.
Why people love propane:
1. Totally independent.
No gas company, no utility grid. When the storm knocks everything out, your tank’s right there, waiting.
2. Stable energy supply.
Propane doesn’t degrade or go bad. You can store it for years without issues, which makes it perfect for standby systems that don’t run daily.
3. Higher energy content.
Pound for pound, propane has a bit more energy than natural gas, so the same size engine produces slightly more power output.
4. Flexible tank placement.
You can bury or hide the tank to keep it out of sight. We’ve installed buried tanks that you wouldn’t even know are there except for the fill valve.
Downsides:
You’ve got to keep an eye on your fuel levels. If you run out mid-storm, there’s no delivery truck coming until roads clear.
Propane costs more per gallon than natural gas, especially during peak demand after a storm.
The initial setup is more involved — you’ll need a tank, regulator, and trenching for gas lines.
For homes without natural gas access, propane’s the obvious choice. It’s reliable, powerful, and self-contained.
Fuel Consumption: How Much You’ll Actually Use
Here’s where the numbers matter.
A 20kW generator running at half load will burn roughly:
Natural gas: 250 cubic feet per hour (around $2–$3/hr, depending on rates)
Propane: 2 to 3 gallons per hour (around $6–$9/hr, depending on supplier)
So yes, propane costs more to run, but the trade-off is total independence.
We always size propane tanks to give homeowners at least 3–5 days of runtime under normal use. For most Fort Myers properties, that means a 250–500 gallon tank, depending on your load and generator size.
What We Recommend Around Fort Myers
Here’s the rule of thumb we use when helping homeowners decide:
If you already have natural gas service, use it.
It’s steady, automatic, and cheaper long-term.
If you don’t have gas service nearby, go propane.
It’s dependable, scalable, and doesn’t depend on anyone else’s infrastructure.
We’ve seen both setups hold up beautifully through hurricanes — the key is proper installation, good materials, and preventive maintenance.
Real Job Example: Propane Setup in Iona
We installed a 22kW Generac for a homeowner in Iona who didn’t have natural gas available. They had a pool, a two-zone AC system, and wanted to run most of the house during outages.
We buried a 500-gallon propane tank, installed a 200-amp automatic transfer switch, and ran new gas piping from the tank to the generator.
When Hurricane Ian hit, their neighborhood lost power for four days. Their generator ran nonstop. When we checked on them later, the tank was still half full.
They told us, “We were the only house with AC and cold food the whole time.” That’s exactly what propane’s good for — full independence when everything else shuts down.
Maintenance and Longevity
Both propane and natural gas generators last a long time when serviced properly — typically 15–20 years.
But propane systems need a little extra care:
We recommend having your system inspected annually, no matter which fuel you use. During that visit, we’ll check fuel pressure, run the generator under load, and make sure everything’s ready before storm season.
Safety and Installation Notes
We can’t stress this enough — generator gas systems need to be installed by licensed professionals.
Gas leaks, improper regulators, or undersized lines can cause serious issues. We’ve been called out to fix plenty of DIY setups where the generator starved for fuel or wouldn’t start because of low pressure.
At Coharbor Electric, we handle everything — from load calculations and permitting to coordination with your gas provider. You’ll get a clean, code-compliant system that’s built to last in Florida’s climate.
Wrapping It Up
Choosing between propane and natural gas isn’t about what’s “better.” It’s about what’s right for your home.
Natural gas means convenience and unlimited fuel. Propane means total control and off-grid reliability. Either way, the peace of mind during hurricane season is priceless.
When that next storm rolls through and the power drops, you’ll hear your generator hum to life — and you’ll know you made the right call.
👉 Call Coharbor Electric today to schedule your generator consultation. We’ll inspect your home, calculate your power load, and help you choose the perfect fuel setup — safe, reliable, and ready for Fort Myers weather.
We make standby power simple, durable, and built for the storms ahead.
Optimized by Seraphinite Accelerator