Summary:
How propane standby generators work in Suffolk County
It only takes a generator about 10 seconds to start automatically after a main power interruption. That’s the beauty of a properly installed propane standby system. Most standby propane generators produce as little as 60 decibels of noise — think the volume level of a normal conversation. It’s possible you may not even realize your neighborhood has lost power.
This involves installing an automatic transfer switch near your main electrical panel and running conduit between the transfer switch and generator location. The transfer switch monitors your home’s power supply and automatically starts the generator when it detects an outage. No manual startup, no extension cords, no running outside in a storm.
Propane is the perfect standby generator fuel. Unlike gasoline or diesel, propane won’t degrade over time, so when the power goes out, your generator will start automatically every time. This reliability factor is crucial for Suffolk County homeowners who might not use their generator for months at a time.
Choosing the right generator size for your Suffolk County home
Most Suffolk County homes need generators ranging from 10kW to 24kW, though larger homes with extensive electrical loads may require bigger systems. The key is calculating your actual power needs, not guessing.
Start by listing what you absolutely need during an outage. Your refrigerator, heating system, a few lights, and maybe your internet router for work. A refrigerator requires around 600 watts of power, while a heater or air conditioner might require between 1,000-1,500 watts. Add these up, then factor in startup surges that can be 2-3 times the running wattage.
Don’t undersize your generator to save money upfront. An undersized system won’t power essential appliances reliably and may damage equipment by trying to run loads beyond its capacity. It’s better to invest in adequate capacity that handles your needs comfortably and leaves room for future additions.
Suffolk County’s coastal location adds another layer of complexity. Suffolk County’s coastal location means dealing with salt air that can affect equipment longevity. We know which brands and models perform best in our climate and how to protect systems from corrosion and weather damage. This isn’t something you want to learn about after installation.
Many homeowners start with a 16-20kW unit, which handles most essential systems plus some convenience items. If you have a larger home, pool equipment, or want to power your entire house without thinking about load management, you’ll likely need something in the 22-24kW range or larger.
Propane vs natural gas: which fuel works best in Suffolk County
Natural gas offers the ultimate convenience if your home already has gas service. The generator connects directly to your existing gas line (though you may need to upgrade the line size), providing unlimited runtime during extended outages. You never worry about refueling or running out of fuel. Natural gas is also typically less expensive than propane on a per-BTU basis.
But there’s a significant catch. Natural gas isn’t available everywhere in Suffolk County, and some areas have limited capacity. During widespread emergencies, gas pressure can drop, affecting generator performance. When the whole neighborhood is running generators and heating systems, your natural gas pressure might not be sufficient.
Propane offers more flexibility since it doesn’t depend on utility infrastructure. A properly sized propane tank can power your generator for days or weeks, depending on your usage. Propane burns cleaner than natural gas and maintains consistent pressure regardless of external conditions. It’s also available anywhere in Suffolk County.
The trade-off is tank management. You need adequate space for tank installation, regular fuel deliveries, and monitoring to ensure you don’t run out during critical times. Propane is also typically more expensive than natural gas, and larger tanks require significant upfront investment.
For most Suffolk County homeowners, propane wins for reliability. You’re not dependent on utility infrastructure that might fail during the same storm that knocked out your power. With proper tank sizing and delivery scheduling, fuel availability becomes a non-issue.
Propane tank sizing and runtime calculations
A 7kW standby generator supplied by a 250-gallon propane tank can provide enough electricity to power your home for up to five days. But most Suffolk County homes need more capacity, which means larger tanks and different runtime calculations.
In most situations, a 500-gallon tank will be more than enough. It will last you almost two whole weeks, which is almost always enough time for power to be restored. This sizing works for most 16-22kW generators under typical load conditions.
Tank sizing depends on your generator’s fuel consumption rate and how long you want to run without refueling. At full load, consuming 2.5 gallons per hour, the runtime will be: 236 gallons ÷ 2.5 gallons per hour = 94.4 hours (approximately 94 hours and 25 minutes) At 50% load, with a consumption of 1.2 gallons per hour, the runtime will be: 236 gallons ÷ 1.2 gallons per hour = 196.67 hours (approximately 196 hours and 40 minutes) for a 1000-gallon tank with a 20kW generator.
Understanding generator fuel consumption rates
Your generator’s fuel consumption varies dramatically based on load. If you’re running your generator at full capacity, it will consume propane at a higher rate than if it’s running at a partial load. For instance, if you’re only running essential appliances (lights, refrigerator, and a few electronics), the generator might only need to operate at around 25% load.
This is why proper sizing matters so much. An oversized generator running at 25% load will sip fuel compared to a properly sized unit running at 75% load. But that oversized unit costs significantly more upfront and may not run as efficiently at very low loads.
Generac propane generators come with documentation that explains how many gallons they use per hour to create the amount of electricity they produce. If need be, you can also call the manufacturer for this information. The next order of business is estimating the amount of electricity you’ll be using and for how long. If the Generac generator is being used as a backup power source, you’ll only need a ballpark estimate. However, if the generator is going to be used extensively, you’ll need a more accurate number. Once you’ve determined the two amounts, multiply how much fuel your generator uses per hour by how many hours you plan on using it.
Temperature affects fuel consumption too. Temperature and altitude can also affect how efficiently your generator uses propane. Colder temperatures can reduce the pressure in the propane tank, leading to a decrease in fuel efficiency. Additionally, operating a generator in high-altitude areas can impact fuel consumption due to changes in air pressure and oxygen levels, potentially decreasing efficiency.
For Suffolk County conditions, plan for slightly higher consumption during winter months when heating loads are highest and tank pressure might be reduced. A good rule of thumb is to size your tank for 7-10 days of runtime under your expected load conditions, then add a safety margin.
500-gallon vs 1000-gallon tank considerations
For most Suffolk County homes, a 500-gallon tank hits the sweet spot between runtime and cost. An 18kW generator with a 500-gallon tank is more than enough for most 1,000-2,000 sq ft homes, and if you decide to upgrade to a 20kW model in the future, you certainly can.
Here’s where tank sizing gets confusing. By law, we may only fill propane tanks to 80 percent of their capacity to allow for temperature-related expansion. So a “500-gallon” tank actually holds about 400 gallons of propane, and a “1000-gallon” tank holds about 800 gallons. This matters significantly for runtime calculations.
The 500-gallon option works well for most homes because it provides 1-2 weeks of runtime without taking up excessive yard space or requiring massive upfront investment. Common uses for this tank size include whole-home heating, pool heaters, and generators.
Consider the 1000-gallon option if you have a larger generator (24kW+), want extended runtime without delivery concerns, or plan to use propane for other applications like pool heating or outdoor cooking. A 1000-gallon above ground tank is typically used for multi-propane use households or commercial heating, cooking, and temporary heat applications.
Installation costs increase with tank size. You’ll need more yard space and potentially different setback requirements. But the peace of mind of 3-4 weeks of fuel storage might be worth it for some Suffolk County homeowners, especially in more remote areas where delivery during storms might be challenging.
Getting your propane standby generator installed in Suffolk County
Suffolk County requires electrical permits for generator installations, and only licensed electrical contractors can apply for these permits. The application must include site plans, electrical diagrams, manufacturer specifications, and details about fuel connections. This isn’t a DIY project. Cutting corners on professional installation will cost you more in the long run.
The process typically takes 2-3 months from start to finish, though much of this time involves permit approvals and scheduling rather than actual installation work. Plan ahead, especially if you’re trying to get installed before storm season. Many contractors get booked solid once people start thinking about backup power.
The smart move is working with a company that handles the entire process—generator selection, tank sizing, permits, installation, and ongoing maintenance. Working with an experienced contractor who understands local requirements saves time and prevents costly mistakes. We handle permit applications, coordinate inspections, and ensure your installation meets all safety codes and manufacturer specifications.
For Suffolk County residents, Liberty Gas Service provides comprehensive propane standby generator solutions, from initial consultation through ongoing maintenance. We understand local coastal conditions, permit requirements, and the specific challenges of salt air installations. Most importantly, we handle the propane supply side—ensuring your generator has fuel when you need it most. Contact Liberty Gas Service for a free generator sizing consultation to determine the right system for your home’s specific needs and budget.
