The Canadian winter reaches its peak when it tests our power grid system to prove its reliability. The ice storm that strikes Ontario and the heavy snowfall that hits the Maritimes both create power outages which disrupt daily life and endanger home plumbing systems and family well-being. People who want peace of mind need to select a standby generator but they must decide which fuel type to choose for their generator. Most homeowners need to decide between using propane or natural gas as their fuel choice.
Selecting the right fuel source is about more than just convenience, it is about availability and long term performance in extreme temperatures. Many homeowners across the country trust generac canada to provide the equipment necessary to handle these conditions. The decision about who will provide power to your home through Generac systems depends on which fuel sources are presently accessible at your location. Your decision making process requires you to evaluate which fuel source you possess and how you will store power during the blackout.
Canadian geographical areas determine which fuel source provides optimal performance for each specific location. Natural gas becomes the preferred heating solution for residential homes located in urban and suburban regions of the Greater Toronto Area and Calgary because city infrastructure delivers natural gas directly to their residences. Propane operates as the primary fuel resource for Canadian rural regions that lack electricity distribution networks because residents in these areas depend on their personal fuel storage systems.
Natural gas is commonly regarded as the option which requires no further maintenance after its initial setup. The utility provides fuel to customers which means they do not need to worry about fuel shortages during storms. Propane exists as a stored fuel which provides users with a limited supply of fuel that exists within their storage tank. The energy density of propane exceeds that of natural gas because it contains more energy per cubic foot which results in better engine performance for certain generator models.
When comparing these two, we have to look at three main factors: reliability, energy density and maintenance.
Natural gas lines are positioned deep underground which protects them from damage during storms that disrupt power lines. Natural gas pressure experiences a decrease only during rare events of seismic activity and extreme freezing temperatures which impact utility pumping stations. You have complete authority over propane because it is kept on your premises. The downside? A delivery truck cannot reach your location when six feet of snow blocks the roads to deliver a refilling service for your emptying tank.
Propane contains about 2,500 BTUs per cubic foot while natural gas contains approximately 1,000 BTUs. This means you need more natural gas to produce the same amount of electricity as propane. When a generator operates on natural gas its “rated power” decreases compared to its operation on propane because natural gas has lower energy density.
The main advantage of these options compared to diesel and gasoline. Gasoline starts to lose its quality after a few months. Propane, however, maintains its stability for an unlimited period. The fuel will maintain its current quality for ten years if the tank receives proper maintenance. Natural gas, which functions as a utility service, remains usable for extended periods. This property makes both options better for standby use that lasts over extended periods.
The actual expenses of operating your generator become clear through the process of cost calculation. Fuel prices show different price levels in each province which leads to general cost estimates that use average Canadian utility rates.
A standard home generator which produces 20kW of power will use between 2 and 3 gallons of propane each hour when it operates at half its capacity. Your electricity and furnace expenses will range from $6.00 to $9.00 per hour because propane costs between $0.80 and $1.20 per liter. The 24 hour power outage will result in expenses between $150 and $200.
The price appears excessive but it represents a minor expense when compared to the expenses that will occur because of a basement flood which happens when a sump pump fails or when frozen pipes cause water damage.
Natural gas provides the most affordable option for high-density areas in Ontario according to our findings. The system operates with high reliability because it maintains strong infrastructure while offering energy costs that are much lower than those of bottled propane.
The operating expenses for a 20kW generator running on natural gas in Ottawa or Toronto typically range between $2.00 and $4.00 per hour based on the current Enbridge or local utility rates. The absence of propane tank rental expenses benefits you because you do not use propane for heating or cooking. Natural gas provides Ontario residents with unlimited fuel access which makes it the best option for most suburban applications.
Generac designs their G-Force engines to handle both fuels, but there is a technical “shift” when you swap between them. A technician will establish your fuel selection system when they install your equipment.
The engine operates with cleaner carbon emissions when using propane because it produces its maximum power output capacity. The system will experience a power output decrease between 10 and 15 percent when operating on natural gas. The system which has a 20kW propane rating will generate only 18kW when it operates on natural gas. The actual power requirements of your essential appliances must be discussed with your installer because they determine the natural gas system capacity.
The power decrease of natural gas leads Canadians to purchase equipment which exceeds their actual requirements. Your home requires 19kW according to your calculations but the 20kW unit provides insufficient safety margin for natural gas operation.
This is where the 22 kw generac generator becomes the “Goldilocks” solution for the average Canadian household. The system provides sufficient power reserves which enable you to operate your central air conditioner and well pump and kitchen appliances at the same time because the system loses only a small portion of its natural gas efficiency. The system serves as the ideal residential standby unit because it offers the most effective balance between operational costs and environmental impact and power generation capacity.
Can I switch my generator from natural gas to propane later?
Yes. Most modern Generac units are field-convertible. A certified technician can flip a valve and potentially change an orifice to switch fuel sources if you decide to install a propane tank or if natural gas becomes available in your area later.
Does propane freeze in Canadian winters?
Propane itself doesn’t freeze until it reaches -180°C, but as the temperature drops, the pressure inside the tank decreases. In very cold climates, if your tank is too small or the fuel level is too low, the generator might not get enough “vapor” to run. This is why large 500 or 1,000-gallon tanks are recommended for Canadian winters.
Which fuel is more eco-friendly?
Both are considered “clean” burning fuels compared to coal or oil. Natural gas produces slightly fewer greenhouse gas emissions, but propane is not toxic to soil or water if a leak occurs, making it safer for cottage country and environmentally sensitive areas.
Do I need a permit to connect a generator to my gas line?
Absolutely. In Canada, gas connections must be performed by a licensed gas fitter (TSSA in Ontario, for example). They will ensure your meter has enough capacity to feed both your furnace and the generator at the same time.
How does the fuel consumption of a generator change during a long-term power outage?
It is important to remember that fuel consumption is tied to the “load” or the amount of electricity you are using. If you are only running a few lights and a refrigerator, your generator will consume much less fuel (propane or natural gas) than if you are running the air conditioner, the dishwasher, and an electric dryer all at once. During an extended outage in Canada, many homeowners practice “load management” turning off high-power appliances when not in use to conserve fuel and reduce the hourly operating cost of their system.
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