Imagine the lights suddenly flicker off during a big storm. Your freezer stops humming, and the house goes dark. That sudden silence can be stressful! Power outages happen often, especially when the weather gets wild. You need a reliable backup plan to keep your home running smoothly.
Choosing the right home generator feels like a big task. Should it be big or small? How does natural gas compare to propane? These questions can make the decision feel confusing and overwhelming. You want power you can trust without the hassle of constant refueling or complicated setups.
This post cuts through the confusion. We will explain exactly what a natural gas home generator offers and why it might be the perfect fit for your family’s needs. By the end, you will know the key features to look for and how to confidently choose the best backup power solution. Let’s dive into securing your home’s electricity!
Top Natural Gas Home Generator Recommendations
- Perfect as a backup power source for larger homes or a dependable source of portable power
- 14,500 peak watts, 11,500 running watts (gasoline); 13,500 peak watts, 10,500 running watts (propane); 12,000 peak watts, 9,500 running watts (natural gas)
- Powered by a heavy duty 550cc 4-Stroke OHV Westinghouse Engine constructed with a durable cast iron sleeve; Runs for up to 19 hours on a 9.5 gal. fuel tank with built-in fuel gauge; up to 7 hours on a 20 lb. propane tank
- Engineered with low THD, so it's safe for sensitive electronics. Power phones, computers, TVs and more. Stay connected with people, news and entertainment during power outages, or on jobsites and campsites. Durable copper windings help your generator produce cleaner power, run cooler and last longer
- All Westinghouse portable generators are gunctionally tested in the factory and may contain minimum residual oil and/or fuel odor; EPA compliant; Backed by 3-Year limited service, labor, and parts coverage and Nationwide Customer Service Network
- 13500 Peak Watts, 10500 Running Watts (Gasoline); 12500 Peak Watts, 9500 Running Watts (Propane); 10000 Peak Watts, 8500 Running Watts (Natural Gas); Remote Start with Included Key Fob, Electric and Recoil Start; Up to 19 Hours of Run Time on a 9.5 Gallon Fuel Tank with Fuel Gauge
- Features Two GFCI 120V 5–20R 20A Standard Household Receptacle, One Transfer Switch Ready 120V L14-30R 30A, and One RV Ready 120/240V 14–50R 50A; All Outlets Have Rubber Covers for Added Safety
- Powered by a Heavy Duty 500cc Westinghouse 4-Stroke OHV Engine Featuring a Long-Lasting Cast Iron Sleeve with Automatic Low Oil and Carbon Monoxide (CO) Shutdown, and Digital Hour Meter
- Plug-and-Play: Comes with a Remote Start Key Fob, 12V Battery Charger, Oil, and Oil Funnel, a Tool Kit, and a User’s Manual to Get You Started Right Out of the Box (Minimal Assembly Required)
- All Westinghouse Portable Generators are Functionally Tested in the Factory and May Contain Minimum Residual Oil and/or Fuel Odor; EPA Compliant; Backed By 3-Year Limited Service, Labor, and Parts Coverage and Nationwide Customer Service Network
- Power Your Entire Home - With 13,000 watts of power, the DS13000MXT Tri Fuel generator will keep your whole home running during a storm or power outage, while protecting your family from harmful fumes with CO Alert.
- Tri Fuel Technology - DuroStar Tri Fuel Technology allows your generator to run on either gasoline, propane, or natural gas, offering the freedom and flexibility of fuel choice.
- Fully Loaded Power Panel - The DS13000MXT comes with a push button start, a fuel selection knob, and a wide variety of outlets (including a transfer switch-ready 50 amp outlet).
- CO Alert - Our innovative CO Alert eliminates the threat of carbon monoxide poisoning by automatically shutting down the generator when harmful fumes are detected.
- Remote Monitoring Anywhere: With Generac 7172 10kW Mobile Link Wi-Fi connectivity, effortlessly track generator performance from anywhere. Stay updated on status and maintenance alerts, ensuring peace of mind even when you’re away
- Whole House Protection: Keep your home powered during outages with Generac’s 100 Amp 16-circuit transfer switch, designed for seamless integration with whole house generators. Its durable aluminum enclosure ensures reliable outdoor use and coverage
- Long-Term Assurance: Backed by a 5-Year Limited Warranty, this automatic transfer switch delivers lasting performance and peace of mind, ensuring your investment in a Generac transfer switch will serve you well for years
- High-Quality 10kW Power: True Power Technology delivers clean, stable 10,000 watts with under 5% harmonic distortion. Generac’s low-maintenance engines run quieter and use less fuel for efficient, reliable home power
- Crafted for Excellence: Proudly engineered and assembled in the USA, our generators stand as testament to quality and craftsmanship. The purpose-built G-Force Engine is designed to handle the demands of usage, ensuring reliability and reduced maintenance
- Switch between gasoline (14500 surge watts, 11500 running watts), propane (12500 surge watts, 10300 running watts), and natural gas (10500 surge watts, 8750 running watts) with a simple turn of the selection dial
- Operates at 120V and 240V, making it perfect for transfer switches and emergency backup
- Electric start powers the 500c 4-stroke OHV engine with the turn of a key
- 8.2-gallon tank provides up to 12 hours of half-load runtime
- Includes four 120V 5-20R outlet, a 120V/240V transfer-switch-ready NEMA L14-30R outlet, a 120V/240V transfer-switch-ready NEMA 14-50R outlet, a 12V DC automotive outlet, a bottle of oil, a 6-foot LPG connection hose, an NG quick-connect adapter, and a three-year limited warranty
- 12500 Peak Watts, 9500 Running Watts (Gasoline); 11200 Peak Watts, 8500 Running Watts (Propane); 9500 Peak Watts, 7500 Running Watts (Natural Gas); Remote Start with Included Key Fob, Electric and Recoil Start; Up to 12 Hours of Run Time on a 6. 6 Gallon Fuel Tank with Fuel Gauge
- Features Two GFCI 120V 5–20R Standard Household Receptacle, One Transfer Switch Ready 120V L14-30R, and One RV Ready 120/240V 14–50R; All Outlets Have Rubber Covers for Added Safety
- Powered by a Heavy Duty 457cc Westinghouse 4-Stroke OHV Engine Featuring a Long-Lasting Cast Iron Sleeve with Automatic Low Oil and Carbon Monoxide (CO) Shutdown, and Digital Hour Meter
- Plug-and-Play: Comes with a Remote Start Key Fob, 12V Battery Charger, Oil, and Oil Funnel, a Tool Kit, and a User’s Manual to Get You Started Right Out of the Box (Minimal Assembly Required)
- All Westinghouse Portable Generators are Functionally Tested in the Factory and May Contain Minimum Residual Oil and/or Fuel Odor; EPA Compliant; Backed By 3-Year Limited Service, Labor, and Parts Coverage and Nationwide Customer Service Network
- INVERTER BENEFITS, HOME BACKUP POWER: The Westinghouse iGen8200TFc is a tri fuel generator with all the benefits of an inverter, but also with home backup power and a 50A outlet; Gasoline: 6600 running/8200 peak watts, Propane: 5940 running/7380 peak watts, Natural Gas: 5280 running/6560 peak watts
- SAVE FUEL, SAVE MONEY, LESS NOISE: Inverter technology adjusts engine speed to meet power demand, significantly cutting fuel use compared to traditional generators. That's less refills and fuel runs–saving time, money, and hassle. It's also much quieter than open frames, around 60 dBA at 25% load
- TRANSFER SWITCH OR INTERLOCK KIT READY: One 120/240V 14–50R 50A outlet for home backup can run your air conditioner, refrigerator, sump pump, and more–all at once; One RV ready 120V TT-30R 30A outlet; One GFCI 120V 5–20R 20A standard duplex outlet
- LOW THD AND COPPER WINDINGS: With less than 3% THD, it's safe to power electronics like phones, computers and TVs to stay connected during outages, or on jobsites and campsites. Copper windings help the unit make cleaner power, run cooler and last longer
- DURABLE ENGINE WITH SAFETY BUILT-IN: Powered by a heavy duty 298 cc Westinghouse 4-stroke OHV engine with a cast iron sleeve; up to 17 hours of run time on a 3.9 gallon fuel tank at 25% load with automatic low oil shutdown and carbon monoxide (CO) sensor
- HUGE PORTABLE POWER: The WGen14500TFc tri fuel generator with CO sensor is an ideal power source for jobsites and emergency backup of larger homes. Gas: 18,000 peak watts, 14,500 running watts; Propane: 16,000 peak watts, 13,000 running watts; Natural gas: 14,400 peak watts, 11,600 running watts
- TRI FUEL WESTINGHOUSE WORKHORSE: Runs up to 16 hours at 25% load on a 10.5 gallon gas tank, powered by a heavy duty 713cc Westinghouse V-Twin OHV engine; Automatic low oil shutdown; Low idle mode; VFT data center shows voltage, frequency and lifetime hours for updates on output and maintenance
- LOW THD—SAFE FOR SENSITIVE ELECTRONICS: At less than 5% THD, you can power phones, computers, TVs and more to stay connected with people, news and entertainment during outages, or on jobsites and campsites. Durable copper windings help the generator produce cleaner power, run cooler and last longer
- PLUG IN, POWER UP: Engineered to backup larger homes with ease. One 120/240V 14-50R 50A outlet, one 120/240V L14-30R 30A outlet, both are transfer switch and interlock kit ready; One 120V L5-30R 30A outlet; Two GFCI 120V 5–20R 20A standard duplex outlets; Two USB ports; All have rubber covers
- FULL OF FEATURES: Push button and remote start for quick and easy use; Includes a CO shutdown for safety; As low as 74 dBA operating volume; Reinforced steel handles and lift bar; Comes with oil, funnel and setup guide so you're ready to go
Choosing Your Natural Gas Home Generator: A Smart Buyer’s Guide
A natural gas home generator keeps your lights on and your fridge cold when the power goes out. Choosing the right one means peace of mind. This guide helps you pick the perfect unit for your home.
Key Features to Look For
Generators come packed with features. You need to know which ones matter most for your family’s needs.
Power Output (Wattage)
This is how much electricity the generator makes. You must calculate what you need to run. A small unit might power just a few lights and a fridge. A large whole-house unit can run your air conditioner, furnace, and oven all at once. Always buy slightly more wattage than you think you need. This gives you room to grow.
Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS)
This is a crucial feature. When the power fails, the ATS automatically starts the generator and switches your home to generator power. When utility power returns, it safely switches you back. This means you don’t have to run outside in a storm to start it.
Run Time and Fuel Efficiency
Since natural gas is piped directly to your home, you usually have unlimited run time, unlike propane tanks that need refilling. However, check the fuel consumption rate at different loads. A more efficient unit saves you money over time.
Noise Level (dB Rating)
Generators make noise. Look for a decibel (dB) rating, especially if you have close neighbors. Units rated below 65 dB are considered quiet. Quiet operation greatly improves the user experience.
Important Materials and Construction
The quality of materials affects how long your generator lasts and how well it handles bad weather.
- Engine Quality: Look for reputable engine brands known for reliability, like Kohler or Generac. A quality engine starts quickly and lasts for thousands of hours.
- Weatherproof Enclosure: The generator sits outside. It must have a tough, weatherproof metal casing. This enclosure protects the sensitive parts from rain, snow, and debris.
- Alternator: A good alternator produces clean, stable electricity. This is vital for sensitive electronics like computers and modern TVs.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Quality Boosters
High-quality generators include features like low-oil shutdown protection. This feature stops the engine if the oil level drops too low, preventing costly damage. Digital voltage regulation also improves power quality.
Quality Reducers
Cheap, lightweight construction often means the unit won’t last. If the components feel flimsy, the generator might break down during a long outage. Also, generators without proper ventilation can overheat, reducing their lifespan.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use the generator shapes your purchase decision.
Scenario 1: Essential Backup
If you only need to keep the refrigerator, a few lights, and a sump pump running during short outages, a smaller, less expensive standby unit might work well. User experience here focuses on easy setup and reliable starting.
Scenario 2: Whole-House Comfort
If you live in areas with frequent, long power outages or rely on medical equipment, you need a whole-house system. The user experience here is defined by seamless, automatic operation. You should forget the power went out because everything keeps working.
Always check local codes regarding generator placement. Proper installation by a licensed electrician ensures safety and warranty compliance.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Natural Gas Home Generators
Q: What is the main advantage of natural gas over liquid propane (LP)?
A: Natural gas is piped directly to your home. You never run out of fuel, unlike propane tanks that must be refilled.
Q: How much power do I really need for my home?
A: You need to add up the running watts of everything you must keep on, like the A/C, well pump, and furnace. Then, add 20% extra for safety.
Q: Is a natural gas generator easy to install?
A: Installation requires professional help. A licensed electrician must install the automatic transfer switch, and a gas fitter must connect the fuel line safely.
Q: How loud are these generators usually?
A: Most modern standby units operate between 50 dB and 68 dB. This is about the noise level of a normal conversation or a running dishwasher.
Q: Do I need to test my standby generator regularly?
A: Yes. Most units have a built-in exercise mode where they start and run for a short time every week. This keeps the engine ready to go.
Q: Can I use a natural gas generator during a power outage?
A: Yes, that is their main purpose. They are designed to automatically sense the outage and start up within seconds.
Q: What happens if my gas line pressure drops?
A: Modern generators are designed to operate within a normal pressure range. If the gas pressure is too low because the main utility is overloaded, the generator might not start or might run poorly.
Q: How long do natural gas generators typically last?
A: With regular maintenance, a good quality standby generator engine can last 15 to 25 years, often running for 1,000 to 3,000 hours.
Q: Does the generator need maintenance?
A: Yes. You must change the oil and filters regularly, just like a car. Many dealers offer maintenance plans to handle this for you.
Q: Are natural gas generators safe to run in the rain?
A: They are safe. Standby units are housed in weatherproof enclosures that protect all internal components from normal rain and snow.