The Best Convenience of Natural Gas Power
A portable natural gas generator offers the ultimate combination of mobility and convenience for backup power needs. Unlike gasoline or propane generators that require constant refueling, these units connect directly to your home’s natural gas line for unlimited runtime.
Key Benefits of Portable Natural Gas Generators:
- Continuous fuel supply – No need to store or refill fuel tanks
- Lower operating costs – Natural gas typically costs less than gasoline or propane
- Cleaner emissions – Burns cleaner than gasoline with fewer harmful emissions
- No fuel degradation – Gas line supply means no stale fuel issues
- Instant availability – Always ready when power goes out
Whether you’re a facilities manager ensuring uninterrupted power at your plant or a homeowner preparing for hurricane season, portable natural gas generators eliminate the hassle of fuel storage and constant refueling. One generator can save an oil and gas site as much as $200K per year in diesel costs, making natural gas an increasingly popular choice for both residential and commercial applications.
These generators typically range from 4,000 to 20,000+ watts, with tri-fuel models offering the flexibility to run on natural gas, propane, or gasoline depending on your needs. Most units include essential safety features like CO detection and are designed with portability in mind – featuring wheels, handles, and quick-connect hoses for easy setup.
Simple portable natural gas generator word guide:
Why Choose Natural Gas Over Other Fuels?
When you’re shopping for backup power, the fuel type might seem like a small detail. But trust me, it makes all the difference in the world. A portable natural gas generator offers some pretty compelling advantages that can save you money, headaches, and even help the environment.
Cost-Effectiveness
Let’s talk dollars and cents first, because who doesn’t love saving money? Natural gas typically costs less than gasoline or propane, and here’s the kicker – the price stays more stable too. You won’t see those wild price swings that make you cringe every time you fill up your car.
Think about what happens during a major storm or power outage. Gas stations might be closed, out of fuel, or running on backup power themselves. Propane tanks need refilling, and good luck finding an open supplier when everyone else is scrambling for the same thing.
With natural gas, you’re connected directly to the pipeline. No midnight runs to find fuel, no wondering if you have enough to last another day. Some industrial sites save up to $200,000 annually by switching to natural gas from diesel. Even for home use, those lower running costs add up to real savings over time.
Environmental Benefits
Here’s something we can all feel good about – natural gas burns much cleaner than gasoline or propane. We’re talking about fewer emissions and a smaller environmental footprint. It’s not perfect (no fuel is), but it’s definitely a step in the right direction.
When your portable natural gas generator kicks on during an outage, you can rest easy knowing you’re not pumping as many harmful chemicals into the air your family breathes.
Reliability & Storage
This is where natural gas really shines. Gasoline goes bad – we’ve all dealt with that gummy mess in a lawnmower that’s been sitting too long. Propane tanks run empty at the worst possible moments. But natural gas? It’s there whenever you need it, flowing through underground pipes that don’t care about hurricanes or ice storms.
No fuel degradation means your generator is always ready to go. Unlimited runtime means you don’t have to ration power or worry about running out of fuel in the middle of the night. The gas just keeps flowing as long as the pipeline system is working.
You don’t need to store dangerous fuel on your property or remember to top off tanks. It’s backup power that actually backs you up when you need it most.
Want to dive deeper into these benefits? Check out our detailed guide: More info about the advantages of natural gas generators.
Key Features to Look for in a Portable Natural Gas Generator
Shopping for a portable natural gas generator can feel overwhelming with so many options available. But don’t worry – we’re here to help you focus on what really matters. The best generators combine reliability, safety, and user-friendly features that make your life easier during power outages or at remote job sites.
Portability
Here’s something that might surprise you – even though your portable natural gas generator can connect to a fixed gas line, you’ll still want to move it around. Maybe you need to store it in the garage between uses, or perhaps you’re taking it to different job sites. That’s where sturdy wheels and comfortable handles become your best friends.
The reality is that these generators can be heavy – some weighing well over 100 pounds. But when manufacturers design them with large, durable wheels and ergonomic handles, moving them becomes much more manageable. Look for generators where the wheels are positioned to balance the weight properly, making it easy for one person to maneuver.
Safety Features
Let’s talk about something that keeps us up at night – safety. When you’re dealing with any generator, but especially one using natural gas, certain safety features aren’t just nice to have – they’re essential.
CO Shield® Technology or similar carbon monoxide detection systems are absolute must-haves. These smart systems continuously monitor the air around your generator and will automatically shut it down if dangerous CO levels are detected. It’s like having a vigilant guardian watching over your family.
Another feature we can’t stress enough is low-oil shutoff. This might seem basic, but it’s saved countless generators from expensive engine damage. When oil levels drop too low, the generator automatically turns off, protecting your investment and ensuring it’s ready when you need it most.
Fuel Flexibility
While we’re focusing on natural gas, life sometimes throws us curveballs. That’s why many modern generators offer dual-fuel or tri-fuel options, running on combinations of gasoline, propane, and natural gas. This flexibility means you’re never stuck without power, whether you’re at home connected to your gas line or at a remote location where propane tanks are your only option.
At MTS Power Products, we understand this need for versatility, which is why we offer dual-fuel options that give you the ultimate peace of mind and flexibility for any situation.
Understanding Power Output for a Portable Natural Gas Generator
Power output can seem confusing, but it’s really quite straightforward once you understand the basics. Every generator has two important power ratings that determine what it can handle.
Running watts represent the steady, continuous power your generator produces. This is what keeps your refrigerator humming and your lights on. Starting watts, on the other hand, provide the extra surge needed when motor-driven appliances like air conditioners or well pumps kick on – they need that extra boost to get going.
Many portable natural gas generators now feature inverter technology, which is fantastic news for anyone with sensitive electronics. This technology produces clean, stable power with low Total Harmonic Distortion (THD), protecting your laptops, smartphones, and medical equipment from power fluctuations that could cause damage.
Here’s a practical guide to help you think about your power needs:
Appliance Type / Need | Recommended Running Wattage |
---|---|
Essential appliances (fridge, lights, small electronics) | 3,000 – 5,000 watts |
Critical equipment (heat, hot water, well pump) | 6,000 – 8,000 watts |
Large appliances (laundry, dishwasher) | Up to 10,000 watts |
Full home backup (small to medium household) | 8,000 – 10,000+ watts |
A smart rule of thumb? Choose a generator with running wattage at least 2,000 watts above your calculated needs. This extra capacity handles unexpected surges and gives you room to grow. Need more detailed guidance? Find out what size generator you need with our expert help.
Essential Outlets and Connections
The best generator in the world won’t help if you can’t plug in what you need. That’s why outlet variety and placement matter so much.
120V household outlets are your bread and butter – these standard plugs power everyday electronics and small appliances. But you’ll also want 240V outlets for larger equipment like well pumps, air conditioners, or for connecting to a transfer switch that can power multiple home circuits.
If you’re an RV enthusiast, RV-ready plugs with 30-amp connections are essential. And here’s a modern convenience we love – USB ports built right into the generator panel. No more hunting for adapters to charge your phone or tablet during an outage.
For seamless home integration, look for generators that are transfer switch ready. This feature allows professional installation of a transfer switch that can automatically power essential home circuits when the power goes out.
If you’re considering a smaller unit for lighter power needs, check out A guide to small natural gas generators to see if a compact model might be perfect for your situation.
Installation, Safety, and Maintenance Essentials
Getting a portable natural gas generator up and running safely is one of the most important steps we’ll take. It’s not just about flipping a switch and having power – we need to think about our family’s safety, proper installation, and keeping our investment running smoothly for years to come.
Safety First
Let’s be honest – generators can be dangerous if we don’t respect them. The most critical rule we can’t stress enough is never run your generator indoors. Not in the garage, not in the basement, not even in that “well-ventilated” shed. Carbon monoxide doesn’t care how tough we think we are – it’s colorless, odorless, and deadly.
We always place our portable natural gas generator at least 20 feet away from our home, windows, doors, and any air intake vents. Think of it this way: if we can smell the exhaust, we’re too close. The exhaust direction matters too – we want those fumes blowing away from our house, not toward it.
Even with built-in safety features like CO detectors on modern generators, we still recommend having battery-powered carbon monoxide alarms inside our homes. It’s like wearing both a belt and suspenders – sometimes extra protection just makes sense.
Installation and Connection for Your Portable Natural Gas Generator
Here’s where things get serious, and we need to pay close attention. The biggest mistake we see people make is trying to connect their generator to the wrong part of their gas system. Always connect directly to the gas meter – never through your water heater, pool heater, or any other appliance line. Those lines aren’t designed for the gas volume a generator needs, and frankly, it’s dangerous.
Most portable natural gas generator units come with convenient quick-connect hoses that make setup much easier. But here’s the thing – that first connection to your home’s gas line really should be done by a professional. We know it might cost a bit more upfront, but getting it right the first time protects our investment and our safety.
Pay attention to your hose diameter too. We need at least a ¾” diameter supply hose for the generator to get enough gas flow. A smaller hose is like trying to drink a milkshake through a coffee stirrer – it’s just not going to work properly.
For more detailed guidance on getting your system set up correctly, check out our comprehensive resource: More on the installation process.
Routine Maintenance for Longevity
Taking care of our portable natural gas generator isn’t complicated, but it does require some regular attention. Think of it like maintaining our car – a little effort goes a long way.
Oil changes are probably the most important thing we can do. Fresh oil keeps the engine happy and running smoothly. We should follow the manufacturer’s schedule, which is usually based on operating hours rather than calendar time.
The air filter deserves our attention too. A dirty filter makes the engine work harder and can affect performance. We check it regularly and clean or replace it when it starts looking grimy.
Spark plugs might seem like small parts, but they’re crucial for reliable starting. We inspect them periodically and replace them when they show wear. It’s much better to change them during routine maintenance than to find a problem during a power outage.
Following the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule isn’t just a suggestion – it’s our roadmap to keeping the generator reliable when we need it most. A little preventive care now saves us from bigger headaches later.
Frequently Asked Questions about Portable NG Generators
Over the years, we’ve helped countless customers steer their portable natural gas generator decisions. These are the questions that come up most often, and we’re happy to share what we’ve learned.
Can I use a portable natural gas generator for my RV or a job site?
You bet! One of the things we love about portable natural gas generators is how versatile they are. They’re not just sitting around waiting for the next power outage – they can actually work pretty hard for you in different situations.
For RV trips, these generators are fantastic if you’re set up somewhere with natural gas access. Many RVs already have propane systems, and if you choose a tri-fuel model, you get the best of both worlds. You can enjoy all your home comforts – air conditioning, microwave, charging stations – without worrying about running out of fuel in the middle of your favorite camping spot.
On job sites, they’re absolute game-changers when you can connect to a natural gas line. No more sending someone on fuel runs every few hours or dealing with empty gas cans. Your tools keep running, your work lights stay bright, and you can focus on getting the job done instead of managing fuel logistics.
How much power do I lose when running on natural gas vs. gasoline?
This is probably the question we get asked most, and it’s a fair concern. Here’s the straight story: yes, you might see a reduction of about 10-15% in peak power when running on natural gas compared to gasoline. Natural gas simply has less energy packed into each cubic foot than liquid fuels.
But here’s what we tell our customers – and what we’ve seen in real-world use. Most manufacturers design their generators so the advertised running wattage is based on natural gas performance. So if you buy a 7,500-watt natural gas generator, that’s what you’re getting on natural gas, not some reduced number.
The trade-off is usually worth it. During Hurricane season here in South Florida, we’ve seen customers run their portable natural gas generators for days without interruption while their neighbors are scrambling to find fuel. That continuous power supply often matters more than squeezing out every last watt.
Do I need a professional to connect my generator to the gas line?
We always recommend getting a professional involved, even though many portable units come with user-friendly quick-connect hoses. Think of it this way – you might be able to connect it yourself, but should you?
Safety is the biggest reason we suggest calling in an expert. Natural gas connections need to be leak-free and secure. A professional has the tools and knowledge to test everything properly and make sure your setup won’t cause problems down the road.
Local codes matter too. Here in Miami, like most places, there are specific rules about how gas appliances need to be connected. A licensed professional knows these requirements and can ensure you’re compliant. Nobody wants surprise visits from code enforcement.
Proper sizing is crucial as well. Your gas meter and existing plumbing need to handle the generator’s demand without affecting your other appliances. A pro can assess your whole system and make sure that ¾” minimum hose diameter is just the starting point for a properly designed connection.
For permanent standby generators, professional installation isn’t just recommended – it’s absolutely required. But even for portable units, the peace of mind that comes from knowing everything is done right is worth the investment, especially when you’re counting on that generator during an emergency.
Conclusion: Powering Your Life with Confidence
When the lights go out, life doesn’t stop. Whether it’s a hurricane knocking out power lines or an unexpected outage during the middle of your favorite show, having reliable backup power isn’t just nice to have—it’s essential. A portable natural gas generator gives you the best of both worlds: the freedom to move your power source where you need it and the peace of mind that comes with unlimited fuel.
Throughout this guide, we’ve seen why natural gas stands head and shoulders above other fuel options. Lower running costs mean more money in your pocket over time. Cleaner emissions help us all breathe a little easier. And that continuous fuel supply? It’s like having a power source that never sleeps, never runs empty, and never needs a trip to the gas station.
The key features we’ve discussed—from proper safety systems like CO detection to fuel flexibility and the right power output for your needs—aren’t just technical specifications. They’re the difference between a generator that serves you well for years and one that leaves you frustrated when you need it most.
At MTS Power Products, we’ve been helping people stay powered up from our home base in Miami, Florida. We’re not just another retailer—we’re manufacturers who understand generators inside and out. Our custom power solutions and McPherson Controls line bring advanced features like programmable displays and remote monitoring right to your fingertips.
Being located minutes from Miami International Airport and the Port of Miami means we can get your portable natural gas generator to you quickly, whether you’re down the street or across the globe. We’ve built our reputation on providing exactly what you need, when you need it.
Don’t wait for the next outage to catch you unprepared. The reliability, cost savings, and sheer convenience of a portable natural gas generator can transform how you think about backup power. It’s not just about keeping the lights on—it’s about keeping your life running smoothly, no matter what Mother Nature throws your way.
Find your ideal natural gas powered generator and find the confidence that comes with never being powerless again.