Imagine the lights suddenly go out. A storm rages, or maybe the power grid just takes a break. In that darkness, what keeps your refrigerator running, your sump pump working, and your family comfortable? For many homeowners, the answer lies in a reliable portable generator. But when you look at the options, you face a big decision: gasoline, propane, or natural gas?
Choosing a generator can feel tricky. Gasoline needs constant refueling and has fumes. Propane tanks run out and need swapping. This is where natural gas generators shine, offering a nearly endless fuel source directly from your home line. However, understanding the setup, the necessary hookups, and finding the perfect model that matches your home’s power needs can be confusing and overwhelming.
Don’t worry! This guide cuts through the noise. We will clearly explain the real benefits of connecting a portable generator to your home’s natural gas supply. You will learn exactly what features matter most, how to size the unit correctly for your essential appliances, and the simple steps to ensure you have reliable power whenever you need it most.
Top Natural Gas Portable Generator Recommendations
- 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
- The WEN Watchdog CO Shutdown Sensor helps protect both you and your family by automatically turning off the generator if dangerous levels of carbon monoxide are detected
- Electric start powers the 500c 4-stroke OHV engine with the turn of a key, while the 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
- 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
- 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
- Your 4000-watt portable generator operates on natural gas, propane, or gasoline, plus natural gas and propane hoses are included so the unit is ready to run on any fuel right out of the box
- Power up the 224cc Champion engine with the handy rocker switch, battery included
- Track voltage, frequency, session run time, and total run time, plus the UL-recognized sensor uses an LED to indicate CO shutoff or fault
- Gasoline: 5000 starting watts and 4000 running watts, propane: 4500 starting watts and 3600 running watts, natural gas: 4050 starting watts and 3240 running watts and engine oil is included
- Includes 3-year limited warranty with FREE lifetime technical support from dedicated experts
- 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
- With 13,000 watts of power, the XP13000HXT 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
- Run your generator on gasoline, propane, or natural gas. With Tri Fuel, we offer the ultimate freedom and flexibility of fuel choice
- Powerful 500cc OHV Engine: At the heart of this generator resides a robust DuroMax engine designed to provide you with the most power.
- The XP13000HXT comes with a push button start, a front facing interface that allows you to change your fuel type in seconds, and a wide variety of outlets including a transfer switch-ready 50 amp outlet
- Push Button Start and Remote Start: Turn on your generator with a simple push of a button, or use the remote to conveniently start your generator from a distance.
- 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.
Choosing Your Natural Gas Portable Generator: A Simple Buying Guide
A natural gas portable generator gives you reliable power when the lights go out. It connects directly to your home’s existing gas line, meaning you never need to buy or store messy gasoline. This guide helps you pick the best one for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, several features really matter. These details determine how well the generator works for you.
Power Output (Wattage)
- Starting Watts (Surge): This is the burst of power needed to start large appliances like refrigerators or well pumps. Make sure this number is high enough.
- Running Watts (Continuous): This is the steady power the generator supplies while running. Calculate the total wattage of everything you plan to run at once.
Fuel Connection Type
Most natural gas generators use a standard hose connection. Check the length and quality of the hose provided. Some models require a professional installation or a specific adapter for your home’s gas line.
Inverter Technology
If you plan to power sensitive electronics like laptops or TVs, look for an inverter generator. Inverter models produce “cleaner” power, which is safer for delicate gadgets.
Noise Level (Decibels – dB)
Generators can be loud. Lower decibel ratings mean quieter operation. If you live close to neighbors, look for models under 65 dB. A muffled enclosure usually means a quieter machine.
Important Materials and Build Quality
The materials used in construction affect how long your generator lasts. Good quality parts mean less hassle later.
Engine and Alternator
The engine is the heart of the generator. Look for well-known engine brands, as these parts are easier to find. The alternator converts the mechanical energy into electrical energy. Copper windings are generally better than aluminum for longevity and efficiency.
Frame and Enclosure
A sturdy steel frame protects the internal parts from bumps and weather. Many quality units feature powder-coated finishes. This coating resists rust, which is important if the generator sits outside often.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Quality isn’t just about what the generator is made of; it’s also about how it performs over time.
Quality Improvement Factors
- Automatic Voltage Regulation (AVR): This feature keeps the voltage steady, protecting your appliances from surges or drops.
- Low Oil Shutoff: This safety feature automatically turns the engine off if the oil level drops too low. This prevents serious engine damage.
- Extended Run Times: Because natural gas comes from a line, run time is theoretically unlimited. However, check the fuel flow rate specifications to ensure your home line can support the generator’s demand.
Quality Reduction Factors
Cheaply made generators might use thin wiring or plastic components that break easily. Avoid models that lack safety features like circuit breakers, which protect against overloads.
User Experience and Common Use Cases
How you plan to use the generator heavily influences your purchase decision.
Home Backup Power
For whole-house backup, you need a higher-wattage unit that can run central air conditioners or furnaces. These often require professional installation and transfer switches to safely connect to your home’s main panel.
Recreational Use (RVs and Tailgating)
Smaller, inverter-style natural gas generators are perfect for RVs. They are quieter and cleaner than propane or gasoline equivalents. Users enjoy the convenience of not needing to refill tanks when camping for long periods.
Job Sites
Construction sites benefit greatly from natural gas because the fuel supply is constant. Look for models with strong wheel kits and handles, making transport easier around rough terrain.
Natural Gas Portable Generator FAQs
Q: Why should I choose natural gas over gasoline or propane?
A: Natural gas does not expire, unlike gasoline or propane. You get unlimited run time as long as your utility keeps the gas flowing. It also burns cleaner, which means less maintenance for the engine.
Q: Is a natural gas generator harder to set up?
A: For small, low-wattage models, setup is usually simple—just connect the hose. For whole-house backup, a licensed technician must install a transfer switch, which is a necessary safety step.
Q: Can I use a natural gas generator during a power outage without professional help?
A: Yes, if you buy a standard portable unit that plugs into an extension cord system for specific appliances. However, connecting it directly to your electrical panel requires professional installation for safety.
Q: How do I know what size generator I need?
A: Add up the running watts of every appliance you must run simultaneously. Then, add the starting watts for the largest item (like an AC unit). Always buy a generator rated slightly higher than this total.
Q: Do natural gas generators run cooler than gasoline ones?
A: Generally, yes. Natural gas burns more completely and efficiently than gasoline. This often results in lower operating temperatures and less wear and tear on the engine parts.
Q: What is the difference between a “dual-fuel” and a “natural gas only” generator?
A: A dual-fuel model can run on both natural gas and propane (LPG). A natural gas-only unit is optimized only for the pipeline gas supply.
Q: Will my natural gas generator work if the utility company shuts off the gas line during a widespread emergency?
A: Yes, if the gas main is still pressurized, the generator will run. However, if the local utility shuts down the entire system due to a major disaster, the generator will stop working, just like your furnace.
Q: How often must I maintain a natural gas generator?
A: Maintenance is typically less frequent than gasoline models because the fuel is cleaner. Follow the manufacturer’s schedule, usually involving an oil change after the first 20 hours and then every 50 to 100 hours of use.
Q: Are natural gas generators quieter than other types?
A: Many modern natural gas models are designed with sound-dampening enclosures, often making them quieter than comparable gasoline models. Always check the specific dB rating.
Q: What is the typical lifespan of a good quality natural gas generator?
A: With regular maintenance, a quality natural gas portable generator can easily last 10 to 20 years, often exceeding the lifespan of generators that rely on stored liquid fuels.