Is a Generator that runs on Natrual Gas instead of gasoline a good idea? How long would Natrual Gas last in an emergency?

Okay my daily usage is MUCH higher than some of those quoted. And I only signed up here cause I was hoping someone here could give me some advice, tho this thread is a little old I see. I am trying to pick a generator for Tx living. The summer is much harder to live through than the winter LOL. I could very easily store some cords of wood and last a very long time on them I would imagine. Plus we have those emergency blanket things that are supposed to hold in heat. Propane is the cheapest here, $2 a gallon and only $15 a yr to rent the tank to keep it in no matter how long I use the tank. I don't mind it being above ground but if elec goes during the winter then the fuel won't last as long....do I understand that right? If I rent the tank I cannot bury it. I could buy one but that is a LOT more expensive obviously. Is there any chance the heat will make the tank blow up? lol. I live on land so I have a well pump that has to kick in. It is a single phase 3.5 hp pump and that and my freezers of meat are the true necessities in a SHTF scenario. Can someone tell me about how much elec 3 freezers and a well pump would use? The a/c is PREFERRED but I'd rather keep it off and just go swimming outside or something to keep myself cooled so the generator does not waste my fuel. I am thinking either a 500 or 1000 gallon tank. I am working on having some things around the house that are causing me to use elec excessively fixed. My husband died last year and I have never done such things. I had no idea there were things I was needing to do every year, like service the ac/heater. Or change the filter, which apparently I was supposed to do every 2 wks in this area because of dirt/dust. I guess I want to know if there is a generator that uses less fuel when using less elec or if all of them are sorta like on/off and no difference in fuel consumption no matter how much elec you use? I would love to just get a big one and if I really needed it I could use more, but when I don't need it, I would use less fuel. kwim?

I have not read this entire thread so I apologize if I am repeating any old info.  In any case, I have built a completely off-grid power system to run an organic farm in the past few months.  I researched generators for a long time before finally making my move on one.  If it is possible to love a generator...I am there.

Two points to think about.

1.  In a SHTF scenario, the ability to get NG or LP may become non-existent and all supplies run out eventually.  Bio-diesel may be distilled at home or locally.

2.  There is no comparison in the efficiency of NG/LP to diesel in terms of fuel consumed per kW generated.  Diesel is simply the most efficient out there.  

http://www.hardydiesel.com/

The 15kW Perkins consumes about 0.2 gallons/hour at full load.  I can store at least 500-1000 gallons of diesel safely and long-term with a little additive and am in process of setting up a distillery to make ethanol and then bio-diesel from it.

I will also say that my only affiliation to the link above is as a satisfied customer.  

I hope this helps...

-Angus

Hi all..i'm new and not as knowledgable as all of you here..can't see how to post a new item so i'll do it as a reply..i live in south jersey and last year lost power for 5 days in height of summer heat..i don't want to repeat that experience!..

i want to be able to have power for 5-10 days..i want to run a frig,a 12cubit foot freezer and 2 window air conditioners 5k bto and 12k btu..and a tv!

my monthly kw usage is 5kw per day low and 13 kw per day peak(summer with air)..i want to handle peak

i have a separate old chicken coop 50 feet from the house where i want the generator if that is feasible..i do not want gasoline..and quiet as possible..i have a nat gas line right on the street..it is semi rural bot not suburban..i have 2 acres ..lots of trees..i'm in my 70's ..somewhat fit..but can't chop wood anymore so getting limited physically..

from reading all your comments it looks like nat gas propane or diesal are my choices..

i would like your comments on my situation especially as to the generator size..

donc