June 16, 2026 – Home Owners
Hurricane season runs from June through November, bringing months of potential power outages from direct hits or the outer bands of major storms.
When outages strike, neighborhoods may go dark for days or weeks. Spoiled food and unbearable heat make power loss more than inconvenient; it’s a serious problem for hurricane-prone areas.
Here’s the good news: if your home already runs on propane, you’re halfway to hurricane-ready. Propane is one of the most reliable fuels for backup power, and a propane generator can keep your home running when the grid goes down. The only question is which type fits your needs, budget, and desired coverage. Here are your options.
Portable Propane Generators: Affordable Backup Power
Portable generators are compact units that you store in your garage or shed until you need them. When the power goes out, you roll them outside, connect them to your propane cylinder, and start powering your essentials.
Portable generators typically range from 1,000 to 15,000 watts. That’s enough to run a refrigerator, lights, phone chargers, and a window AC unit. They won’t run everything, but you’ll keep the essentials running. A standard 20-pound propane cylinder can run a portable generator for 5 to 12 hours, depending on the load. For extended outages, keep extra cylinders on hand.
The Pros: Lower upfront cost, usually a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. Also useful for camping, job sites, or other uses beyond hurricanes.
The Considerations: You have to be home to set it up. If you evacuate, your generator won’t help. You’ll need extension cords or a transfer switch to connect it to your circuits, and you’re responsible for starting it and monitoring propane levels. And remember: portable generators should always be run outside, at least 20 feet from your home, and never in a garage or enclosed space.
Best For: Homeowners on a budget or those needing to power only key appliances during brief outages.
Whole-Home Standby Generators: Complete Peace of Mind
Standby generators are permanently installed outside your home and connected to your propane tank. When the power goes out, they kick on automatically within seconds. No action required from you.
Standby generators range from 8,000 to 26,000 watts. Depending on the size, you can power your entire home or prioritize specific usage, such as your HVAC system, refrigerator, or lighting.
The Pros: True hands-off protection. You could be asleep or evacuated, and your generator will still power your home. Because standby units connect directly to your home’s propane supply, there’s no need to haul portable cylinders or refuel manually. The fuel is already there, ready to go.
The Considerations: Higher upfront cost. Standby generators require professional installation, including propane line connection and, if needed, a concrete pad. Total investment can range from several thousand to over ten thousand dollars.
Yes, it’s a bigger investment, but a standby generator can power your entire home. Your food stays fresh. Your HVAC keeps running. Your sump pump keeps working when you need it most. That peace of mind is worth the cost.
One more thing to plan for: runtime. A standby generator running around the clock uses a significant amount of propane, and the industry standard is a 500-gallon tank. Smaller tanks, such as 120- or 250-gallon models, are sometimes used, but they may only provide backup power for one to five days. Not sure if your tank is up to the job? Paraco can assess your setup and recommend the right size. Once your standby system is in place, automatic delivery can keep your tank full all season without a second thought.
Best For: Homeowners seeking full-home coverage, anyone living in high-risk hurricane zones, or people who want their home protected even when they evacuate.
Why Propane Beats Gasoline for Storm Season
Already sold on propane? Consider this section your confirmation. Still comparing fuels? Here’s why propane wins when a hurricane is bearing down.
Propane stores indefinitely without degrading, unlike gasoline, which goes stale in a matter of months. That shelf life is exactly what hurricane prep demands: you can fill your tank in June and know the fuel will work perfectly in November.
Propane also burns cleaner than gasoline or diesel, producing fewer emissions and less engine wear.
Get Storm-Ready Before the Rush
Most people wait until a storm is forecast. By then, generators sell out, propane tanks are scarce, and delivery schedules fill up.
The time to prepare is now. Use this window to select the right equipment and ensure you have an adequate propane supply for your needs.
Don’t wait for the next storm warning. Call Paraco at 1-800-647-4427 now to secure the propane you need for reliable power. Whether you’re running a portable or whole-home standby system, we’ll make sure you’re ready before the next storm.