When severe weather strikes or the grid fails, a reliable backup power source becomes more than a convenience—it’s a necessity for safety and comfort. Natural gas generators offer a distinct advantage for home backup, providing a nearly limitless fuel supply directly from your utility line. This means you can weather extended outages without worrying about storing or refilling volatile fuels like gasoline.
Choosing the right generator depends on your home’s size, essential circuit needs, and desired features. From powerful whole-house options to versatile inverter models, this roundup covers the top natural gas generators designed to keep your lights on, food cold, and family safe during a power interruption.
Our Top Natural Gas Generator Picks
- Westinghouse 14500 Peak Watt Tri-Fuel Home Backup Portable Generator
- Westinghouse 11000 Peak Watt Tri-Fuel Portable Inverter Generator
- Westinghouse 12500 Peak Watt Tri-Fuel Home Backup Portable Generator
- WEN 14,500-Watt 120V/240V Tri-Fuel Generator
- Westinghouse 12500 Watt Dual Fuel Home Backup Portable Generator
- Generac 12,500 Peak Watt Tri-Fuel Portable Generator
- DuroMax XP13000EH 13,000-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Generator
- Westinghouse 28000 Peak Watt Tri-Fuel Home Backup Portable Generator
- DuroMax XP13000HXT 13,000-Watt Tri Fuel Portable Generator
- Champion Power Equipment 15,000/12,000-Watt Portable Generator
Westinghouse 14500 Peak Watt Tri-Fuel Home Backup Portable Generator
This Westinghouse model is a powerhouse built for larger homes that require substantial backup power. Its high output delivers 14,500 peak watts on gasoline and a robust 12,000 peak watts on natural gas, making it capable of running multiple major appliances simultaneously. The large 9.5-gallon fuel tank provides up to 19 hours of runtime, offering peace of mind during prolonged outages.
Powered by a durable 550cc engine with a cast iron sleeve, this generator is designed for longevity and reliable performance. The convenience of a remote electric start and the flexibility to run on gasoline, propane, or natural gas make it an incredibly versatile choice for any emergency situation.
Westinghouse 11000 Peak Watt Tri-Fuel Portable Inverter Generator
For those who need clean, stable power for sensitive electronics like computers and televisions, this inverter generator is an excellent solution. It combines the fuel flexibility of a tri-fuel design with advanced inverter technology, resulting in lower total harmonic distortion (THD). This means it’s safe for your most valuable electronics while also being significantly quieter and more fuel-efficient than traditional open-frame generators.
The iGen11000TFc adjusts its engine speed to match the power demand, which conserves fuel and reduces noise. It’s also parallel capable, allowing you to connect a second compatible unit for even more power if needed. With a built-in carbon monoxide sensor and transfer switch readiness, it prioritizes both safety and convenience.
Westinghouse 12500 Peak Watt Tri-Fuel Home Backup Portable Generator
Balancing high power output with practical features, this Westinghouse generator provides 12,500 peak watts on gasoline and 9,500 peak watts on natural gas. It’s a strong contender for whole-home backup, equipped with a remote start key fob for easy operation from inside your home. The digital hour meter helps you keep track of maintenance intervals for long-term reliability.
This unit includes a comprehensive set of outlets, including GFCI-protected household receptacles and transfer-switch-ready options for connecting to your home’s electrical panel. The automatic low-oil and CO shutdown features provide critical protection for the engine and your family, making it a safe and dependable power source.
WEN 14,500-Watt 120V/240V Tri-Fuel Generator
WEN brings a high-performance, tri-fuel option to the market that is ready to handle demanding backup power needs. With a simple turn of a dial, you can switch between gasoline, propane, and natural gas, giving you ultimate fuel source flexibility. Its high wattage output ensures that essential home systems and appliances remain operational during an outage.
Designed with home backup in mind, this generator operates at both 120V and 240V, making it fully compatible with home transfer switches. The electric start feature powered by a robust 500cc engine ensures a quick and easy start every time, while the included wheel kit enhances portability around your property.
Westinghouse 12500 Watt Dual Fuel Home Backup Portable Generator
This Westinghouse dual-fuel model is a reliable workhorse for home backup, offering the choice between gasoline and propane. While it does not connect to natural gas, its propane capability provides a cleaner-burning and often more storable alternative to gasoline alone. The remote electric start and clear VFT display for monitoring output make it user-friendly.
With a powerful 457cc engine and a cast iron sleeve, this generator is built to last. It offers a solid runtime of up to 12 hours and comes equipped with the necessary outlets for connecting to a household transfer switch or powering an RV directly, making it versatile for both emergency and recreational use.
Generac 12,500 Peak Watt Tri-Fuel Portable Generator
Generac, a trusted name in home backup power, offers this tri-fuel portable generator designed for both emergency and jobsite use. It features a convenient electric start with an included battery, eliminating the hassle of manual pulling. The covered outlets offer added protection from the elements, which is crucial for reliable operation in harsh weather conditions.
This generator is built for extended runtime, capable of running for up to 9.5 hours at a 50% load on gasoline. Its quiet operation and 49-state compliance make it a considerate and widely usable option for residential areas, providing substantial power without excessive noise.
DuroMax XP13000EH 13,000-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Generator
The DuroMax XP13000EH is a powerhouse from a brand known for its expertise in dual-fuel technology. With 13,000 watts of starting power, it is fully capable of serving as a whole-home backup solution during a prolonged blackout. Its robust construction is centered around a dependable DuroMax engine designed for heavy-duty use.
This generator provides the flexibility to run on either gasoline or propane, giving you options based on fuel availability and cost. It is transfer switch ready, allowing for a seamless connection to your home’s essential circuits, and is also equipped to handle large RV power requirements.
Westinghouse 28000 Peak Watt Tri-Fuel Home Backup Portable Generator
For the ultimate in portable backup power, the Westinghouse 28000 is in a class of its own. This industrial-grade generator delivers a massive 28,000 peak watts on gasoline and 22,400 on natural gas, making it suitable for powering the largest of homes with central air conditioning and all major appliances. Its substantial 17.2-gallon fuel tank supports long runtimes.
Powered by a colossal 999cc V-Twin engine, this generator is built for maximum performance and durability. It features an extensive panel of outlets, including multiple transfer-switch-ready 50A and 30A connections, ensuring you can distribute power wherever it’s needed most during an emergency.
DuroMax XP13000HXT 13,000-Watt Tri Fuel Portable Generator
This DuroMax model expands your fuel options by offering true tri-fuel capability, allowing you to run on gasoline, propane, or natural gas. The 13,000 watts of power provide ample energy for whole-home backup, and the integrated CO Alert technology monitors carbon monoxide levels, automatically reducing risk if the unit is used too close to an enclosed space.
At its core is a powerful 500cc OHV engine designed for reliable performance under load. The flexibility to choose your fuel source, combined with critical safety features, makes this generator a smart and adaptable choice for ensuring your family’s comfort and safety during a power outage.
Champion Power Equipment 15,000/12,000-Watt Portable Natural Gas Generator
Champion Power Equipment offers a high-wattage solution specifically geared for home backup, delivering 15,000 peak watts and 12,000 running watts. This level of output is designed to handle the demands of a full household, including well pumps, central air conditioning units, and major kitchen appliances simultaneously.
As a dedicated natural gas portable generator, it is intended for connection to a home’s existing natural gas line, providing a virtually endless fuel supply for as long as the utility service remains active. This makes it an exceptionally reliable option for areas prone to extended power outages, ensuring you are prepared for multi-day emergencies.
Buying Guide: How to Choose Your Home’s Natural Gas Generator
When my power went out for three days last winter, I decided it was finally time to get a natural gas generator. I quickly learned that picking the right one isn’t just about the biggest number on the box. It’s about matching the machine to your home’s specific needs. If you’re looking at the 10 best natural gas generators for home backup, here’s what I found to be most important.
First, you need to figure out how much power you actually require. This is the most critical step. I started by making a list of the essential appliances I wanted to keep running during an outage: the refrigerator, furnace fan, a few lights, the well pump, and my internet modem. You can find the running watts for each of these on a label on the appliance itself. Add them all up, and don’t forget to account for the initial surge watts, which are higher when motors first kick on. This total wattage is your target. A generator that’s too small will be overwhelmed, and one that’s too large is just a waste of money and fuel.
Next, consider the installation. This isn’t like a portable gasoline generator you wheel out of the garage. A home standby generator is a permanent fixture that needs a professional to install. This involves placing a concrete pad, running the necessary gas line from your main supply, and installing an automatic transfer switch. The transfer switch is the brains of the operation; it constantly monitors your utility power and, within seconds of an outage, signals the generator to start and seamlessly transfers your home’s electrical load. This automatic operation is a huge benefit, especially if you’re not home when the power fails.
Finally, think about the long-term. Look at the generator’s warranty—a longer warranty often indicates the manufacturer’s confidence in their product. Consider the maintenance schedule; these units typically run a self-test weekly, but they still need periodic oil and filter changes by a professional. The noise level can also be a factor, especially if you have nearby neighbors. I made sure to check the decibel rating to find a model that wouldn’t be a nuisance. Taking the time to work through these points helped me find a generator that I’m confident will keep my home safe and comfortable for years to come.
FAQ
How long can a natural gas generator run continuously?
This is one of the biggest advantages. A natural gas generator connected to a municipal supply can run for as long as the gas is flowing, which is essentially indefinitely during a typical outage. This is a major benefit over propane or diesel models, which are limited by the size of their on-site fuel tank. You don’t have to worry about refueling in the middle of a storm.
What is the average cost to install a home natural gas generator?
The total cost can vary widely based on your home’s size and setup, but you should expect the installation to be a significant part of the expense. For a full system, including the generator unit, automatic transfer switch, and professional installation (like concrete pad and gas line work), costs often range from $10,000 to $15,000 or more. The unit itself is one part; the labor and materials for a proper, safe installation are the rest.
Do natural gas generators require much maintenance?
Yes, they do require scheduled maintenance to ensure they’re ready when you need them. Most modern units run a brief self-test cycle automatically each week. Beyond that, you’ll need a qualified technician to perform annual maintenance. This typically includes an oil change, spark plug replacement, and a thorough inspection of the air filter, battery, and overall system. It’s similar to maintaining a car.
Will a natural gas generator power my entire house?
It depends on the size of the generator and your home’s electrical demands. Larger units, often 20kW and above, are designed to power an entire home, including central air conditioning. Smaller units are meant for partial-house coverage, running just your essential circuits. When evaluating the 10 best natural gas generators for home backup, you’ll see they come in various sizes for this exact reason. A professional installer can help you determine the right size for your needs.
Is it safe to run a natural gas generator in the rain or snow?
Home standby generators are built to be installed outside and are designed to withstand typical weather conditions, including rain and snow. They come in weatherproof enclosures. However, proper installation is key. The unit should be placed on a level, stable surface away from windows and air intakes to prevent exhaust fumes from entering the home. Always follow the manufacturer’s clearance guidelines.