Diesel vs. Natural Gas Standby Generators: Which One Is Better for You?
You might be in the market for a standby generator for your home, business, or worksite, and wonder whether a diesel or gasoline-powered generator is best for your needs. As suppliers and installers of GENERAC generators and experts in generator installation and maintenance, the professional team at Generator Pros is here to help. Read on for our experience-based opinions and industry insights.
Differences Between Diesel and Gas Generators
The obvious difference is the type of fuel that these GENERAC generators use. Natural gas is supplied on-site, via a direct hookup to a home or business’s existing supply. If no hookup currently exists, one will need to be run to the installation site. On the other hand, diesel standby generators have a tank that holds the fuel necessary. Fuel will need to be replaced when used and checked periodically for freshness.
The type of fuel that a standby generator uses goes hand in hand with its performance ability, operating costs, and overall convenience of operation. Natural gas offers a continuous fuel supply, eliminating the need for refueling. This is especially convenient during the bad weather that often accompanies power outages. Owners of natural gas standby generators will not need to store fuel on site or worry about running out of fuel, which is appreciated during prolonged power outages. On the other hand, if the natural gas supplier is also affected by a localized disaster, outage, or weather event, then there may not be available fuel or any recourse. Some models can operate using liquid propane as well–contact our professional team for more information.
Natural gas standby generators are generally cleaner-burning than other types, so they naturally produce less residue and internal buildup and typically require only minimal generator maintenance. They typically also produce less pollution and emissions. And in many areas, natural gas is more affordable than diesel fuel, which means that prolonged operation could be more cost-effective in natural gas models.
All of that said, it’s undeniable that diesel fuel has a higher energy density than natural gas, allowing it to generate more power per a given amount. For this reason, diesel standby generators may require less fuel to operate for extended periods, giving owners long run time on a single tank. And while the cost for diesel fuel can be variable, depending on where you live, it is generally readily available, even in places where natural gas is not. Despite those positives, though, diesel generators produce more contaminants and pollutants, and are often louder to operate.
Should You Choose a Diesel or Natural Gas Generator?
In the end, this decision really comes down to each individual and their circumstances and preferences. If natural gas lines already run to your home or business, then it may be the easiest solution to choose one of the natural gas GENERAC generators. For those who do not have access and do not want to invest in running a supply line, then one of the diesel GENERAC generators could be their best option. This might also be true if you are working or living off-grid or in a remote location.
Other considerations, like dependency on a utility provider, operational noise, and the convenience of having fuel easily accessible, are other key factors to consider when making this important decision. If outages in your area typically last for days at a time, the convenience associated with the easiest or most accessible fuel supply should also be considered. Cost considerations can include the fuel cost, setup cost, and operational cost, which will all vary based on the selected fuel type and local availability. And those who are conscious about emissions and environmental impact may also want to factor in these points when making a choice about which type of GENERAC generator to buy.
Generator Installation and Maintenance from Generator Pros
Whether you own a large home, business, or operate critical applications like medical equipment or need a power supply on a work site, you require dependable power during extended outages, and one of the many GENERAC generators available is sure to meet your needs. Whichever choice you make, when you need generator installation and maintenance, you can rely on the experts at Generator Pros. With over 30 years of experience, our generator and electrical expertise speak for themselves. Contact us to find the best option for your needs–our team is here to support you every step of the way!