Should I Buy a Natural Gas Generator or Diesel?
Many generators are powered either by natural gas or diesel. For the uninitiated, it can be difficult to figure out which of these two options is best for your individual needs. While both make for excellent options for both residential and commercial use alike, they both have their pros and cons that you may want to consider before finalizing your decision. The main difference between them of course is their fuel source, but subtle differences go beyond what pump you’ll choose when it’s time to refuel them.
Natural Gas
While natural gas and gas are used interchangeably, there are differences! Gas, like what you’d get at the gas station for your car, mixes fuel and air inside of its engine chamber prior to combustion. Natural gas on the other hand makes use of spark plugs in order to ignite the fuel mixture inside of the engine. Because they are technically different types of fuel, you should always take care to double-check what you’re buying prior to putting it inside your generator!
Natural gas generators tend to be connected to existing gas lines, like what you may use for in-home gas heating or stoves. As such, they are extremely reliable – it would take quite a disaster indeed to shut off natural gas lines to every house in the neighborhood! They tend to have a lower upfront cost than diesel generators and can be slightly cheaper to refuel upfront. They don’t emit any strong odors and are generally considered to be a “clean” fossil fuel. The burning of natural gas doesn’t produce the same levels of carbon dioxide as burning coal or oil might.
However, these generators aren’t perfect. They require far more regular maintenance than a diesel generator and have a shorter overall lifespan. This can make generators seem inexpensive by comparison upfront costs are somewhat deceptive when taken over the course of the generator’s lifespan. Additionally, natural gas is far more combustible than diesel, leading to an explosion risk, and while it’s cleaner than coal, it also emits more emissions than diesel.
Natural gas generators are ideal for cities and towns with ready access to gas lines and fast utility repairs in an emergency.
Diesel
Diesel generators function by compressing air within the chamber and then introducing a small amount of fuel to initiate combustion. This is an eminently efficient process and leads to diesel generators consuming far less fuel overall than their natural gas counterparts. Because they consume less fuel, they also emit fewer overall emissions. They are less flammable and explosive than natural gas generators, have a longer overall lifespan, and require less maintenance throughout that lifespan.
However, diesel generators do have a much higher upfront cost. Additionally, diesel costs can fluctuate, leading to potentially much higher fueling prices. They cannot be connected to an existing municipal fuel line, so the homeowner must also account for safely storing fuel for the generator and refueling it themselves. Older models can be very loud and emit a distinctive odor that the homeowner may find disruptive or annoying.
That being said, diesel generators remain ideal for rural or “off-grid” situations where access to readily repaired utilities may be slow to outright non-existent.
Still don’t know what kind of generator will suit your situation best? At GenTech, we can help. Our expert power generation technicians can walk you through our available models, and help you select the best generator for you. Contact us today to learn more!