Are you looking to get a generator? Can’t decide between gas vs diesel generators?
During the past decade, we’ve experienced some of the worst typhoons, storms, and forest fires. It’s clear how many of us came unprepared when worse came to worst. From surviving floods to escaping hellish bushfires, many people experienced nature’s fury.
Don’t get caught off-guard during these situations. Make sure you at least have the basics prepared. Emergency kits go a long way. So does having power when things go south, which is why having a generator is such an advantage.
One thing to consider is knowing the right one for you. Understanding gas vs diesel generators can help you make that choice better, so read on to learn more.
Why Invest in a Generator?
Sixteen years after Hurricane Katrina hit, the US dealt with Hurricane Ida. It was another devastating category 5 tropical cyclone. Like Katrina, it brought major damage and casualties.
The struggle during these times is unimaginable. Many lose their homes and livelihood and are without power. Some cities and areas are even bound to.
This can turn into a life and death situation in an instant. The last thing you want is to not have heating during a snowstorm or AC in the middle of a heatwave. Additionally, most medical equipment is electrically powered.
Being in the dark, quite literally, is difficult. Sometimes, dwindling mobile phone batteries makes people feel even more hopeless. When the power grid fails and you’re unprepared, a generator can make all the difference—not only to you but also to those near you.
Apart from emergencies, there are other reasons for owning a generator. People working with power tools choose to have one because of the flexibility it offers.
They’re able to work in remote areas without worrying about a power source. For those with electric cars, owning a generator is also advisable. It prevents them from getting stuck somewhere without charging ports.
It’s also a great backup security option. When your power gets cut, having a powered home makes you less of a target. Depending on your situation, two major types of generators will suit your needs.
Gas Generators
Are you thinking about getting a gas generator? Here are some of the pros and cons of a gas generator.
Affordable
One major advantage of gas generators is they tend to be cheaper in the long run. This is great for people who worry about fuel cost and consumption. Gas is also easier to find and source, making it a good choice for many applications.
Many gas generators are cheap to build and buy, saving you money from the get-go. You can also hook your natural gas generator up to a natural gas pipeline. This gives you a stable and consistent source of fuel for any of your power needs.
Less Portable
A fixed solution like this makes a natural gas generator less desirable for some. If you’re looking for travel, a gas generator may not be for you. Gas generators can also be portable, but these tend to be larger.
Their diesel counterparts are often much smaller. Gas generators of most types will require more regular maintenance, which means downtime. If you connect to a pipeline, you’ll still be vulnerable to potential disruptions in fuel.
Cleaner and Quieter
Natural gas, in particular, has the benefit of being cleaner. In general, gas generators are much quieter than diesel generators.
Aside from the noise, you also avoid the strong smell associated with burning diesel. Gas generators tend to have a cheaper running cost than diesel. Despite its lower emissions, it still pumps out plenty of power.
That said, natural gas is more explosive, which means higher fire risks. Weighing your options for gas vs diesel generators is key to your choice.
Diesel Generators
Diesel has an air of folklore surrounding it. It’s better, more traditional, rugged, and plain simpler. In reality, diesel generators are comparable with gas generators.
More Portable
Diesel has its share of pros and cons, making it a viable alternative rather than a gold standard. If portability is important to you, then a diesel generator is a solid choice. They tend to have lower profiles without sacrificing power or fuel efficiency.
Easy Maintenance
Diesel generators also require less maintenance and are cheap to repair anyway. Although burning diesel is smelly and the generator is loud, diesel is also less volatile. This fuel is less explosive and less flammable, making it safer to run a diesel generator.
This generator can also take plenty of abuse and keep working. You are less likely to experience mechanical interruptions with diesel. These generators are usually built tougher with reliable and long life spans.
More Expensive
A downside is that these types of generators are more expensive to build and run. A factor affecting price is environmental regulations on diesel. Additionally, diesel prices fluctuate often, and sourcing a large regular supply is difficult.
Perfect for Emergencies and Outings
While you could connect a diesel generator to a fixed supply, it isn’t as easy to procure as natural gas. A diesel generator is convenient for camping or shorter-term applications. If you need a generator that works the first try, even after neglect, diesel is a strong choice.
It’s also good for emergency power needs so long as you already have fuel stored on hand.
Running Your Generators
Once you’ve decided on your generator, it’s important to make sure you care and maintain them well. That said, it’s also important that you know. There have been reported cases of accidents where generators led to deaths.
Regardless of which generator your pick, don’t run it into the ground, and always follow the advised running time and proper aftercare. If you’re looking to get a diesel generator, click here for a go to site.
Comparing Gas vs Diesel Generators
Knowing the pros and cons of a gas generator or a diesel one matters. At the end of the day, though, both will provide you with a sense of normalcy and security. Find out more about why and how you should stay ready with generators.
When the power grid fails you, make sure it’s the last time. Don’t delay in discovering the nuances of gas vs diesel generators. Check out our other blog posts to discover more!