Which Generator Fuel Is Best?
You want to buy a generator, but you still have some questions. One big one is the fuel you want to use to power it. The right fuel will be efficient, easy to store, and environmentally friendly. Here are the pros and cons of the most popular kinds.
What’s the Best Fuel for Your Generator?
The fuel you should use depends partly on the generator you have. Portable generators of all sizes usually run on gasoline, diesel, or propane. If you’re using a standby generator for your home or business, you’ll probably use natural gas, diesel or liquid propane.
Gasoline
Gasoline is convenient. You can run down to your local gas store to fill up your generator’s tank. It’s a good choice for generators you’re using on a camping trip or in an emergency. It’s not the best choice as a long-term solution.
Pros:
- Gasoline is easy to find.
- It’s great for portable generators.
- Gas-powered generators are usually inexpensive.
Cons:
- Gasoline is dangerous. It’s extremely flammable. There is no safe way to store it in large quantities.
- It has a short shelf life. After 12 months, it will degrade.
- It may not start in cold weather.
Diesel
It’s the favorite fuel on farms, industrial plants, and the military. Diesel is tough enough to work in rough, rural settings, but is it right for your home?
Pros:
- You can usually find it even during a power outage or natural disaster.
- It has a shelf life of up to two years.
- Diesel generators can work in rugged environments and all kinds of weather.
- A diesel generator will work even if you can only find old fuel.
Cons:
- Diesel generators are noisy.
- Diesel creates dangerous emissions. Some states limit the use of diesel generators for this reason.
- You’ll need a large tank and a spill containment system if you want to store extra fuel.
Bio-Diesel
This fuel is a blend of diesel and natural, renewable resources. Bio-diesel is more environmentally friendly than straight diesel.
Pros:
- It is the least flammable fuel source.
- It has a shelf life of up to two years.
- You can use it in any diesel-powered generator.
Cons:
- You’ll need large holding tanks to store it.
- Diesel and bio-diesel can both cause “wet stacking” if you run them at less than 40% of their rated output. “Wet stacking” causes the generator to emit smoke and run erratically. You should run diesel engines at 7o to 80% of their rated output.
Propane
Propane is a favorite fuel for barbecues, stoves, and generators. It comes in large tanks or small, portable cylinders.
Pros:
- It’s available even during power outages.
- It’s clean and quiet.
- Propane has a long shelf life and is easy to store.
- It produces low emission levels.
- It starts well in cold weather.
Cons:
- You can only buy it from specialty sellers.
- Propane bottles are small. You may need two or three tanks in reserve.
Natural Gas
Natural gas is a gaseous fuel. You must store it in either a compressed gaseous state or as a compressed liquid. Natural gas isn’t a good choice if you live in an earthquake-prone area.
Pros:
- It’s an inexpensive fuel source that’s always available.
- Your generator will work quietly.
- Many homes already have a natural gas hookup.
- It starts well in cold weather.
- Storage isn’t an issue because you don’t have to refuel.
Cons:
- If gas isn’t available in your area, you must install a gas line.
- Natural disasters like earthquakes can cut gas lines.
- It provides a lower power output than other fuel types.
- If the lines break, the escaped gas can be hazardous.
Get the Power With SESCOS
At SESCOS, we sell, maintain, and service the area’s best selection of generators. We’ll help you pick the portable or standby generator that’s right for your needs. Make sure you’re protected against power outages all year long.