A Quick Guide To Help You Choose Between A Diesel & Natural Gas Generators

If you are thinking about installing a generator in your home, you need to decide if you want a generator powered by natural gas or a generator powered by diesel. Both types of generators will provide you with an alternative source of energy if your power goes out. Which generator you ultimately decide to purchase is all about what you prefer and which one meets your needs, outside of providing you with power.

The Engines

Both diesel and natural gas generators have an engine which powered them and provides you with energy. 

Diesel generators are usually associated with louder engines. They also let off diesel fumes as they work and need to be located in well-ventilated area. Additionally, diesel gas has a strong smell to it, so you'll want to make sure that the gas does not get into your home.

On the other hand, natural gas powered generators tend to make a lot less noise. Their engines tend to be relatively quiet. Other they also need to be located in a well-ventilated area, they don't create the same foul-smelling fumes that a diesel powered generator does. 

The Fuel

Diesel-powered generators are attached to a tank of diesel, which provides the fuel needed to power the generator. The generators themselves generally have large tanks which hold the fuel. Additionally, you can store additional diesel in tanks on your property as a back-up. One of the biggest drawbacks to diesel fuel of that it can gel up if left alone for too long.

Natural-gas powered generators are attached to a natural gas pipeline and depend on the pipeline to draw the gas they need to operate. As long as the gas pipeline to your generator stays in tack, you can use your generator for as long as you need. However, if for any reason the natural pipeline to your generator is broken or disrupted, your generator will not work. 

The Cost

The cost of a natural-gas and diesel-powered generator generally is based more on the size of generator you purchase and the amount of fuel that you need the generator to create than it is on the type of fuel the generator needs. Power output and size influence the cost more than the type of fuel that is used in the generator. 

The Impact

Natural-gas powered generators tend to create less noise pollution than diesel-powered generators. Natural-gas powered generators also tend to emit a lower level of pollution than diesel engines. Finally, natural-gas powered generators tend to use fuel more efficiently and result in less lost fuel than diesel-powered engines. 

If you want a quieter generator that has a lower impact on the environment, you should go with a natural-gas powered generator. If you want a generator that you will be able to use, even if gas lines are disrupted, you should go with a diesel-powered generator. Either way, both types of generators will provide you with power when your regular electric sources fail you. For more information, contact companies like Southern Rewind Ltd generators in Lethbridge.