What?s Your Generator?s Fuel?

Generators run on different kinds of fuels. The type of generator you choose should depend on the availability of its fuel, the efficiency of its fuel and the residue the fuel leaves in your generator. Read on to find the different types of fuel that generators run on and know the advantages and disadvantages of each type.

Natural Gas
Natural gas is the most commonly used generator fuel. The use of natural gas rids you of the necessity of refueling your generator system time and time again. You also don?t need to worry about storing your fuel since just connecting your generator system through your home?s gas line could give you ample natural gas. Therefore, if you live in an area where natural gas is readily available, this is the best fuel option for your generator. The advantages to using natural gas as fuel for your generator include low maintenance costs, less noise and less environmental waste.

Propane Gas
Similar to natural gas is propane gas. Like natural gas, propane gas gives off less pollution than diesel or gasoline fuel. A generator that uses propane gas for fuel also requires less maintenance in the long run. Thus, you only need to consider the availability of propane before choosing to buy a propane gas powered generator. If it is readily available in your area and you have a large storage tank, this type of fuel could actually work for you. Your only problem with propane gas is it price and efficiency. Propane gas is quite expensive and has low fuel economy.

Gasoline
If you want the cheapest fuel for your generator then you should buy a generator that runs on gasoline. Gasoline produces the most power at the least volume of consumption. Moreover, you also save money if you buy a gasoline-powered generator since these types are cheaper than either propane or natural gas powered generators. You also have a lot of choices since most companies manufacture different models and variants of gasoline-powered generators. They may vary from engine types to the type of cooling system used. Gasoline generators also come with different safety features that monitor oil level and temperature. Thus, if your want to get the most versatile generator available, you should get a gasoline generator.

However you must be aware of the disadvantages of getting a gasoline-powered generator. Gasoline leaves more residue than either natural gas or propane gas. Thus, gasoline generators are high-maintenance machines that need to be cleaned and checked periodically. Gasoline also has a very low shelf life. After around six months in storage, your gasoline fuel will become unusable unless you use some fuel stabilizers. Gasoline also becomes easily frozen and sluggish after exposure to low temperatures. Frozen gasoline clogs your generator system and shuts your generator down. Thus, in low temperature climates, you need to add antifreeze to your fuel; this means additional maintenance costs. Gasoline is also very flammable which makes it very dangerous to store so you must not refuel your generator if it is too hot for doing so can cause massive fires.

Diesel
Diesel is much more efficient than gas and requires less maintenance due to the lack of ignition systems, carburetors and spark plugs. The exhaust is cleaner and they generally will run longer with fewer problems. Unfortunately, smaller diesel engines appropriate for home use tend to be expensive. But for dependable low maintenance generators using a portable fuel, diesel has the most advantages.

Mark Sheppler is a handyman and home improvement writer. Always working with the right tools he is rarely far away from a portable power generator.