There’s no denying that there are lots of negative effects of climate change and other environmental issues in today’s world. One of them is nature being more unpredictable. This means that we should always be ready for any natural disasters, like storms and typhoons. That’s why it’s important to be prepared for power outages, especially at home. Without electricity, homes aren't as safe and comfortable as they should be.
Although we have generators, each has its own environmental impact, making them not as sustainable as we want them. In this article, we’ll discuss their effects on the environment and provide tips on how you can choose an eco-friendly option for your home. This way, you can be eco-friendly and have a backup power source at home!
Effects of Generators on the Environment
Generators are lifesavers as home backup power sources. But, they do give off some harmful effects on people and the environment, especially if not used correctly. That’s why many homeowners, and even businesses, are looking for cleaner and greener sources of energy.
A fuel generator, specifically diesel, and gasoline, has been used for many years as backup power sources. However, over the years, they gained a reputation for not being environmentally friendly. Below are all their negative impacts on the environment.
CO Poisoning Risks
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a toxic by-product of the operation of the internal combustion engine. It can cause harm, and death, within minutes. Some survivors of the poisoning mentioned how they were unaware of what was happening, making CO poisoning a total silent killer.
Gasoline types produce the highest emissions. It’s very dangerous but it’s also important to note that CO is only poisonous when they accumulate in a closed space. This means you should never use a generator in the basement, garage, or any enclosed or partially enclosed area. If using it outside, don’t place it near any air intake vent.
Air Pollution
All generator types emit particulate matter (PM), nitrogen oxide (NOx), and carbon monoxide (CO), but at different levels or amounts. Amongst others, diesel and gasoline are two of the most contributors of such pollutants, mainly because of the fuel types. Propane and natural gas generator products have less carbon footprint.
PM is soot that comes from the burning of the fuel and the engine isn’t getting enough oxygen. It usually contains burnt hydrocarbons and is considered a major air and health pollutant that negatively contributes to climate change. What’s worse is if the generator is used when it’s not in good condition, it can also emit unburnt hydrocarbons, which have worse impacts on the environment.
On the other hand, NOx damages vegetation and the ozone layer. It can also cause respiratory and other illnesses.
Noise Pollution
These machines are always accompanied by noise due to how it operates. This noise can be detrimental to human ears and can lead to several problems. Depending on where you live, there are standards or permissible noise levels for different places. For example, in Pakistan, the noise limit in residential areas is 55 decibels during the day and 45 decibels at night.
Diesel and gasoline types have noise levels of at least 75 decibels. Inverter and open-frame ones have lower levels, with an average max of 60 decibels and 80 decibels, respectively. This shows that all contribute to noise pollution but the diesel ones contribute the most.
Imagine if your area has the same noise regulations as in Pakistan. You wouldn’t be able to use a diesel or gasoline generator due to its loudness.
Tips for Choosing an Eco-Friendly Backup Power Source
Advancements and innovations are still currently being studied and tested to help minimize any environmental impact of generators on the environment. Currently, there are already many improvements made, including more efficient combustion operations, cleaner fuel options, and even additives.
But, if you want to completely go sustainable, you can always opt for an eco-friendly option for a power source. To help you with that, here are some useful tips you can follow so you can choose the right green option for your home:
1. Check Other Different Backup Power Sources
Thanks to technological advancements, there are now many alternatives to traditional power sources. There are more cleaner ways available to generate electricity than before. You can now get power from different sustainable sources, like solar, wind, etc.
Here are some of the most eco-friendly options you can consider when choosing:
- Solar Generator
Solar is probably the best environmentally friendly option for a backup power source. Solar energy is non-polluting, readily available, and is a renewable energy source. Solar generators don’t emit any pollutants, don’t produce any noise, and don’t use fuel you need to store energy.
A solar generator features photovoltaic (PV) solar panels. These collect the energy from the sun, which is also stored in solar batteries. This allows you to have a renewable source of energy during the day and night, with or without a power outage. You can even carry the generator and use them when camping.
- Wind-Powered Generator
Just like solar energy, wind is completely renewable and clean as a source of energy. Wind turbines are popular in rural areas that have the appropriate weather and zoning requirements to make them work. If you live in an area where you have great wind exposure, this is a good alternative.
This is how it works: the turbines will collect the kinetic energy and store it in the attached generator. If you want to use this as a home backup power source, make sure to check your property’s wind speed with your local weather source or you can conduct a test.
- Green Battery Generator
This is a more portable generator to use compared to the other two options and produces zero emissions as well. However, it’s not as efficient as them in producing electricity. Still, a battery generator can last for several hours or up to a few days and can power your small devices and lights at home during a power outage.
2. Consider the Running Time
Your backup power should be able to run for an extended period of time to make it a reliable backup source. Power outages can last a few minutes to up to several hours, so it’s vital to estimate the runtime capacity of your preferred power source.
One way to increase a generator’s running time is to connect it to additional battery packs. This way, you can use the generator for a longer period of time to meet your family’s energy needs.
3. Check Their Maintenance Requirements
Products always come with maintenance instructions from the manufacturers so users know when and how to run periodic checks on their machines and batteries. This helps them prevent any damage that may affect the battery or the generator’s reliability.
These reminders are usually in easy-to-understand formats that you can easily follow. They usually include instructions on how to check and clean spare parts regularly. If you’re not confident enough, you can seek professional help to avoid any serious problems with your home backup power.
4. Stick to a Budget
The cost of the product is often overlooked when choosing to go sustainable and eco-friendly. But, sticking to a budget when buying an alternative backup power source is ideal. Determine a budget and stick to it by looking for options that are within your budget, within the price range you can afford.
Additionally, make sure to consider all related costs when choosing a generator. Some products can come with high operating and maintenance costs. Make sure you can afford those as well for your chosen alternative.
Conclusion
Each conventional generator has its environmental impact. Some just simply emit less pollutants than others. If you really want to go green, it’s now possible due to many technological improvements over the years. Remember, if you’re choosing the best eco-friendly option, follow these tips:
- Check what alternatives are available.
- Consider their running time capabilities.
- Check all maintenance requirements for each option you have.
- Narrow down your options by sticking to your budget.
If you want a place to start your search, we offer our massive collection of reliable, sustainable generators. Determine your home’s energy needs, your budget, and find the right backup power source for you and your family!