When it comes to choosing and buying a backup power source, you always have to consider the generator fuel types. There are four fuel types you can choose from: gasoline, diesel, propane, and natural gas. You have to choose what would work best for you.
These fuel types have their own characteristics when used for generators. For you to better understand how they differ from each other, we’ll discuss what makes them different and their pros and cons when used for generators. This way, you can make a better informed choice when buying your own generator.
Gasoline Fuel
Gasoline is usually used for portable residential generators since gasoline has a shorter shelf life. It’s also well-known and readily available but burns easily so when used for generators, you’d have to refuel regularly. However, gasoline has more dangerous fuel storage requirements than diesel because it’s highly flammable.
Pros
- You can easily get it since it’s a common fuel source.
- Since you can get them in small containers, it’s a good choice for a portable generator.
- A gasoline generator is often cheaper than other fuel generators.
Cons
- It has a short shelf life, only about 12 months if you add a fuel stabilizer.
- It would be very dangerous to store large quantities of gasoline.
- This may not be easily available during power outages.
- It’s not eco-friendly since it produces the highest CO emissions.
- It can be an expensive fuel, depending on where you live or buy it.
Diesel Fuel
Diesel generators are one of the most commonly used generators, usually because of their efficiency and low maintenance. Diesel has been a traditional fuel source for commercial, industrial, and even residential backup power applications. Like gasoline, you can still use it even after storing it for a long time but it can degrade and damage the generator’s engine.
Pros
- It’s not as flammable as gasoline.
- It’s easily available and easy to get even during power outages and calamities.
- It’s used for many off-road applications, like farm or construction operations.
- It’s considered the most reliable fuel for backup power systems for many years.
- It has a longer shelf life than gasoline.
Cons
- A diesel generator can produce louder noises than a gasoline one.
- It also produces air pollutants and carbon monoxide that are harmful to the environment.
- Some states prohibit the use of diesel engines for long periods of time.
- Its use can subject a generator to wet stacking.
- For fuel storage, you need to maintain a certain degree since diesel can go bad.
Propane
Propane is a fuel available as liquid propane or vapor propane. Unlike the two previous generator fuel types, you can store propane for longer periods of time, especially liquid propane since it doesn’t deteriorate. This makes it a great option if you won’t be using a generator very often. Moreover, if you use this for your generator, you’ll have to keep it in a separate tank from the generator.
Pros
- It doesn’t degrade like gasoline and diesel.
- It burns cleanly so it’s not as harmful to the environment as the other two.
- You can get it even during power outages since home delivery is usually available.
- Propane generators are quieter compared to the previous two generator types.
- It’s not prone to wet stacking like diesel.
Cons
- The fuel system can be complicated for some people.
- If you are using large tanks, they’re not aesthetically pleasing.
- Since fuel system plumbing is usually needed, installation costs can be expensive.
- It can be an expensive fuel option.
- It’s more expensive to operate since fuel consumption by the generator can be as much as 3 times that of diesel.
- Engines for propane generators tend to have a shorter life than diesel engines.
- It’s less efficient than gasoline and diesel.
Natural Gas
This is a popular choice if you want fuel that’s always available during power outages. With natural gas generators, you’d have to install a pipeline so you can get natural gas supply for your backup power source. This makes it convenient since you don’t need to buy and store the fuel yourself.
Pros
- Refueling isn’t necessary since you can get unlimited fuel sources through the pipelines.
- You can get it even during power outages since natural gas lines don’t require electricity.
- It’s the cleanest burning fuel type since it releases the least amount of emissions out of all the fuel types.
- Natural gas generators have quieter engine noise levels.
- You won’t have to worry about fuel storage.
Cons
- It might be unavailable during natural disasters, like earthquakes.
- Requires higher installation costs for the fuel system plumbing.
- Natural gas as a fuel option might not be available in many areas.
- Natural gas generators consume about 3x more than diesel.
- Hurricanes and earthquakes can disrupt and break pipelines, which can make natural gas very dangerous.
- Natural gas is extremely combustible.
Bi-Fuel
There’s also an option to use multiple types of fuel on a single generator. Bi-fuel, also called dual fuel or hybrid fuel, is the option to go if there are fuel availability issues in your area, especially in times when you need that emergency power source. This gives you the ability to switch between fuels with one generator, which is usually natural gas and propane.
Pros
- It’s flexible and convenient to be able to use any of two fuels at any time.
- This ensures that you’ll always have fuel even if one fuel isn’t available.
- You can use clean burning fuel types with fuels that are perfect for portable needs, like gas.
Cons
- Generators for this fuel type tend to be more expensive.
Find the Right Fuel Type for Your Generator
Different generator fuel types have different characteristics. When deciding on which type you’d want to use, make sure to weigh the pros and cons of each: gasoline, propane, diesel, and natural gas. This way, you can guarantee which can give you the best generator performance, especially during sudden power outages.
If you’re still struggling with deciding, you can always talk to a professional to ask for advice. For top generator options, you can check out our massive generator collection and find which best suits your power needs!