Gasoline VS Diesel VS Natural Gas Generators – Which One is The Best?

If you’re in need of generator installation to provide power in case your utility grid fails, you may find yourself split between choosing a gasoline, diesel, or natural gas generator.

Understanding more about each of these generators works is essential in deciding which option will be best for your commercial business. Let's review some more information about these three types of generators and the advantages of each one.

Gasoline Generators

These generators are more popular because gasoline is readily available. They are also popular because they are more affordable compared to other types of generators. Gasoline generators come in small sizes, making them highly portable.

Gasoline generators produce relatively high emissions. Another concern about gasoline generators is that the fuel is highly flammable. Also, some common models may not be as durable as other types of generators.

While gasoline generators are less fuel-efficient compared to diesel, they generally require little maintenance compared to diesel generators.

Diesel Generators

Diesel generators offer an excellent alternative and run on a less flammable fuel. They are ideal for emergency and disaster situations. Diesel generators work by igniting fuel via compression. Air compresses into the diesel engine to allow it to work more efficiently and consume less fuel.

In the past, diesel generators were famous for being noisy, but technological advancements have led to the development of quiet generators. If you need a diesel generator for a heavy task, you need to purchase a diesel workhorse.

Natural Gas Generators

With recent advancements, natural gas is almost available everywhere. Since the generators are directly connected to natural gas lines during operation, operating them is relatively easy. They will never run out of fuel or require refilling. The main downside of these generators is they are not portable.

They run quietly and start well even in very low temperatures. The disadvantage of natural gas generators is the high installation cost.

Natural gas generators may not last as long as diesel generators. They also come with the risk of gas leaks which can lead to extremely dangerous situations if the leak is not quickly detected and repaired.

Comparing Gasoline, Diesel and Natural Gas Generators

Concerning fuel consumption, natural gas generators are most affordable, followed by diesel generators and, lastly, gasoline generators. The diesel and natural gas generators run more efficiently than the gasoline generators. On the other hand, gasoline and natural gas generators are easier to start in cold weather.

Since the diesel engines do not have a spark plug, igniting them in cold weather is more challenging. Natural gas generators burn more cleanly compared to gasoline and diesel generators. They do not emit any soot or dangerous emissions, as is the case with diesel and gasoline generators.

Generator Installation from Pros

Choosing gasoline, diesel, or natural gas generators can be complicated especially if you are new to this equipment. The ultimate choice depends on the availability of the fuel, the durability of the generator, fuel efficiency, risks associated with the generator, and other factors.