Backup Generators are the lifeblood the disaster-preparedness industry. However, generators can be costly, therefore buyers need to figure out which home generator is best suited for their typical patterns of use. Home generators tend to utilize common fuel types. Lots of them can also be run off of a natural gas connection. It is wise in advance of purchasing to inform yourself about what makes some models unique in order to make a smart buying choice. Home generators can be a costly but smart investment so ensure to get a model that covers your basic electricity requirements.
Some things to consider before shopping for a generator: How many weeks, days or hours ,in your experience, will you require from your generator on a continuous basis? Would you be better off getting a standby or portable unit? What fuel options do you have? Will it be easy to come by in your area? Are you going to be able to get your generator’s fuel if the power goes out in the middle of a widespread emergency? Do any members of your family rely on actively running computers or servers? After figuring out the above, you will have developed a sense of which models and features are right for you. Read on for more things to think about that will assist you in making a smart choice.
Natural Gas:The most widely-used fuel type for home backup generators and is safe and reliable. The only issue is that it may not be available if you live remotely. Make sure that before you buy a generator to check your local fuel options. These generators can run off of your house’s NG line. Refueling is a non-issue, which can save time and money. As an added bonus, NG, doesn’t build up inside the motor since it’s environmentally friendly, is far less audible than other other types when running, starts in cold weather and contribute to a longer engine life.
On the contrary, Natural gas may not be available if there’s a hurricane or earthquake, and is a hazard if the NG connection is broken. You need to hire a professional installerand fuel can be costly, also.
Gasoline:
Gas is the most common kind of generator fuel since cars are pretty common too. Additionally, with gas generators, the power-per-weight unit is the most optimum across different generator types.
Downsides are semi-regular tune-ups, and gas is highly flammable.
Diesel:
One of the big advantages to using diesel is that it provides higher mileage. It’s great at powering construction equipment and the like and generators. However, the cost can be prohibitive for some. In general, it makes sense in both cost and workability. Diesel is more stable than other gasses, diesel generators take less upkeep, and doesel doesn’t throw sparks as it is burned. Diesel generators are also designed to work for long periods, will run in the freezing cold, use fuel that has a longer life than gas units, have lower maintenance costs, and is always readily available.
The drawbacks are that diesel engines tend to be louder, are heavier, and need to be thought-through before installation. They are not so friendly towards the earth and you might find yourself limited to the times of day in which you will be able to leave it running.
Propane:
standby generators tend to run on propane instead of other fuels that are limited in the area. One big disadvantage of propaneA drwaback for propane is that it has been mor costly than regular gas in the past. However, with the skyrocketing price of gasoline, this doesn’t matter so much. Propane today is the cheapest of all. Difficulties with using propane as a fuel are long gone.
Some advantages of propane are that the fuel lasts a long time in a usable state, it won’t glog your fuel line, it burns the cleanest of all fuels and doesn’t destroy the environment. Propane won’t give you any issues igniting in the cold. Propane also can be obtained easily during outages, has longer uninterrupted run times, and is easier on your motor over time.
On the opposite side, propane generators are more complex, set-up can be pricey and large fuel tanks are hard to find. If you have a leak in the gas line, you could have a bad situation on your hands, and propane generators can be more expensive than other model types.
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