All About Different Backup Generator Types
Sep 12, 2012 Generators
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Generator World
There isn’t much else that can leave you better prepared for a natural disaster quite like a home generator and a considerable fuel supply. Many models represent quite an investment, therefore buyers must discover which standby generator best fits their needs and uses. Backup power systems are generally powered or fueled by common fuel types. Many models can also be connected to a natural gas line. It can be a good idea 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 invest in a model that meets or even exceeds your needs.
Some things to consider before shopping for a generator:
What total generator run time do you estimate you’ll need to run your generator where you live? Would you be better off getting a portable or standby generator? What type of fuel do you want to use? Will it be easy to come by in your area? Will your fuel be accessible in the event of a blackout in the middle of a catastrophe or crisis? Does anyone in your household need special needs services? After figuring out the above, you will have a pretty good understanding of what type of system you should buy. Below is some basic information about each type of generator that will help you start your research.
Natural Gas:
Natural gas is the easiest to come by among generator types and is a cheap and stable fuel. The only issue is that it may not be available if you live remotely. Ensure that before purchasing 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 in your fuel line as it burns cleanly, is quieter than other fuels when burning, is well-suited to the winter months and contribute to a longer engine life.
The main problem is that you may have no access to NG during a natural disaster, and it can become extremely dangerous if a line is broken. Hook-up fees can be higher than with other generator typesand you’ll pay more for NG than other fuel types.
Gasoline:
Gas is the most common kind of generator fuel since cars are pretty common too. Additionally, with gas generators, the electrical yeild compared to generator weight is the most optimum across different generator types.
Drawbacks cover the gasoline starting to congeal, and gas is highly flammable.
Diesel:
The best part about diesel is that has a higher efficiency than other fuel types. 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 sparkplugs are not needed to ignite diesel. Diesel generators can burn for hours and hours, can operate in subarctic conditions, run on diesel which has a better shelf life than gasoline, have lower maintenance costs, and is the easiest generator type to obtain.
The drawbacks are that diesel generators can be heard quite a distance away, weigh considerably more, and a light load could cause “wet stacking”. Diesel generators are definitely not environmentally-firendly and you might find yourself limited to the times of day in which you will be able to leave it running.
Propane:
Propane is usually used with a standby generator in place of other fuel supplies that are not as commonly accessible. The downside of using propane is that it has been mor costly than regular gas in the past. Though, with gas prices going up, it’s not really an issue. Propane is now the cheapest. Any challenges that people used to have with propane are now in the past.
Advantages include a long shelf life, it can’t congeal, propane burns cleanly and doesn’t destroy the environment. It’s also cold-weather friendly. propane is universally available, has longer uninterrupted run times, and won’t wear down your motor or fuel line over the years.
However, the fuel system is complicated, set-up can be pricey and should you need one, large reserve tanks aren’t as cheap or easy to find as propane itself is. If the lines are broken the propane can be very dangerous, and the initial cost of the generator is higher than gas.
For more information go to: www.BackupHomePower.com