When buying a generator, it’s important to decide which fuel source is best for you. There are many different options, including propane and diesel.
Propane is considered to be a greener choice than diesel and emits less carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides and particulate matter. It also requires less maintenance and can be a more affordable option for your generator.
Cost
Propane is a cleaner-burning fuel than diesel. It produces fewer greenhouse gases per gallon and its exhaust is colorless and almost odorless.
However, propane is less efficient than diesel and it requires a larger storage tank. This is a drawback for many generator owners.
A diesel generator uses approximately 1/3 of the fuel to produce the same amount of power as a propane generator. This makes them more cost-effective.
Diesel is also available throughout the country, with no delays in sourcing fuel. In contrast, a portable propane generator may take days to fill a tank or rely on scheduled delivery of larger tanks, both of which can be more costly.
Another concern is the cold-starting issue of diesel generators, which often have difficulty starting in temperatures below 30F (-1C). In these cases, a propane generator is a better option.
Performance
Propane generators have an advantage over diesel when it comes to starting up quickly. They do not have the same carbon deposits that can plague diesel engine generators, which makes them easier to start in cold weather and less likely to experience “wet-stacking” of fuel injectors.
Additionally, propane is one of the most affordable fuel options. It is cheaper than diesel fuel, and runs significantly lower in cost than gasoline.
The main drawback of a propane generator is that it requires an external tank and piping, which can be more expensive than a diesel generator. However, this disadvantage can be mitigated by purchasing a dual-fuel generator.
This means that a propane generator can run on either gasoline or LP gas, depending on the load and the time of day. This is a great way to cut down on fuel costs and improve efficiency. A propane generator can also be used to power a variety of appliances, such as water heaters and refrigerators.
Emissions
Propane generators produce significantly fewer emissions than diesel generators, making them a cleaner fuel choice for customers who want to operate with environmental consciousness. It also produces a colorless and nearly odorless exhaust that won’t affect nearby residents with sensitive noses or asthma.
A propane generator is a great option for microgrids and other applications that require resiliency. It can be used as an energy source to power building loads or as a backup power source during outages, providing a reliable solution that can help businesses recover from any type of disaster.
Unlike gasoline and diesel, which become viscous as the temperature decreases, propane does not have this problem. This makes it a better choice for emergency power in colder environments.
Safety
Whether you’re running a home or commercial business, your generator needs to run reliably and without fail. That’s why it’s important to choose the right type of fuel.
Propane is a clean-burning fuel that emits fewer particulates and less carbon monoxide than diesel and gasoline. It’s also considered a “green” option as it produces half the amount of greenhouse gases as diesel.
It’s also odorless, which is great for sensitive noses. If you live in a town or city with air quality concerns, propane is the ideal fuel for your generator.
In addition, propane is easier to store than diesel or gasoline – it doesn’t degrade quickly and can last for years on end.
In the event of a power outage, a propane standby generator will automatically turn on in seconds. It’s easy to start in any condition and doesn’t suffer from the dreaded “wet stacking” of fuel injectors that can damage diesel engines when used in colder climates.
