If you’re wondering about the lifespan of your propane generator, then you have come to the right place. There are several different factors that determine the longevity of your engine, so it’s important that you know what to expect.
Diesel generators produce more emissions than propane generators
If you are considering a diesel or propane generator, you will likely be curious about the differences. Compared to a natural gas unit, diesel is noisier and produces more emissions.
Diesel is also more expensive than propane. Propane is more affordable, but it doesn’t offer the same amount of energy. Unlike gasoline, a gallon of diesel will produce a little over 33 kilowatt hours of power. This equates to roughly 8.8 pennies per kilowatt hour.
While both diesel and propane are considered clean-burning, the choice of fuel depends on the needs of your home or business. In some areas, strict regulations restrict the use of propane. Also, diesel can cause serious damage if it is spilled on the ground.
Propane, on the other hand, is non-hazardous and can be stored for years. But, it is not as easy to refill. You will need to call a dedicated propane provider.
Another advantage of propane is its low energy density. A gallon of propane will deliver around 27 kWh of energy.
Propane generators are cheaper to run than gas generators
A propane generator can be more cost effective than a gasoline generator. In addition to being more environmentally friendly, propane is cheaper to run, which means less money spent on fuel.
The first and most obvious benefit of a propane generator is that it is clean burning. Propane burns cleaner than gasoline, which means less carbon buildup in your engine. This is especially important in cold weather. Unlike diesel, which can be difficult to start in winter, propane doesn’t become viscous and can start almost instantly.
Another good thing about a propane generator is that it can be refilled during an outage. Gas stations have a hard time replenishing their propane supplies, so it’s wise to have a backup.
However, a propane generator is more complicated than a gasoline generator. There are more moving parts, and if anything goes wrong, it’s harder to fix.
Also, a propane system isn’t as portable as a gasoline generator. That’s because propane is delivered in a tank, and requires plumbing.
Propane generators are less expensive than air-cooled engines
Propane and natural gas generators are both excellent options for a backup generator. However, they have different drawbacks. The propane generator is more expensive to purchase and run than the diesel counterpart.
Generally, the fuel type will not impact the size or weight of a generator. Whether you choose propane or natural gas, you’ll need to have a tank to store it. In addition, propane and natural gas generators produce carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is a very dangerous bioproduct.
The most common fuel for a portable generator is gasoline. Gasoline is cheap and readily available. Nevertheless, it has a low shelf life and requires periodic maintenance.
Natural gas is a cleaner burning fuel and is available in unlimited quantities. It is a liquefied form. Liquid propane is also an environmentally friendly option. When stored, liquid propane will last longer than the other types of fuel.
Typically, gas stations have propane refills. Diesel is also readily available. However, diesel is less flammable and will not ignite as quickly as gasoline.
Propane generator maintenance
Propane generators can be a great option for supplemental electrical power in your home. However, they do require a bit of maintenance, which will help prolong the life of your propane generator. Here are some tips to keep your generator running at its best.
First, make sure that you store your generator in a dry place. It is also important to change the oil and air filter. These items should be changed at least every 100 hours of use. If you aren’t changing them regularly, you will find that the air filter becomes clogged, increasing the amount of fuel it consumes.
Another common problem that can ruin the engine is debris in the motor. This can also damage the engine components. During the winter months, it’s a good idea to take extra precautions when storing your propane generator.
Also, it’s important to check the engine for loose connections or gas leaks. If you notice any signs of a problem, contact an authorized service dealer immediately.
