There are many different types of whole house generator fuel. These include biodiesel, propane, bi-fuel, and gasoline. Depending on your needs, you can choose the type of fuel that best suits your household.
Gasoline
There are a few whole house generator fuel types to choose from. Each one has its pros and cons. For instance, gas is readily available, but it’s not the most efficient. On the other hand, propane has a longer shelf life.
The most practical fuel for your whole house generator might be natural gas. This is because it’s not only clean-burning, but it is also inexpensive. Plus, it is virtually unlimited. However, it does require a connection to a municipal line.
Gasoline is also a popular fuel for portable generators. In fact, it’s so convenient, that many portable generators will run off it. But it doesn’t store well, so it’s not an ideal fuel for long-term storage.
Another option is liquid propane. Many commercial buildings and residential homes have liquid propane tanks. Liquid propane will give you less power output than natural gas, but it’s also less expensive.
A tri-fuel system is also a viable alternative. These systems can burn all three of these types of fuels.
Propane
When selecting a whole house generator, you need to consider your fuel type. Propane is one option. Gasoline, diesel, and natural gas are other choices. Each offers its own benefits and drawbacks.
Propane is a clean-burning fuel that is suited to whole house generators. It is also less expensive than other fuels. propane generators are also quieter.
Choosing the right whole house generator isn’t easy. The fuel you choose can make or break your power supply. If you choose a gasoline-powered generator, you will need to replace your fuel more frequently. On the other hand, if you choose a natural gas-powered generator, you will not have to worry about refueling.
Natural gas is an affordable and convenient fuel. It’s available 24/7. You can hook it up directly to your home or use a hose to connect to a nearby gas meter.
Natural gas is safe to use. As long as you have a connection, you will not have to worry about running out. Plus, it’s considered a green fuel.
Bi-Fuel
A bi-fuel generator is a backup generator that runs on both diesel fuel and natural gas. It allows you to meet EPA standards while lowering the overall cost of fuel.
Bi-fuel generators can be installed in residential and industrial facilities. Some bi-fuel models run on diesel and LP vapor while others switch between both types of fuel. However, not all manufacturers build bi-fuel units.
Natural gas is a clean and relatively inexpensive fuel. It is also a convenient source of power. In most areas, natural gas is readily available. But it can be dangerous if a gas line is damaged.
Alternatively, propane is a common fuel that is used in home and commercial buildings. However, the power it produces is less than a natural gas unit. Liquid propane can be purchased in small sizes that are ideal for long-term storage.
The most common fuels for generators are natural gas, gasoline, and diesel. Each of these fuels offers its own benefits and drawbacks.
Biodiesel
When you are looking for fuel types to run a whole house generator, you are going to want to look into biodiesel. Biodiesel is a clean, natural source of energy, and is also biodegradable. However, there are a few things you should know about using it.
It’s important to make sure you purchase quality biodiesel. A lot of different additives can change the properties of the biodiesel. If you don’t have a certified fuel distributor, you may find that the fuel doesn’t perform as it should. Also, keep in mind that the shelf life for biodiesel is around six months.
While biodiesel is a renewable source of energy, it is not as reliable as traditional diesel. The quality of biodiesel can vary from plant to plant, and the fuel can gel in cold temperatures. Gelling can create problems in your engine, reducing performance.
Biodiesel blends can reduce your fuel efficiency by up to 18 percent. For a better performance, choose a blend with a low biodiesel content.