If there’s a prolonged power outage in your area, a generator can make living in your home not only comfortable but possible. These generators are powered by different types of fuels to help them perform their best. Let’s take a look at gas, diesel, propane, and solar generators.
The Properties of Gas Generators
A gas generator can use gasoline or natural gas. Gasoline is a liquid distilled from petroleum. It’s pale yellow, famously flammable, and has an unmistakable smell. Natural gas, which is mostly methane, has no odor and is a gas rather than a liquid.
Gasoline generators are often portable and sometimes use a three-phase system to send electricity into your home. These are called inverter generators. However, gasoline can be more expensive than other types of fuel. This adds up, especially if the outage is prolonged.
Natural gas is often used in standby generators. These are large, stationary generators that can serve the whole house during an outage. Natural gas generators can be hooked up to your gas company for a continuous supply of gas. They emit a relatively small amount of pollution. On the other hand, upfront costs are high, especially for large standby generators. Natural gas generators also may not work as well in very cold temperatures.
Diesel Fuel Generators
Most diesel generators are standby generators. Diesel fuel can be made from petrochemicals or even grasses and animal fats. These types of generators are easier to maintain and more efficient than gasoline generators as diesel fuel has a lower burning temperature, thus saving you money. There’s even winter-grade diesel fuel that’s just right for cold climates.
Propane Generators
Like natural gas, propane is also odorless and colorless. Most propane is actually liquefied natural gas. A benefit of propane is that you can go to your gas company, buy canisters of it, and store them until an emergency arises. Propane generators also work well in frigid temperatures. Two drawbacks are that propane costs more than natural gas and doesn’t last as long as diesel. Some generators use both gasoline and propane.
Solar Generators
Solar generators get their power from the sun. Some models are portable and small enough to keep in your car. Smaller, portable generators provide 1,000 to 3,000 watts of power and can keep your phone and laptop working. There are standby solar generators that can run your entire house for a time, but they’re pricey to install, and you’ll need a professional to install them.
If You Need More Information About Generators, Call Us
Different generators can use different fuels, and there’s at least one that’s perfect for the needs of your home. If you need your generator installed, get in touch with our experienced professionals at R Buck Heating of Pueblo, Colorado.