Generators Fuel Guide

Owning a generator is like having an insurance policy on the comforts of home. Whether you choose a whole-house standby generator or a small portable model, there's nothing better than being able to keep the lights on when a blackout strikes.

Generator Fuel Guide
Choosing the right fuel for emergency power

The most common fuels used in generators are gasoline, diesel, and liquid propane/ natural gas. Each fuel source has its own benefits and drawbacks, so it's best to think of these features before disaster strikes.

Here's an easy to follow breakdown of the three common engine types.

Gasoline

Gasoline engines are the defacto standard of the combustion engine world. Gasoline is exceptionally easy to find on most street corners. The engines are relatively cheap, as is the fuel, and are maintained with basic, but regular maintenance.

Due to the high temperatures that burning gasoline requires, however, gasoline generators simply don't have the kind of longevity that diesel and propane can achieve. Also, due to the increased amount of moving parts in a gasoline generator's engine, maintenance is a more costly endeavor.

Also, it's good to remember that the first resource that is hoarded in emergencies is gasoline so availability may be limited when you need it the most.

Diesel

Diesel engine generators excel in areas of longevity and efficiency. Diesel simply burns more efficiently in an engine. Think of an 18-wheel truck capable of driving over a million miles before major service is needed. A diesel generator may last the life of your home with that kind of longevity!

Modern diesel generators are built for much quieter operation and require less maintenance than liquid propane generators at the same size. Also, the fuel is cheaper, costing 30 to 50 percent less.

Unlike a standard gasoline engine, which uses sparks to ignite a mixture of gas and air, a diesel generator engine uses compressed air to achieve similar results by injecting fuel into the superheated air.

This process gives a diesel a higher ratio of compression, which leads to better overall efficiency.

The only real drawback to using a diesel engine is its need for constant heat. If the engine temperature is not warm enough, it cannot ignite the fuel. Using a glow plug, which connects the engine to an electrical power source when the engine is not in use, circumvents this problem.

Liquid Propane

Finding liquid propane is as easy as driving to the nearest gas station. Many fuel stations are equipped to fill a standard propane tank for a reasonable cost, often as inexpensive as filling up a small car with gasoline.

One benefit of propane generators is the initial cost is dramatically cheaper than diesel and gasoline engines.

Liquid propane is exceptionally efficient, lasting much longer than similar sized generators that utilize standard gasoline for fuel. It also keeps up with the ruthlessly efficient diesel engine.

Propane has a much greater shelf life. Diesel fuel that sits for too long can actually damage the engine if it doesn't corrode the fuel tank first. Liquid propane can be stored for years without hurting the engine.

Liquid propane generators work without having to keep the fuel line heated. Propane ignites at a lower temperature than diesel, making propane generators ideal for any climate, no matter how cold it gets!

Propane is the most expensive fuel type, however, and simply may not have as abundant availability in rural areas.