It is very hard to imagine living without power for a long time. However, power outages are not uncommon, so it is important to have a backup plan so that you can go about your everyday activities as usual. A standby generator is a worthwhile investment for your home and business. There are various models to choose from, and natural gas generators are one of them.
Compared with other types of generators that run on fossil fuels, natural gas-powered generators are efficient, cost-effective, and eco-friendly. However, this does not mean they are a perfect choice for every application. Read on to learn more about natural gas-powered generators and what their benefits and drawbacks are.
What are natural gas generators?
Natural gas generators are power generators that run on natural gas, a clean-burning fuel. It makes them a budget-friendly and eco-friendly option. They use natural gas drawn either via a tank or from a direct line piped in by utility suppliers. These generators have an internal combustion engine that injects a mixture of fuel and air into the combustion chamber. This compression of fuel, along with the action of the spark plug, causes the fuel to ignite, which drives the crankshaft. The crankshaft then spins the generator’s rotor, producing an electrical current that can power electrical appliances. These generators can be used in both residential and commercial buildings.
Benefits of using a natural gas generator
Eco-friendly: These generators are some of the most environmentally friendly generators available on the market. They emit significantly lesser amounts of pollutants such as carbon dioxide, sulfur, and nitrogen into the environment.
Convenience: If your building receives natural gas, it becomes very easy to install a natural gas generator. Moreover, you don’t have to worry about fuel storage. The fuel is delivered directly through pipelines. Due to this, there is no need to check fuel tank levels or add fuel to the tank.
Economic: Natural gas is less expensive compared to other fuels, such as diesel, which makes the operation of these generators more economical in the long run.
Dependable: Natural gas is delivered directly via pipelines, which makes the supply more reliable. Unlike diesel and gasoline, it does not have to be stored. This makes natural gas generators more reliable.
Odor: Unlike diesel and gasoline generators, generators powered by natural gas do not have a strong odor. So it can be used in all types of locations.
Drawbacks
Natural gas has several benefits, but it also has a few drawbacks. Natural gas is supplied through pipelines, which makes the operation of these generators very convenient. However, in some situations, this can prove to be a drawback. In the event of a natural calamity, the supply of natural gas may be disrupted. This means your generator may not work when you need it the most. Moreover, natural gas is explosive and can cause a fire if the pipeline bursts.
Another important point about natural gas-powered generators is that they have a high upfront cost because they need professional installation, and, in some cases, home modifications may also be needed.
Understanding the advantages and disadvantages of natural gas-powered generators can help you make a more informed buying decision. If you are planning to invest in a standby generator for your home or commercial building, get in touch with us. We will help you choose the right generator for your needs and ensure that it is installed to perfection.
