Diesel vs Gas Generator: Which Is Better?

If you’re in the market for one, choosing between a diesel vs gas generator can be somewhat complicated.

Both generator options have some advantages, but which resigns superior? Differences in cost, reliability, quality, and overall construction should be considered. It’s best to take the time to understand the difference between the two generators before making a decision.

Do you know which is better? Let’s find out.

Diesel vs Gas Generator Basics

Overall diesel engines provide more power, response, and longevity. Gas engines are known to be more environmentally friendly. This may have been the case over time, but there’s growing arguments for both types of generators on the market.

The basics of diesel generators state that although they’re reliable and inexpensive, they’re also noisy and messy. Gas generators are expensive and tricky to deal with, but they’re quieter and cleaner than diesel options.

On a commercial level, diesel fuel is the answer. Industrial standby power relies on diesel fuel as the traditional choice, but over the years gas has given diesel a run for its money. Corporations avoided gas generators because of their outlandish prices and durability. Modern-day gas generators have fixed a lot of the reliability problems over the years which we will get into.

These problems have been handled so well that the line between diesel and gas isn’t as clearly defined as it was before.

Diesel Generator Advantages

Diesel generators have a bit of a leg up over gas generators.

These generators require less maintenance and therefore lower costs over the duration of their life. Because of the lack of maintenance, these generators usually last longer.

Stability is also a huge plus. Important institutions like hospitals tend to choose this type of fuel source because of its reliability. If the electricity goes out it could be the difference between life and death.

Diesel generators are also smaller. This makes them perfect for a portable package. Portable types of generators are used for standby power sources. Although they have a smaller size they also tend to be more fuel-efficient when comparing the same volume of gas.

Gas Generator Advantages

If you’re using a natural gas generator, you’ll be able to connect to a natural gas line. This provides a consistent and readily-available source of fuel. Gas is so widely used that in big cities it’s almost always the choice. There’s no need for obnoxious storage tanks with a natural gas line.

Take a look at gas prices next time you’re out. You’ll notice diesel is more expensive than gas. This is an advantage considering the dollars you’ll save choosing gas over diesel to fuel your generator.

It will also save you money if it’s powering your home. Reduction in costs can be seen when avoiding utility companies altogether and using a gas generator over electricity, but the same can be said for diesel-powered generators.

A clear indicator of performance is natural gas’s ability to provide a cleaner product with fewer emissions. Natural gas is free of thick odors that diesel fuel can’t avoid.

Diesel Generator Disadvantages

As noted above, diesel fuel is expensive.

The cost of your generator (although reasonable at retail) will cost you more in the long run due to fuel prices. Fluctuations in price happen more with diesel fuel than gas.

If you can’t find a well-priced diesel generator, you might have Tier 4 regulations to blame. Tier 4 is a government-mandated reduction in diesel-powered equipment that releases harmful exhaust gases. This might be better for the engine overall, but it affects the price directly.

Historically, diesel generators add to the heavy amounts of pollution in the city it’s used. Diesel fuel is not as clean as most energy fuels and releases more greenhouse gases over time. Your generator might not be the tipping point, but it does add to the equation.

Diesel engines are also louder than their gas counterpart. Although this might not bother you depending on your portable generator diesel, it could have an effect in the long run.

Gas Generator Disadvantages

Maintenance, maintenance, and more maintenance.

As mentioned above, gas generators suffer greatly from an outlandish amount of maintenance. Over time this will only cost an owner more money. The money you would be saving in gas prices is drastically cut if you’re making yearly repairs down the road.

Gas generators face potential explosions. Natural gas is a fire hazard if a pipeline erupts.

Even though natural gas is cleaner than diesel fuel, it can still release carbon dioxide. Sometimes even more than diesel. Natural gas is still low in the amount of sulfur, nitrogen, and CO2 it contains. Overall it’s one of the cleanest fossil fuels in the world.

Choose Diesel Over Gas

We’ve had the time to compare both gas and diesel generators.

The fact of the matter is a purchase is ultimately decided on by the customer. Based on research alone, the answer between a diesel vs gas generator is clear.

Choose diesel.

Diesel-powered generators are built for extended use. They’re meant to work under a heavy load and consistently give you return on investment. These types of machines are actually meant to work under a heavier load rather than a light one.

Although advancements have been made, gas generators are best used for intermittent use. If you’re looking for reliability time in and out, diesel is the way to go.

Buy a Generator

Generators are used for a plethora of reasons. We all need electricity and the powering of equipment. If you’ve made your decision between a diesel vs gas generator, contact Central States Diesel Generators.

We have a team ready to provide you with a diesel generator that fits your needs. Whatever your use may be, we’ll steer you in the right direction.

You want a generator you can count on. Let us handle the ins and outs of your new generator. You can rest easy knowing it will be there when you need it.

Give us a call today.