Natural Gas VS Diesel generators: What Are the Differences?

Are diesel generators better than gas generators – Here’s all you need to know!

When it comes to choosing a generator for your business, reliability and quality are often the first factors that come to mind. 

But there are also several different types of industrial generators. One thing that can be difficult to decide when choosing a generator is whether to go with natural gas or diesel generators. 

You only want to purchase and install the best industrial equipment, so take a moment to do your research. Each has its pros and cons, so we’ll break down the differences for you to get the best recommendation. 

The diesel generator industry is growing rapidly with an 8.39% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) and might be worth over 22.63 billion dollars by 2030. Natural gas generators, which are an equally popular choice, will be worth over 18.47 billion dollars by 2030 with a CAGR of 11.23 percen

Diesel Generators

Diesel generators are the traditional choice for most businesses looking for a no-fuss, more fuel-efficient generator option. 

What Is Diesel?

Diesel, as you may be familiar with from the gas pumps, is a fossil fuel derived from crude oil. It differs from our regular gasoline, and thus from regular household generators.

The mixture of components has special properties that allow it to spark without ignition through compression in the engine. Household generators have a spark plug that allows them to run off regular gasoline; however, industrial diesel generators do not and instead only require diesel gas.

How Do Diesel Generators Work?

Because they do not require a spark plug to ignite the fuel, they are usually a safer alternative to natural gas generators. Instead of using a spark plug, the ignition occurs when fuel is injected into the chamber after the air has already been compressed. This means the compression ratio is much higher, more than double, than a regular gas combustion engine. 

Being less flammable than regular gasoline or natural gas, it’s not as dangerous to keep stored. For you, this means diesel is much more fuel-efficient and safer to use than a regular generator or a natural gas one. 

How Reliable Are Diesel Generators?

The short answer—very. Though diesel fuel may cost more upfront than natural gas at first, it’s fuel-efficiency and availability make up for this. They are dependable sources of energy; so much so that they are commonly used in hospitals.

Because they were first established in 1897, there has been plenty of time for design and efficiency improvements. 

Comparing diesel engines with natural gas engines

Diesel generators last just as long as natural gas ones but tend to be more reliable. In fact, when it comes to hassle free maintenance, diesel generators score high! There is generally less upkeep required and makes them a low-maintenance option for home or business owners, as compared to natural gas units.

Though the initial price of diesel generators may seem steep as against a natural gas engine, their fuel-efficiency is unmatched. The diesel fuel prices versus natural gas prices often makes up for this investment. 

Though, there are still a few things you should consider when purchasing an industrial diesel generator. The first being that diesel gas can be smelly. When a diesel generator is working you’ll know simply by the smell, not to mention the noise.

Unlike natural gas generators, diesel also tends to be a dirtier form of fuel. During the process of generating power it releases byproducts of soot and other air pollutants. Certain areas may be less keen on diesel generators than natural gas ones because of this. 

Diesel generators also tend to be quite loud, though this tendency has subsided in recent years. As diesel engines continue to improve in design, so does it’s functionality, so this shouldn’t be the main concern, especially since most are placed where the noise and smell aren’t even noticeable.

Natural Gas Generators

Natural gas generators are newer to the scene but still provide an ample amount of energy when required. Both portable and stationary emergency generators are prided on being the cleanest form of fossil fuel. 

What Is Natural Gas?

Like diesel fuel, natural gas is also a fossil fuel. However, natural gas is composed of many different naturally occurring gasses, though primarily methane. It is one of the cheapest forms of power, though does not pack the same energy density as diesel fuel. It can also be more expensive in the long run if you don’t already have natural gas lines installed for your business. 

How Does a Natural Gas Generator Work?

Natural gas generators work mostly the same as a diesel generator, portable or stationary. However, gas generators have spark plugs and carburetors, making them a bit more finicky than a diesel generator.

How Reliable Are Natural Gas Generators?

Natural gas generators are just as reliable of a source of efficient energy as diesel, but your specific industry or business’ needs will determine which one is more appealing to you. Though natural gas generators were not developed until decades after the diesel or internal combustion generators, they run on the same basic principles. 

Comparing natural gas generators with diesel engine generators

There are a few things that a natural gas generator has over diesel engine generators.

First, it has a less pungent odor when it’s burned; in fact, natural gas does not have any smell at all. It’s colorless and odorless. However, a scent mimicking sulfur or rotten eggs was added as a safety measure to ensure we know when there is a leak.

The byproducts of natural gas are usually limited to only carbon dioxide (a greenhouse gas) and water vapor, making it a much cleaner alternative to diesel fuel. In fact, it is considered as one if the cleanest fossil fuels. Not only are natural gas engines cleaner, but quieter too. This is especially helpful in industries where you want to avoid pollution. 

Choosing a Generator For Your Business

As with any large machinery purchase, you should make the choice that makes the most sense for you and your business. Both natural gas and diesel generators are reliable and create dependable electricity during power outages or shortages. 

Swift Equipment Solutions offers plenty of used gas or diesel generator options from reliable brands such as CAT, Cummins, and Kohler, as well as natural gas powered generators from esteemed brands. You can also choose to invest in an electrical generator, depending upon the frequency and length of the power outage generally occurring in your area.

If you’re looking to purchase a generator for your power generation needs, take a look at our wide supply of inventory, spanning from natural gas and diesel generators to accessories and replacement parts. Regardless of your preferred fuel source, contact us today to see how our experts can help you ensure you have reliable energy at your fingertips.