If your building has ever suffered a prolonged power outage, you know how challenging the experience can be. Perishable items can go bad if the outage lasts long enough, and your technology becomes unusable. If the lights go out, your employees will be left in the dark.
Investing in a generator is the best way to mitigate the damage. Options like natural gas generators provide a source of energy without the need to refill them. All they require is the occasional generator maintenance.
Read on to learn why natural gas generators are worth the investment and how they fare against the competition.
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How Natural Gas Generators Work
Natural gas is a reliable energy source used for everything from cars to homes. In fact, it’s one of the most used sources of electricity in the world.
The fuel source is extracted from underground sources, processed in a facility, and distributed through small, low-pressure pipelines. Properties are connected to this network through service lines that lead to a meter.
Your gas-powered generator is connected to either this meter or a storage tank that is filled with natural gas. The gas feeds into a combustion engine, where it mechanically drives the generator’s rotor. They can then generate energy without the need for external power.
The generator turns on as soon as your power goes out. You shouldn’t lose power for more than half a minute.
The Different Types of Generators
There are a few different types of generators available, depending on your available space and the amount of power needed. Some are better for powering entire buildings, while others are meant more for localized energy usage.
Standby
A standby generator is permanently installed onto your property and connected to your natural fuel source. It is always connected and ready to work at a moment’s notice, triggered by a power outage. As such, you don’t have to worry about finding your way to it in the dark to turn it on.
Keep in mind that these generators are only meant to provide power to your building for a limited amount of time. Leaving them on for too long can cause malfunctions and damage them.
It’s also important to schedule regular generator maintenance for them, especially if you rarely encounter power outages. After all, you want them to actually work in case of an emergency.
Prime
Some properties may use prime power generators when there is no local utility hookup. In this case, the generator functions as your sole source of electricity.
These systems are designed to run for much longer periods and handle bigger loads. They’re usually used on job sites that don’t have utility hookups yet but need power. The generator is transported on a trailer along with a supply of natural gas.
Portable generators like these are usually less expensive than standby generators and do not require permanent installation. They can be used in various locations and for different purposes, making them a flexible purchase for a business.
Benefits of Natural Gas-Powered Generator
There are many benefits to using natural gas generators over alternatives such as diesel or battery-powered ones.
To begin with, standby natural gas generators never have to be refilled. They’re always connected to your gas line and are ready to go at any time. That means you won’t have to make space to store fuel like you would with diesel.
Natural gas systems are much more affordable than diesel as long as you already have a hookup to a gas line.
It doesn’t matter much if you’re not sure about how to use a natural gas generator. They’re designed to work on their own when your property loses power. Your service provider should be able to keep it well-maintained in case of an emergency.
Finally, natural gas emissions are less toxic than diesel exhaust. They’re also quieter.
Considerations When Using Natural Gas
There are some things to keep in mind when investing in natural gas generators.
Even though natural gas is more affordable to use, it may require high installation costs. This is especially true if you don’t already have a gas hookup.
It won’t function without a connection to a natural gas line. You could always purchase a used generator to help cut the costs.
If your company uses portable generators, then you’ll need to figure out how to manage your natural gas inventory. It’ll require storage space and a way to transport each tank.
While natural gas is less harmful to the environment, it’s also highly explosive. Diesel is flammable but less destructive if it meets a spark.
Lastly, diesel is a much more efficient fuel source than natural gas. They’ll provide more usable power for an equal amount of fuel. They also last longer and require less maintenance.
When to Use an Alternative
Natural gas is one of the best fuel options for a standby generator. But when is it not worth the investment?
If you want a strong generator that doesn’t require much maintenance, then diesel is the best choice. You’ll just need to fill it up from time to time.
A battery-powered generator can easily be refilled with a normal electric hookup. These are best for bridging small outages or powering minor appliances.
You may want to buy a solar-powered generator if you care about your carbon footprint. However, these supply limited power and may only charge a few appliances. The good thing is that the solar charging features often come paired with a standard internal battery.
Try Natural Gas Generators for Your Business
By now, you should know whether or not natural gas generators are the right option for your business. They’re affordable to purchase, only require a natural gas hookup, and will run on their own when needed. You can even find portable options for your various work sites.
Swift Equipment Solutions has the best industrial equipment for sale. We have the generators, engines, and air compressors you need to get the job done. Contact us to get a free quote and learn more about our equipment.
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