Backup Generators are the backbone the home protection community. There isn’t much else that can equip your family for a crisis the way a backup generator will. Standby generators are generally powered or fueled by gasoline or propane gas. Lots of them are enabled to be run off of a natural gas connection. It can be a good idea before making your purchase to inform yourself about what makes some models unique ensuring that your choice is a strategic one. Home generators are as pricey as they are useful so you want to make sure to get a model that covers your basic electricity requirements.

Additionally, here are a few questions to ask yourself before investing in a backup generator system for your home:
How much time ,in your experience, will you require to run your generator where you live? Is it better for you to buy a portable or standby generator? What fuel options do you have? Can it be bought where you live? Will your fuel be accessible during a power outage in the middle of a catastrophe or crisis? Is there anyone that requires medical equipment or 911 backup? After determining these things, you will have a better idea of what type of system you should buy. Below is some basic information about each type of generator that will assist you in making a smart choice.

Natural Gas:
Natural gas is the easiest to come by for home backup generators and is probably the most dependable fuel on earth. Natural gas’ only downside is even it can be hard to find if you live in one of a few inconvenient places. Before you invest in a home generator system to check your local fuel options. Natural gas generators connect to your home’s supply. Therefore, refueling is not necessary, which is a huge convenience for any homeowner. Additionally, NG, will not congeal in your fuel line since it’s environmentally friendly, is quieter than other other types when running, is well-suited to the winter months and contribute to a longer engine life. The main problem is that natural gas may not be available if there’s a hurricane or earthquake, and it can become extremely dangerous if a line is broken. You need to hire a professional installer and fuel can be costly, also. 

Gasoline:
Gasoline is the most familiar type of fuel as most people either have a car. Additionally, with gas generators, the weight-to-output ratio is the most optimum across different generator types. Drawbacks cover frequent maintenance, and gas only has a shelf life of 6 months.

Diesel:
The best part about diesel is that has a higher efficiency than other fuel types. It is especially good for heavy-duty equipment and transportation. That said, it is priced higher than most other fuels. Basically, it makes sense in both cost and workability. Diesel is least likely to combust, diesel generators require less maintenance, and diesel doesn’t throw sparks as it is burned. Diesel generators can be used for more prolonged periods of time than other generator types, have no issue in sub-zero temperatures, run on diesel which has a better shelf life than gasoline, have lower maintenance costs, and is always readily available. The drawbacks are that diesel engines tend to be louder, are very heavy, and a light load could cause “wet stacking”. Diesel systems are a long way from ‘green’ and you might find yourself limited to the number of hours that you are able to use it.

Propane:
standby generators tend to run on propane in place of other fuel supplies that are not as commonly accessible. One big disadvantage of propane is that it has been more costly than regular gas in the past. That said, now that gasoline is more expensive, it’s not really an issue. Propane is now the cheapest. There used to be many disadvantages to propane that now no longer exist.
Some advantages of propane are that the fuel lasts a long time in a usable state, it won’t clog your fuel line, it burns the cleanest of all fuels and doesn’t destroy the environment. It’s also cold-weather friendly. propane is universally available, can be used for prolonged periods, and won’t wear down your motor or fuel line over the years.

On the contrary, the fuel system is complicated, installation can be expensive, since you may need to hire a technician and you may need a large tank if you foresee the need for prolonged and frequent use. If the lines are broken the propane can be very dangerous, and a propane generator can cost you more than a gas or diesel generator.

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