Gas vs Diesel: Which Generator Works Best for Your Business?
Let’s talk generators. When the power goes out, your business comes to a stop. That’s no good. Getting back up and running means you’ll need backup power, and that usually means a getting generator installation in the North Bay. The big question we get asked all the time at CORE Electrical is:
which generator is better, gas or diesel?
We install generators all over the North Bay, so we see what works. So here’s the lowdown on gas versus diesel, just the facts, to help you figure out what makes sense for your business, your building, and your budget.
What’s a Natural Gas Generator?
These run on natural gas, the same stuff you might use for heating. A gas generator hooks right up to your utility gas line. No need for a fuel tank on your property. They’re good for places in town where gas lines are already installed.
What’s a Diesel Generator?
Other than the obvious difference in fuel type, the main difference here is that this generator needs its own tank on site. You’ll need to keep an eye on the fuel level and get it refilled from time to time. These things are known for being durable, putting out a lot of power, and being able to run for a long time.
Which One for Your Business? Quick Guide
Let’s cut to the chase, here’s what to know if you’re considering getting a generator as part of your business’ electrical upgrade priorities:
Get Natural Gas If
- You run an office or store with gas lines already.
- You’re in town or the suburbs.
- Lower emissions are important to you.
- You need backup for moderate power needs, not something extreme.
Get Diesel If
- You run a factory, warehouse, or anything with big power needs.
- You’re out in the country with no gas lines.
- You run something critical like medical equipment.
- Losing power for even a little while costs you big money.
Gas vs. Diesel: What Matters
Below we’ll go over some of the most essential points to consider when comparing generators:
Getting Fuel
- Natural Gas: Needs fuel from gas pipe. Easy if you’re already hooked up which is common in town but not in more rural areas.
- Diesel: Needs fuel delivered and stored in a tank. Works anywhere, even off-grid. You do need to make sure the fuel doesn’t sit too long and go bad though.
Winner? If your business needs a back up generator, buildings that already have natural gas as will have an easier time with gas generators. Those out in more off-grid areas will have better luck with diesel.
Cost to Install and Keep Running
- Natural Gas: Usually cheaper to put in if the gas line is there already. No tank to worry about. Still needs engine maintenance, like checking the gas connection.
- Diesel: Costs more upfront for the tank and safety stuff around it. Built tougher though. Maintenance means checking fuel, filters, and emission systems.
Winner? Natural Gas generally costs less to maintain day-to-day, especially in town.
Fuel Cost
- Natural Gas: Gas fuel itself is usually cheaper than diesel. Plus, gas prices don’t jump around as much.
- Diesel: Fuel costs more, and prices go up and down. Gets more power from each gallon, but overall running cost is usually higher.
Winner? Natural Gas. Saves money on fuel over the long haul.
Power and Reliability
- Natural Gas: Good, steady power for most regular loads. Can sometimes lose a bit of punch if it gets really cold, but that’s not usually an issue in our neck of the woods.
- Diesel: The workhorse. Handles big loads and keeps running. Starts up fast when the power cuts, usually under 10 seconds. This is what hospitals and data centers use.
Winner? Diesel. If you need serious power or can’t afford any downtime, diesel’s more reliable. We’ve provided top quality service and equipment to many commercial customers who needed the same reliability and performance.
Environmental
- Natural Gas: Burns cleaner. Less smoke and soot. Easier to meet air quality rules.
- Diesel: More pollution, like nitrogen oxides and soot. Newer ones have filters but that means more maintenance.
Winner? If you’re worried about emissions, natural gas is the way to go.
Lasting Power
- Natural Gas: Decent lifespan now. Not usually built for running constantly under heavy load use like diesel is.
- Diesel: Built to handle hard work and will last longer if you take care of it.
Winner? Diesel. For heavy use and long life, diesel usually wins.
Questions We Hear
We get a lot of the same questions from time to time. Here are some of the most common ones we get about generators:
Can I Swap My Diesel Generator for Gas?
Yeah, but it’s basically a whole new install. You’ll need a new generator and to get it hooked up with fuel lines. We can price it out for you.
Are Gas Generators Quieter?
Usually, yes. Diesel’s louder. Good to know if noise is a problem.
What Size Generator Do I Need?
Depends what you need to run. We can do a load calculation to figure out the right size so there’s no guessing required.
How Long Can Diesel Run?
Depends on the tank size. Some go 24 hours, some 72 hours or more. They’re made to run for a long time.
So, Gas or Diesel? The Bottom Line
It really just comes down to what your business needs. Got gas hookups, want cleaner power, lower running costs? Natural gas is probably your bet. Need heavy-duty power, without access to gas line, or absolutely need it to run no matter what? Diesel’s likely the way to go.
Either way, CORE Electrical Services can help you figure it out, install it safely, and keep it maintained so it works when you need it.
Need Backup Power? Let’s Get It Done – CORE Electrical Services
Thinking about a generator? Gas or diesel, we know them. Call CORE Electrical Services at (707)687-5083. We’ll look at your setup, give you straight advice, and do the installation with expert precision. We do great work and we’re around 24/7 if there’s an emergency.
Give us a shout for a free look at what you need and contact us today protect your business. CORE Electrical Services, we’ll keep your power on.