7 Reasons to Invest in a Natural Gas Generator in 2024

Are you in the market for a new commercial generator? Maybe your current model is no longer meeting your power needs, or perhaps you’ve never purchased a generator before. Whatever the case may be, Valley Power Systems is here to help you with this essential investment in 2024 and beyond.

Generators play a crucial role in sustaining business operations, so it’s important to choose the right one for your company. As you explore your options, you will find a vast array of generators available. One of the most significant considerations that you’ll need to make is what kind of fuel your generator will use. Natural gas is a popular choice in the commercial and industrial sectors, and for good reason. This fuel source offers numerous benefits for your business. Let’s explore seven of the top reasons to invest in a generator powered by natural gas.

1. Supplies Constant Fuel

A natural gas generator is a wise investment, especially if you already have a natural gas line in place at your site. The unit will connect to the gas line, giving you access to an uninterrupted fuel supply when needed. This accessibility can provide you with great peace of mind, knowing you won’t run out of fuel during an emergency power outage.

2. Reduces Generator Emissions

Is your business trying to use more environmentally friendly practices? A natural gas generator can help you achieve your environmental goals. Natural gas emits much lower levels of the greenhouse gasses that contribute to global warming. It is considered a clean-burning fuel and is a top choice for environmentally conscious businesses today.

3. Improves Fuel Efficiency

As a business owner, you may be concerned about the rising fuel costs across the U.S. However, rest assured that modern generator models have advanced features designed to optimize fuel economy. Therefore, a new unit will operate much more efficiently than a model that’s a decade or two old.

4. Reduces Noise Pollution

Natural gas generators are known to be relatively quiet compared to other types of generators. You won’t have to worry about excessive generator noise disrupting productivity. You can also reduce noise by installing a sound-attenuated enclosure around your generator. As an added precaution, you should also be sure that anyone working near the generator is equipped with hearing protection equipment.

5. Provides Fuel Savings

Historical trends show that natural gas fuel has typically been priced lower than other types of generator fuels. While these units can be more expensive initially, you will reap the fuel savings over time. Combine the savings with the environmental benefits that natural gas offers, and you’ll find that the cost of these generators will be more than worth it.

6. Allows for Continuous Operations

A natural gas generator can help you keep business flowing even if the main power grid is disrupted. Your generator can take over the power load for industrial equipment, communication devices, lighting, security systems, and much more. With the right sized system, you can keep your business running without interruption until power is restored to your facility.

7. Protects Your Bottom Line

When you have a natural gas generator available, you won’t have to worry about losing money to power outages. Your generator will ensure you have the electricity you need to maintain productivity, keep employees safe and comfortable, and protect your bottom line.

How Long Will a Natural Gas Unit Last?

A standby natural gas generator can last for 20 years or more. However, a generator’s life expectancy can depend on various factors, such as frequency of use, its environment, and how well it was maintained throughout the years. To extend your unit’s lifespan, it’s essential that the system is maintained properly.

How Often Should the System Be Maintained?

In general, a new generator will need its initial maintenance check after the first 50 hours of use. After that, a standby duty generator should be maintained yearly or after a certain number of running hours, typically every 100 to 200 hours for smaller units or 250 hoursof runtime for larger units. While a new generator won’t need maintenance as often as an older unit, it’s still important to schedule routine inspections and maintenance. This will help identify minor issues before they have a chance to progress into larger ones.

Natural gas generator maintenance typically includes:

Oil change

Your oil helps keep all the moving parts of your generator engine lubricated. This reduces friction between components, allowing them to work together smoothly. Stale oil isn’t nearly as effective, and it can become contaminated with dust and dirt particles over time. Keeping fresh oil circulating throughout the engine is one of the best ways to protect against wear and tear. Gas engines use a special kind of low ash oil, so make sure your choice of oil is correct for the engine.

Filter replacement

Clean filters are necessary for keeping dust, dirt, and debris out of your engine. A dirty engine will wear down much more quickly, and you could be looking at a generator replacement sooner rather than later. For engines that have not met the run-hour based maintenance interval, we recommend inspecting air filters monthly and replacing air, oil, and fuel filters during the yearly service.

Battery & Ignition System Inspection

A well-functioning generator battery will keep your system powered up without disruption and make sure the engine will start when it’s needed. However, as batteries age, they can cause performance problems and starting issues for your generator. We’ll conduct comprehensive battery inspection and testing during your maintenance visit to ensure your system is ready to go in an emergency. The gas engine’s ignition system and spark plugs should be inspected during the annual maintenance.

Hose check

Our technicians will also check your generator hoses for any leaks. These are often tiny and hard to detect on your own, but leaks can lead to reduced efficiency and wasted energy, costing your business a significant amount of money over time. We have the proper equipment and training to identify hose leaks and repair them quickly.

Coolant check

Keeping your generator engine cool is essential for optimal performance. Without it, your system would quickly overheat and potentially experience irreparable damage. During your maintenance visit, we will check the coolant level and refill to the appropriate level. We can also perform coolant sampling and flush the system as necessary for optimal performance.

And much more!

As we perform our maintenance checks, we also conduct thorough engine testing to look for problems that could cause performance issues for you later. Addressing these now will keep major repair needs at bay, improve overall efficiency, and help to maximize the lifespan of your system.

Valley Power Systems: Offering Premium Power Solutions

Serving all of California, Valley Power Systems is an authorized distributor of commercial generator products. We partner with top brands like Atlas Copco and Blue Star Power Systems to bring our customers state-of-the-art power solutions. If you need a natural gas generator, you can rely on our knowledgeable team to guide you through the selection process. Before making a recommendation, we’ll consider your power requirements, budget, desired features, environmental concerns, and other factors to match you with a suitable unit.

Along with generator sales and installation, we can handle your generator repair or maintenance needs, from simple oil changes to more intensive engine work. Our technicians are fully trained and certified to address all your generator needs.

Are you ready to explore your options for a natural gas generator in 2024? Contact Valley Power Systems to get started!