Diesel vs. Natural Gas Generators
Diesel vs. Natural Gas Generators: Which One is Right for Your Business?
Are you in the market for a new generator for your commercial or industrial facility? Whether this will be your first generator or a replacement for an older model, purchasing a new unit is a big decision. Generators are a significant investment, so you want to be sure that you select the right one the first time. One of the most important decisions that you will need to make is what type of fuel the generator will use. 
Most commercial and industrial businesses utilize diesel and natural gas-powered generators. But how do you know which one is right for your business? That starts with exploring each fuel type.
Benefits of Diesel Generators
Here are the key benefits to using a diesel generator:
- Great Fuel Efficiency
Fuel costs remain a top concern for business owners today. While diesel is slightly more expensive than gas, it has a higher energy density. This means that the system will burn less fuel to provide the same amount of power as a gas engine. Your business will reap the savings over time, more than making up for the increase in fuel cost.
- System Affordability
Diesel generators are typically more affordable to purchase than their equivalent natural gas counterparts. This makes them a popular choice for budget-conscious business owners just starting out.
- Extreme Durability
Diesel generators are among the most durable power systems available. This is because they are constructed with sturdy materials, parts, and components. Diesel units are ideal for the industrial sector where they may be required for more heavy-duty applications.
- Extended Lifespan
Due to their great durability, diesel power systems tend to have a long lifespan. As long as the generator is maintained properly, a diesel unit is likely to provide reliable service for up to 20 years, or even more in some cases.
- Low Maintenance
Diesel generators are also relatively low maintenance. This is because they don’t have as many parts to maintain as gas units do, and fewer parts to maintain means fewer parts will need repairing over time. This can provide your business with substantial savings on maintenance and repair costs over the life of your generator.
Benefits of Natural Gas Generators
The top benefits of a natural gas-powered generator include:
- Readily Available Fuel
If you already have a natural gas system in place, it likely makes sense to choose a natural gas generator. Your new unit will be able to hook up to your existing pipeline and provide easy access to fuel on demand. You won’t have to worry about running out in the middle of a power outage to find a supply of fuel to keep your operations flowing.
- Environment Friendly
Natural gas is considered a clean-burning fossil fuel. It releases significantly lower amounts of pollutants into the environment than other fuel types. If you are concerned with your facility’s carbon footprint, choosing a natural gas generator is a great way to improve your sustainability practices.
- Quiet Generator Operation
Natural gas generators tend to run quieter than other generator types. This can be an important consideration when excessive noise is an issue at your site. It’s also a good idea to invest in a sound-attenuating generator enclosure to further minimize noise while providing weather protection.
- Doesn’t Emit a Strong Odor
Since natural gas burns so cleanly, you will find that these generators typically don’t emit the strong odors you might find coming from a diesel unit. If you do notice a pungent smell, it could be a sign of a gas leak, and the system should be turned off and inspected by a professional right away.
- Fuel Affordability and Efficiency
Natural gas is also an affordable and efficient fuel option. The price of natural gas is generally less than the per-gallon diesel equivalent, making it easier on your monthly budget. Natural gas engines also use fuel efficiently to supply the power you need, which leads to lower overall operational costs.
Clearly, there are many advantages to purchasing both diesel and natural gas generators. Ultimately, the right generator will depend on your budget, individual power requirements, and personal preferences. Any unit you choose will offer the most important benefit of all: providing backup power for your business operations. You’ll be able to maintain productivity even when the main power grid fails, potentially saving you thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars in the financial losses you would have otherwise experienced due to unexpected downtime.
How to Maximize Your Power System’s Lifespan
Once you have decided on a generator, you will want to ensure that it has a healthy, long lifespan. After all, you don’t want to have to worry about replacing it anytime soon. The best way to maximize the lifespan of your unit is by investing in preventative maintenance. Valley Power Systems can address all your generator maintenance and repair needs. From oil changes and leak checks to complete engine overhauls, we have you covered with expert workmanship from our highly experienced, factory-certified technicians.
During your maintenance service, our team will take care of the generator’s immediate needs as well as look for things that could become a problem for your business later. Our goal is to catch issues as early as possible. This will save you on repair costs in the long run while keeping your system operating efficiently.
Valley Power Systems is proud to offer customized maintenance contracts for our valued clients. These are designed to provide the exact level of service your generator needs at a competitive price. As your generator ages, its maintenance requirements will increase, and you can trust that we will be here to assist you every step of the way. We have been serving business owners like you since 1949, and we look forward to many more years of providing the reliable power solutions you need to stay in operation.
Discover Your Power Options Today
When it’s time to buy a new generator for your company, you will find that there are numerous makes and models available with various features. It can be overwhelming to review them all on your own. Fortunately, Valley Power Systems has a knowledgeable staff ready to assist you in the generator purchase process. As an authorized distributor, we have access to many of today’s top brands with the state-of-the-art features you want. You can trust that we will provide you with options that fit your individual needs.
Our team also offers hassle-free generator installations as well as the repairs and maintenance services you will need for your power system later down the line. We proudly serve all of California, providing the dependable power products that local businesses need to minimize downtime and ultimately protect their bottom lines.
Are you ready to invest in a new diesel or natural gas power system for your business? Contact our knowledgeable sales representatives at Valley Power Systems to explore your options today.