When buying a generator to be placed as a standby or a prime power source, you have two main considerations: diesel or gasoline generators.
Homeowners typically don’t require diesel generators as they mostly use it as a backup source. But industries have different considerations. In this post, we will compare the two types of generators so that you can decide whether to opt for a diesel or industrial home generator.
1. Fuel Efficiency
Diesel generators have an advantage over gasoline generators in that they are more fuel efficient. This means that they use less fuel compared to gasoline generators when carrying a heavy load.
Fuel efficient generators not only save on fuel costs but are also more environmentally friendly. If fuel efficiency is the main consideration, diesel generators are best for industrial use.
The fuel is compressed while the air is separated in diesel generators that ignite the fuel. This increases the efficiency of the diesel-powered engine.
In contrast, gasoline-powered generators mix the air and fuel in the carburetor. The process of burning fuel is not as efficient as with diesel generators.
2. Maintenance Costs
Diesel generators don’t have spark plugs or carburetors. Moreover, most large diesel generators are water-cooled for better performance. A water-cooled generator can run for up to 30,000 hours before requiring maintenance.
In comparison, gasoline industrial generators are air-cooled and require maintenance after every 6,000 to 10,000 hours. Air-cooled water heats up more over extended usage. This is particularly the case with operating the generator in high ambient temperatures.
Since diesel generators undergo less wear and tear compared to gasoline generators, the maintenance cost of diesel generators is much less compared to that of gasoline-powered generators.
3. Durability
Diesel generators will have to be replaced less often as compared to gasoline industrial generators.
One of the main reasons that diesel generators last longer is that they operate at a lower temperature. In contrast, the extra heat in gasoline generators lowers the lifespan of the generator.
In addition, the burnt diesel fuel isn’t as corrosive as the burnt fuel of the gasoline generator. This means that the internal components have to bear less damage resulting in an increased lifespan of the diesel-powered generator.
4. Long Term Costs
The long-term cost of owning a diesel generator is less than that of a gasoline generator. Diesel generators will require less maintenance and last longer.
Gasoline generators, on the other hand, will undergo accelerated wear and tear. They will require frequent maintenance and repairs. Moreover, the generators have to be replaced more often.
Therefore, the long term cost of owning a diesel generator is much less as compared to owning a gasoline generator.
5. Load
Diesel generators are manufactured to operate under heavy load for long periods of time. They actually perform better than gasoline generators when operating under heavy load compared to lighter loads. These generators are not meant for intermittent use with a light load.
Gasoline generators are designed for low levels of load and to be used less frequently. They are best served as a standby generator for operating with a low load.
Final Remarks
The main differences between diesel and gasoline industrial generators are the fuel. Diesel generators are preferred over gasoline counterparts since they are more energy-efficient and undergo less wear and tear.
Diesel generators run cooler and last longer compared to gasoline generators. For this reason, generators that run on diesel are preferred for industrial use.
Generac Superstore deals with all kinds of generators for industrial and residential complexes. We specialize in sales, installation, and repairs of diesel and gasoline generators. Contact us today at (855) 880-1880 for professional generator maintenance in Huntsville, Birmingham, AL, and Nashville, TN.