One of the biggest decisions you will need to make when investing a new generator for your premises is what fuel type you’re going to choose. Many are unaware that you aren’t just restricted to one fuel type and there are a handful of different options available to choose from. Whilst many will have heard of diesel or gas generators, propane is often overlooked and it isn’t uncommon for people not to know that this fuel type is available.
If you haven’t heard of a propane generator before and you’d like to find out more about this before deciding whether or not it is a good option to consider, keep reading today. Below, our experienced team here at Vital Power have put together a list of pros and cons of propane generators. Hopefully, this information will help you to decide if propane is a fuel source that may be more suitable for your premises.
The pros to propane generators
Easy fuel to get in an emergency
Many only use their generator in an emergency situation and often, when there is a power outage you won’t be able to use a gas station. Thankfully, if you choose a propane generator this won’t affect you as propane comes in tanks rather than being distributed from gas stations. You can relax knowing that running out of fuel is less of a risk.
The fuel has a long shelf life
Propane also doesn’t degrade over time, unlike other popular choices such as diesel, and this means that you will be able to store it for much longer. Many like the fact that they don’t need to use their propane by a certain date and when you have a high-quality storage tank, you can ensure that you’re well equipped with enough fuel for any potential situation.
It is a clean-burning fuel
When it comes to the environment, propane is a good choice too. It is known for being a clean-burning fuel and it produces fewer pollutants than other types of fuel. It is thought that a propane generator produces half the amount of carbon monoxide as a gasoline generator and this is undeniably beneficial if you’re conscious about your carbon footprint.
The cons to propane generators
A tank is required for the fuel
As mentioned above, propane comes in tanks, so instead of simply topping up the fuel tank in your generator whenever required, you will need to install plumbing between your new generator and your fuel tank. It is likely that you will need to pay an expert to do this for you to ensure that it is done correctly and nothing is overlooked.
Less efficient than alternative fuels
Whilst there are obvious benefits to propane fuel, it is less efficient than other fuel sources. It is likely that you will burn through propane much quicker, meaning you will need to have a big enough tank to keep your generator running during a power outage. The low energy density of propane can put off some generator owners.
The engine has a shorter life expectancy
Unfortunately, propane generators are known for requiring more maintenance than other alternatives and even if you keep it well maintained, it is likely that you will need to replace a propane generator much sooner than a diesel generator, for example. This is a concern for those who worry about it breaking down when they need it most.
Contemplating purchasing a propane generator
Ultimately, it is fair to say that the pros and cons of propane generators are fairly evenly balanced and, for this reason, it is worth weighing these up against the other fuel types available. More often than not, the type of fuel chosen is a personal decision and what is best for one won’t necessarily be right for another, so take the time to think about your individual needs and requirements before deciding what type of generator to purchase.
If you have any questions at all about propane generators or any other commonly used fuel sources, please don’t hesitate to contact our team here at Vital Power today. With over three decades of experience working in the UK power generation market, you can trust we are the best people to reach out to when investing in a new generator. We pride ourselves on being able to exceed customer’s expectations with honesty, integrity and passion, and we look forward to assisting you in any way possible.
Anna Eyre
Digital Marketing Lead
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