Having reliable power sources during a power outage is essential. That’s why natural gas generators have become increasingly popular as an energy backup option in recent years. But what exactly makes these machines such great investments? Let’s look at the pros and cons of having a natural gas generator so you can decide whether it will be worth investing in one or not.
Is a Natural Gas Generator Worth It?
Yes. Natural gas generators have been the go-to solution for residential, commercial, and industrial applications seeking dependable energy sources. This generator may require a high initial investment, but they are excellent at keeping the operation costs relatively low.
It gets better: since these gensets can run on the continuous natural gas supply available in most homes, hospitals, and other businesses, they can provide unlimited power even during outages.
Pros of Natural Gas Generators
Cost-Effectiveness:
Natural gas is often a great choice when it comes to choosing an energy source that won’t break the bank. Unlike diesel and gasoline, natural gas usually costs less, and those savings don’t come with drastic price fluctuations either.
Reliability and Dependability:
Natural gas is one of the most reliable sources of energy, particularly when compared to other nonrenewable sources.
Unlike traditional fuels, which can deteriorate over time and cause frequent outages, natural gas stays reliably in supply once you’ve accessed it from a pipeline (if your area offers these services). It even gives homeowners with no access to piped utility lines an option: they may install their own storage tank and rest easy knowing that a reliable fuel source won’t be affected by outside influences!
In addition, according to the GAS TRANSMISSION PIPELINES, there were only about six major reported incidents concerning disruptions on pipelines between 2015 and 2019, proving its track record for stability beyond just being environmentally friendly.
Environmentally Friendly Option:
Natural gas generators are a great alternative to gasoline- or diesel-powered ones, particularly if you’re looking for an environmentally friendly solution.
Burning natural gas produces significantly lower emissions than petroleum fuels, including less CO2, sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter, so there are far fewer toxins released into the environment when using them as compared with traditional fuel sources.
Related Post: Natural Gas Vs Gasoline Generator
Ease of Use:
Natural gas generators are great for home use as they’re easy to operate. Many models have a convenient automatic start-up option that makes it even easier—just press the button and you’re ready to go! There’s no need to monitor or manually switch off after using either, which saves time and effort.
Plus, with transfer switches installed at your property, there won’t be any issues if someone is away when power fails; the generator will turn on automatically without requiring anyone to be present!
Boosts Home Value:
Investing in your property can add considerable value when it comes time to sell—installing standby generators is no exception! While the immediate benefits come from enjoying power throughout any outages or electricity cuts that might arise during the ownership of your home, having such features makes homes attractive on paper too.
Cons of Natural Gas Generators
Expensive:
Natural gas generators can be a hefty investment. Most units are intended for standby power in case of an emergency and so come with higher price tags than portable gasoline-powered models.
Plus, if you don’t have natural gas lines running through your area, then the cost of purchasing or setting up tanks to store the fuel is yet another added expense that needs to be taken into consideration before buying one.
Additional Infrastructure:
Installing a natural gas generator requires additional infrastructure, such as pipelines or storage tanks, depending on where you live and local regulations related thereto, which can add costly complexities when factoring in the total costs involved (unless there’s already some sort of existing structure).
How Long Do Natural Gas Generators Last?
Standby generators are designed to provide power in the event of a blackout, and with regular maintenance, they can keep running for decades. But how long is “regular” use? Most manufacturers state that if your generator runs up to 650 hours per year, then you should expect between 1500 and 3000 total runtime hours or around 20–40 years!
It’s important to not only think about yearly usage but also look out for signs that could indicate it may need replacing, such as increased fuel consumption or unusual noises coming from the engine. In these cases, getting professional help early on can be very beneficial so any damage does not escalate further down the line.
How Long Can A Natural Gas Generator Run Continuously?
The ability of a natural gas generator to run continuously depends on various factors. For example, standby generators have the capacity to run uninterruptedly for up to 3000 hours with an average-sized home; however, it is recommended that these machines not operate for more than 500 hours at most.
Portable units tend to only be able to work between 6 and 18 hours as they are meant primarily for short-term power supply during emergency situations or when in remote locations without access to other forms of energy sources like electricity, etc.
To keep your machine running optimally for longer durations, you must ensure proper maintenance by having regular checkups and oil changes along its lifespan, which helps prolong usage before eventual repairs become necessary.
Top Natural Gas Generator Brands
There aren’t many brands that provide natural gas generators, but some reputable brands continue to offer some impressive products now and then. Here are the top names in the industry:
Generac
Generac is one of the top portable generator companies, but they are also known for their amazing standby generators. These home backup generators run on natural gas and are incredibly reliable—built to last! Generac produces high-quality machines that work efficiently, so you can rest easy knowing your power supply won’t let you down in a crisis situation. How much is a generac generator? Click the link to find out.
KOHLER
For over a century, Kohler has been manufacturing luxury home appliances and is renowned for crafting iconic designs.
But when it comes to gas generators specifically, the company’s commercial and industrial range really makes them stand out in the industry as an impressive powerhouse! Each unit is constructed with the utmost durability, ensuring reliable power flow even for extensive commercial or residential establishments.
Cummins
Cummins delivers nothing less than excellence through their various natural-gas generator offerings that include both standby and portable gensets, ranging from smaller sizes up to larger-scale options fitting all types of applications possible.
Not just practical but very dependable; equipped with the latest innovations, they ensure ongoing performance by being economical yet robust, thus building a solid reputation across generations.
Related Read: Kohler vs Generac vs Cummins Standby Generators
Westinghouse
Westinghouse is a reliable brand when it comes to portable generators. They make high-quality tri-fuel generators that can run on gasoline, propane, and natural gas for extra convenience and versatility.
Caterpillar
Though more well known in the construction and mining machinery sectors of industry, Caterpillar has made its presence felt within the world of portable generator production with success too! The diesel engine generator set that they produce provides commercial facilities as well as industrial applications with an ideal source of power due to its reliability.
Recommended Read: Who Makes Caterpillar Generators?
FAQs - Is a Natural Gas Generator Worth It?
Are there portable natural gas generators?
Yes! Portable natural gas generators provide a reliable and efficient power source in remote locations or during an emergency. Many models also come with soundproofing technology to further reduce noise levels, making them ideal for quieter spaces as well.
Is a natural gas generator quiet?
When it comes to energy sources that run on internal combustion engines like natural gas generators, they are generally much more peaceful than their gasoline-powered counterparts, producing significantly lower decibels of sound pollution when operational at full load. Newer generations often include additional insulation layers built into the device’s construction, which reduces auditory disruption even further.
Does a natural gas generator give off carbon monoxide?
Yes, natural gas generators produce carbon monoxide (CO) just like all other internal combustion engines, but in lower amounts.
Can you run a natural gas generator indoors?
Running your generator inside the house is not recommended because of the potential risks associated with indoor use, such as Carbon Monoxide poisoning from exhaust fumes.
If using your machine indoors must be done in any circumstance, proper ventilation through windows and doors should be provided alongside an installed exhaust fan for air circulation purposes to ensure safety against high levels of CO buildup.
Can a natural gas generator power a house?
Yes, natural gas generators can be used to power your home. Most are designed as standby units and provide enough electricity for the average-sized household’s energy needs.
Does Honda make a natural gas generator?
No! Honda doesn’t have natural gas generators.
Conclusion: Is a Natural Gas Generator Worth It?
Owning a natural gas generator can be very beneficial in the long term, with savings on fuel costs and fewer emissions. Investing time into researching the best manufacturers ensures that you make an educated decision when purchasing your power source and enjoy reliable service for many years down the road. Companies such as those mentioned are some of the leading brands offering generators known for their longevity and dependability.
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