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While exploring the options for commercial generator rentals, one of the first and most important decisions that you will face is choosing the right fuel type. The two most common options are diesel generators and gas generators; and while both provide reliable power backup, they differ significantly in their cost, efficiency, maintenance, and long-term performance.
Selecting the right generator thus is not just about getting the backup, it is also about making sure your generator rental matches your operational needs, budget, and compliance requirements.
Wondering what the right option is? Don’t worry! This blog by Curtis Power Solutions will break down the six key differences between diesel and gas generators for rentals, and help you decide which is best suited for your business.
Understanding the Basics
The power-driven world today necessitates backup for all industries although some more so than the others. A list of the top 7 industries that benefit from commercial generator rental in the US includes the healthcare sectors, commercial sectors (retail, manufacturing, and construction) and the up and rising ones like data centers.
Thus, the choice of diesel vs gas generators for rental is an important one. But before you dive into the details of how these two generators compare, let’s first understand their basic features.
Diesel Generators
It is quite obvious that diesel generators run on diesel. But this simple difference in the type of fuel affects a lot of the generator’s features including its design and efficiency. Diesel generator sets do not use a spark plug, they instead require a high compression to ignite the fuel. This necessitates the use of heavy components in its design, leading to an inherent durability of the generator system.
Gas Generators
The gas generator sets can run on three different gases: Propane, Natural gas, and Petrol or Gasoline. These generators, unlike the diesel ones, do require a spark plug for fuel ignition and a carburetor or fuel-air injection system. They also utilise air cooling and generally have a compact design with relatively lighter engine components.
At Curtis Power Solutions, we offer both diesel and gas generator sets for commercial generator rental to meet your diverse power needs. These gensets are portable and their power output ranges from 22kW to 2000kW.
For further details, check out our commercial generator rental 101 and learn all there is to know about renting a generator from the rental cost to maintenance and the compliance to national standards.
Diesel vs. Gas Generators for Rentals: The 6 Key Differences
Now that you know the basics of how the diesel generators and gas generators operate and how the fuel type affects their engine design, let’s uncover which other features set apart these two commercial generator rentals from each other.
The six key differences that become a major deciding factor for which one to choose from amongst diesel vs. gas generators for rentals, are:
1. Initial Investment
The diesel generators being larger in size with high power output cost more. Also, the cost of fuel fluctuates a lot and is generally higher for these generators, making them a rather costly investment initially.
The gas generators on the other hand mostly have a compact, portable design and cost less than the diesel generators. Talking about the fuel price, their fuel costs less too.
2. Maintenance Cost
Although both the generator types require regular maintenance, for a diesel generator the time duration between two subsequent maintenance runs is less due to their liquid cooling and lack of spark plug and carburetors (which require frequent servicing and maintenance).
A gas generator is thus more prone to wear and tear due to the spark plugs and carburetor, also it employs air-cooling and has a higher rpm than the diesel ones.
3. Fuel Efficiency
When it comes to fuel efficiency, it largely depends on the amount of power output a generator provides per unit of the fuel used. The diesel generators thus come out to be more efficient.
The gas generators are less fuel efficient despite their low fuel cost because they provide less power output for the same amount of fuel used in diesel generators.
4. Fuel Availability
Fuel availability is another factor that differentiates gas generators from diesel generators. The diesel generators require a reliable fuel supply and are suitable for remote areas where the diesel can be stored in fuel-tanks, making them suitable for emergency use.
The gas generators get their fuel supply via gas pipelines which are suitable for urban areas. Remote or rural areas often lack pipelines for gas supply and hence are not suitable for using gas generators.
5. Environmental Impact
The environmental impact and noise generation also sets apart the diesel generators from gas ones. Although both of them emit harmful gases, they differ in the pace at which they release them.
Diesel generators generate more noise and higher levels of harmful gases like Carbon dioxide, Nitrous oxide, and particulate matter. Whereas, the gas generators release these gases at a slower rate and create relatively less noise, making them cleaner, and more environment friendly.
6. Safety and Durability
A rental generator is an important investment for any business as is its durability and safe operation. When the diesel and gas generators are compared, the diesel generators come out to be much safer and durable than the gas ones.
This is because diesel is a less flammable fuel and the generator lacks spark plugs and carburetor (present in gas generators) which needs timely maintenance and replacements. Following a commercial generator rental’s safety checklist can be your answer to have a prolonged and safe operation of your generator.
Which is the Better Option?
Here comes the million dollar question, which amongst diesel vs. gas generators for rentals is the best option for your business. The answer as you can see from the comparison above depends on your needs.
Go over important questions like, for how long and how much power you need from the generator and whether factors like environmental impact and noise levels matter to you. These factors will also influence your generator rental quote, do consult your rental agency about your requirements as their experience and expertise will get you the right genset for your business.
Takeaway
The type of rental generator you choose for your business is a major deciding factor for its growth and continued operations. Amongst the different options: diesel vs. gas generators for rentals is a major dilemma for many businesses. The right choice however depends on your power needs, site location, and the fuel availability amongst others like their efficiency and environmental impact.
At Curtis Power Solutions, we understand how important generators are for the scalable growth of your business, which is why we offer generator rental and sales services for both gas and diesel generators. Contact us for more information or any other help with generator maintenance and testing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Which generator rental is better for the environment: diesel or gas?
Gas generator rental is better for the environment than diesel generators. The gas generators produce relatively fewer harmful emissions making it a more cleaner and sustainable fuel, while diesel generators release more harmful pollutants and generate more noise.
Q2: Which type of generator is the most efficient?
The diesel generators are the most efficient generators with their fuel efficiency. They produce more energy per unit of fuel in comparison to other gas generators. Moreover, when comparing traditional generators to inverters, inverters are more efficient as they optimise their speed based on the required power output.
Q3 : How do rental costs compare between diesel and gas generators?
When it comes to comparing the rental cost between diesel and gas generators, it depends on the generator size, type, and the duration of renting. A smaller gas generator required for short-term needs costs relatively less while a large diesel generator with high power output is cost-effective for long-term needs .
