As the name suggests, dual fuel generators can produce electricity using two types of fuels, which makes them more reliable than single fuel generators. Also, note that there are bi-fuel generators as well in the market, but they both are different from each other.
Dual-fuel generators use two mixtures of fuels to obtain the optimum operating conditions, while that is not the case with bi-fuel generators. They use only one type of fuel at a time, they can change from one to another, but they are not mixed.
Due to their ability to run on two fuels, their demand is increasing day by day. Whether you need a backup in a natural disaster or short-term power to ride through a small power outage, a dual fuel generator is a good option.
Dual fuel generators will generally start on one fuel, and then another fuel will be added to the first fuel until the most optimum fuel mixture isn’t achieved. This increases fuel efficiency and reduces operating costs.
Benefits of Dual-fuel Generators
They Use Various Types of Fuels
The first benefit is that you get so many fuel options when selecting a dual fuel generator. This way, you can choose two fuels that are most accessible in your area, suppose you have a natural gas line but don’t have access to propane. And diesel is also available in your vicinity.
Then a generator which runs on diesel and natural gas will be the best choice. Dual fuel generators can run on gasoline, diesel, propane, natural gas, and LP steam.
Automatic Fuel Changing
The continuous flow of power is ensured when a dual fuel generator is working. When one fuel gets used up completely, the generator automatically switches to another fuel to maintain the power flow.
A generator working on gasoline will change to propane when there is no more gasoline available.
This dual-fuel capability and automatic fuel changing eliminate the need to store fuel in large quantities. Which increases safety as there won’t be a possibility of fire or an explosion.
An Eco-Friendly Alternative
A single fuel diesel generator is surely going to emit more toxic exhaust to the environment. For dual fuel generators, the carbon content in the exhaust gets reduced because of the generator’s ability to use the combination of diesel and natural gas or in a general mixture of two types of fuels.
With the mixture of two fuels, when utilized by a highly efficient engine, the exhaust has to be cleaner. If you are environmentally conscious and want to reduce your carbon footprint, then dual fuel generators are a good choice.
They Are More Efficient
To achieve the best efficiency, a dual-fuel generator uses a mixture of two fuels. The ratio of two fuels keeps changing depending on the load, but for lower loads, a general combination is to use 75% natural gas and 25% diesel.
This will give optimal results. These generators are known for giving the maximum output per unit of fuel utilized which makes them very efficient.
They Are Reliable
Dual fuel generators are very reliable units. You can count on them to get through any kind of power outage. You won’t have to worry about the depletion of one fuel as it can always run on another.
Moreover, regardless of the type of fuel the generator uses, it will go on for many years.
Also, they are made out of robust and quality components which can function for many years without needing any replacement.
Economical Over Long Term Use
If we think of initial investment, then dual fuel generators are costlier than single fuel units. But, their efficiency and reduced operating cost will make them more economical over the long run.
Compared to single fuel units, dual fuel generators are more cost-effective as they won’t consume the same quantity of fuel that a single fuel generator does. You get more runtime and maximum output with less amount of fuel.
Moreover, you can change which fuel to use based on your power needs. If you want more power than more efficient fuel, gasoline should be used. For silent and moderate power needs, you can go with propane, and it will cost less than gasoline.
They Are Durable
As mentioned earlier, dual fuel generators are made out of quality components that can ride through the harshest environmental conditions. Whether it is cold winter or moist monsoon, this generator will last for years.
But, the lifespan of some components like engine and carburetor will decrease when a fuel like petrol is still inside, and the generator is stored.
It clogs and damages the generator parts. So, to keep that from happening and ensure the maximum possible lifetime make sure to do regular maintenance checks.
Conclusion
When you buy a dual fuel generator, you are saving money over the long run, and you are reducing the environmental impact due to lower carbon emissions. Dual fuel generators are clearly better than single fuel generators.
You won’t have to go out looking for gasoline or diesel when you run out of them in the middle of the night or a storm, and the generator can run on natural gas or propane.
So, we have discussed most of the benefits of dual-fuel generators in this post which makes them a great choice for home use.
