Australia’s industrial and commercial sector is the backbone of our society and that is why they so heavily rely on reliable generator services. Electricity may be more essential here than it is in residential homes because emergency facilities are required for the continuation of service providing. That means that the generator systems that industrial and commercial property sites rely on, need to be of the highest quality possible to ensure the levels of efficiency that they require. This helps to mitigate against common generator repairs that we have come to know and also extends the lifespan of the unit. We want our clients and generator partners across Queensland to take full advantage of their generator unit, but this requires that they pick the best fuel option for their needs. While each one comes with its pros and cons, they also have unique function specifications. The best way to understand what works best for you is to speak to a professional but we’ll give you some inside information below to get you started…

Choosing the right generator fuel type

Different fuel types offer different functionality, and you may discover that one works perfectly for your unique installation. But that takes some research and detailed consultation with an expert. Many of us think of efficient diesel generators as the ‘more expensive’ form of fuel compared to petrol, this is not generally the case when it comes to generators. Diesel fuel can still be more costly than petrol, but diesel generators are also much more fuel-efficient than petrol generators which can usually consume around 50 per cent more fuel. Petrol generators are possibly a safer choice for occasional or temporary use. This is valid for several reasons because they are cheaper and there are more models available on the market in this fuel type. Petrol generators also ran quieter and create less toxic carbon dioxide fumes.

Diesel fuel types are considered more expensive because they are superior fuel options. Some of the generator units are self-lubricated and that means the fuel delivery system can last longer than the petrol engine – ideal if the generator has not been used for a while. While diesel generators last longer and are less likely to break down, they may be more costly to repair when they do. Regardless of your fuel choice, modern units are now being designed with all kinds of economic modes and features to bridge the gap.

Comparing each major fuel type

Petrol is the most widely available source of fuel in many regions of this country. If you are concerned about how much fuel your generator will use, you may need to consider this as a viable option. They’re also the better option for infrequent or temporary use and we know this for a fact. Petrol generators are more widely available, which makes them cheaper to buy and quicker to find. Diesel generators are optimised for operation, so the buying and installation process is completely different. Petrol generators also run quieter and are known to produce reduced harmful carbon emissions than diesel machines. For this reason and many more, petrol-powered units are best for intermittent use of backup power options for your premises. This also applies if you are using it for temporary or low-load applications because you wouldn’t fully benefit from the function of a diesel generator in this environment. Diesel generators are good for making savings back on consistent or heavy-load use of your generator. Petrol generators are less efficient than diesel ones and therefore, they may break down more frequently because they run hotter, but you can still get many years of good use out of them.

We’ve already explained many of the diesel generator benefits above but want to re-emphasise the functionality of this type of unit. Diesel generators comprise the combination of a diesel engine with an electric generator to generate electricity in a uniquely efficient way when compared to a petrol engine. One of the biggest advantages of diesel engines is their fuel efficiency because they don’t burn as much to work as effectively. That means that you can run them for longer, on less fuel than their other fuel counterparts. While the fuel is more expensive, diesel generators, are less prone to system failure and have a longer lifespan.

Gasoline-powered generators are very unique because they do not rely on combustion to generate electricity. The engines operate by mixing the fuel and air in before compressing it into something that can turn into electricity. Gasoline is one of the more attainable fuel types in these parts of Australia but that doesn’t mean that it is more fuel-efficient than other types. The one benefit of gas-powered units above the other typical installations is that it requires lesser maintenance and is typically more affordable in comparison to a diesel generator. Unfortunately, gas-powered generators have a shorter lifespan, but the running costs are much lower than typical fuel types. Gas generators are best suited for small, temporary, and short-term jobs because they won’t need to worry about long-term considerations or costs.

How to ensure optimum functionality

The one similar characteristic of all these different fuel types is that they require ongoing maintenance to ensure unbeatable performance and long life for your generator. Reactive Generators has a team on standby to help you with servicing in Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Ipswich and Toowoomba. We’ll help you stay within the guidelines of your manufacturer’s requirements for normal periodic generator maintenance. Not only that, but we can provide specialised advice about usage in extreme conditions or otherwise that may need more frequent assistance. Generators won’t just save you time and inconvenience, they could very well be saving you the money you would normally lose during the downtime that comes with power outages. When comparing the losses versus gains, we’re sure that you’ll realise that they are indeed a worthwhile investment.