What Dual Fuel Generator Is Worth Buying?

When it comes to getting your home prepared for winter, one of the best ways you can safeguard yourself against the adverse weather is by buying a generator. A generator is a stand-alone engine that can power as much or as little of your home as you like in the event of a power outage. Depending on your need, your generator maybe a small portable unit, or if you have a family and big home you want to keep warm, a stand-alone system can be hard wired into your home. There is also another variant when it comes to generators, there are now dual fuel options, but what are these and are they worth buying? Here we find out more. 

What Are Dual Fuel Systems

Dual fuel generators are generators with two types of fuel. The most common type of dual fuel systems are ones that use diesel and natural gas, on the market you will also see bi-fuel systems, but these aren't the same. The idea of a dual fuel system is that it makes the unit far more efficient than singular fuel systems. The generator will initially start up using the diesel or petrol part of the fuel, it has a lot lower starting point than LPG, so it uses less energy. From there LPG or liquid petroleum gas is added to the mix until the optimum mixture has been reached. 

Why Dual Fuel?

A dual fuel generator is only really worth it if you live in an area that has a good supply of LPG. LPG is far cheaper than diesel or gas and can be stored easier and more safely than the latter. Furthermore, because LPG is so abundant in some places, the supply lines are less likely to run dry if a storm or power outage was to hit, that way you will always be able to use the generator. You can also switch between fuels on a dual fuel. So, if you run out of diesel, you can run the generator on just LPG, this also applies the other way around. You have more options when you have a dual fuel, so you won't be caught short. LPG is also far cleaner when it burns that petrol or diesel. This means that you won't be having to deal with the same amount of carbon deposits, which not only increase the life span of the unit, but also decreases the amount of servicing it will need. 

Different Types of Dual Fuel Systems

What makes the dual fuel system so good is that you can chose which type of system you want. Whether you want LPG as the secondary option or even ethanol, you really can customise it to what is accessible in your area. All work in the same way, so if you are comfortable moving away from the traditional single fuel option than it could be for you. Like with any purchase, it really is circumstance dependant. 

Which Dual Fuel Generators Are Best?

When it comes to choosing a dual fuel generator, much of it depends on your own requirements. They are a lot more expensive than the traditional stand-alone generators but what you pay out initially will be rewarded over the life of the generator as it has vastly reduced running costs. When it comes to choosing one, we don't often say bigger is better, but that is the case here. Dual fuel systems aren't good for small power, so if you just want a portable small option, then a dual fuel system isn't for you. You can still get portable options, but these are heavy and cumbersome and if you don't require a lot of power, then this won't be a good choice for you. Dual fuel systems are more difficult to work than your traditional single fuel option, so if you aren't comfortable with learning a new system, then maybe stick to a single fuel one.  

Which Generators Are Worth Buying?

Before you make your choice, it is worth thinking about your situation as this will dictate what system is worth buying. If you only require a small amount of power, then a portable traditional unit will be better suited to your needs. If you have been in the situation before where you have run out of power due to running out of fuel and then not being able to get what you need, a dual fuel system can make sure that this doesn't happen again, but you will need to make sure that you have access to LPG or whatever split you are looking for. In most places LPG is far more accessible than ethanol and it is also far easier and safer to store.

Due to the surplus of supply, the price of it isn't dependant on market trends, so you won't be paying through the nose when a storm hits. Finally, it all comes down to how you feel about having a dual fuel system. Some users may not like the idea of having to learn a new system and are perfectly comfortable using the traditional models of generators. Whilst they are a slightly more difficult system to use, you can be safe in the knowledge that you can switch to one fuel supply if the other runs out, making sure that your house stays warm and your phones remained charged. 

Final Thoughts

Dual fuel systems are relatively new technology when we think about how long traditional generators have been around, but that doesn't mean we should shy away from it. Whilst their systems are more complex, they can give you added security in the event of a severe storm or prolonged power cut. The best dual fuel system to buy is one that matches your needs and enables you to fill it with a source of fuel that you will be able to get in the event of a power cut. If you have a small power requirement, then this isn't the option for you as dual fuel systems only come in 400w plus. Not only do they give you more stability and options than traditional generators, they also reduce your fuel bill in the long run.