A practical guide to choosing between petrol and diesel generators

Choosing the Right Generator Fuel Type: Pros and Cons of Petrol VS Diesel

Are you considering purchasing a generator but unsure which fuel type to choose? This blog post will help you choose between petrol and diesel generators. We'll look at how much fuel each type uses, how much it costs to keep them running, and how long they last. We'll also compare prices so you can make the best choice.

Petrol Generators:

Petrol generators are popular due to their affordability and portability. They are smaller, lighter, and easier to move around than diesel generators. However, there are a few trade-offs to consider. Petrol generators are less fuel-efficient, resulting in higher fuel consumption over time. Petrol is flammable and can explode, making them unsafe for indoor use. They might also need more frequent maintenance and oil changes.

Pros:

• Petrol is readily available to refuel your generator.

• Petrol generators have a lower upfront cost compared to diesel generators.

• They operate more quietly than Basic diesel generators that aren't soundproofed.

• Their compact size and lightweight design facilitate easy mobility.

• They are cheaper to maintain than diesel generators.

Cons:

• Petrol generators use more fuel than diesel generators over time.

• Due to the volatility of petrol, with its explosive nature, they are less safe for use in enclosed spaces.

• Petrol generators may need more upkeep, like oil changes.  

• Petrol generators typically have a shorter lifespan compared to diesel generators

Diesel Generators:

Diesel generators use less fuel and last longer. This makes them great for long-term use. Diesel fuel is less volatile than petrol, ensuring safer operation in enclosed spaces. Diesel generators last longer. But, they need maintenance just like petrol generators. However, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. Diesel generators have a higher upfront cost and are heavier to move around. Basic diesel generators can be very noisy, especially in neighbourhoods. But more expensive models have soundproofing to reduce noise. Additionally, accessing diesel fuel can be challenging, especially in remote locations.

Pros:

Diesel generators use less fuel. This means they can run longer on the same amount.

• Diesel fuel's lower volatility enhances safety when using the generator in enclosed spaces.

• They offer more outstanding durability.

• New diesel generators are quieter. They have features that reduce noise.

Cons:

• Diesel generators typically have a higher upfront cost compared to petrol generators.

• Diesel fuel may be harder to find, particularly in remote locations.

• Basic diesel generators are noisy. This makes them not ideal for homes.

Which Fuel Type is Right for You?

Selecting between petrol and diesel generators depends on your specific needs and preferences. Here's more to help you choose:

Fuel Consumption Rates:

Petrol generators consume more fuel over time due to their lower fuel efficiency.

Diesel generators use less fuel, especially for generators larger than 10KVA. They run for longer on the same amount of fuel. Diesel uses less fuel than petrol. A generator can run for about one hour on a litre of petrol. It can run for about two hours on a litre of diesel.

Maintenance Costs:

Petrol Generator:

Petrol generators require frequent maintenance and oil changes. For instance, let's look at what affects the maintenance cost of a 5kva petrol generator.

Maintaining a 5kVA petrol generator involves several expenses.

Oil Change: 1 litre of oil per month, and the cost per litre is "Oil Cost".

1 liter/month x 12 months x OilCost = Annual Oil Cost

Carburettor cleaner costs "Cleaner Cost". Use it once a month.

1 cleaner/month x 12 months x CleanerCost = Annual Cleaner Cost

Spark plugs cost "Plug Cost" each. Replace them every two months.

6 plugs/year x PlugCost = Annual Plug Cost

An engineer does general service once a month. Each service costs "Service Cost".

12 servicings/year x ServiceCost = Annual Service Cost

Total Annual Maintenance Cost:

Annual Oil Cost (oil change) + Annual Cleaner Cost (carburetor cleaner) + Annual Plug Cost (plug replacement) + Annual Service Cost (general servicing) = Total Maintenance Cost

So, the 5kVA petrol generator's maintenance cost would be "Total Maintenance Cost".

Diesel Generator:

Diesel generators last longer. They also need maintenance. The maintenance costs are for different tasks.

Maintaining a 5kVA diesel generator is different from maintaining a 5kVA petrol generator. Let's calculate the determinants of the maintenance costs for a 5kva diesel generator.

Oil Change: You need 1 litre of oil per month, and the cost per litre is "OilCost."

1 liter/month x 12 months x OilCost = AnnualOilCost

Change of Fuel Filter: Fuel filter change is once every month, and the cost of the Fuel Filter is 

"FuelFilterCost".

1 filter/month x 12 months x FuelFilterCost = AnnualFuelFilterCost

Change of Oil Filter:  Oil filters change every two months, and the cost of the oil filter is 

"OilFilterCost".

6 filters/year x OilFilterCost = AnnualOilFilterCost

Change of Air Cleaner:

 The air cleaner changes every two years; the cost is "AirCleanerCost".

1 cleaner/2 years x AirCleanerCost = AnnualAirCleanerCost

An engineer does a general service once a month. The service cost is "ServiceCost".

12 servicings/year x ServiceCost = AnnualServiceCost

Total Annual Maintenance Cost:

AnnualOilCost (oil change) + AnnualFuelFilterCost (fuel filter change) + AnnualOilFilterCost (oil filter change) + AnnualAirCleanerCost (air cleaner change) + AnnualServiceCost (general servicing) = TotalMaintenanceCost

So, yearly maintenance for the generator would cost "TotalMaintenanceCost." Diesel generators last longer. But they also need regular check-ups, just like petrol ones.

Lifespan:

Petrol generators typically have a shorter lifespan compared to diesel generators. On average, a petrol generator can be expected to have an estimated lifespan of around six years. The lifespan of a generator depends on several factors. These include:

  • The specific generator model

  • Frequency and intensity of use

  • Quality of maintenance

  • Operating environment

Diesel generators last longer when properly maintained. Their average lifespan is about ten years with proper care. Diesel generators are built strong and last long. They also use fuel efficiently, helping them run longer. These factors contribute to their extended lifespan.

Remember, these lifespans are just estimates. Each generator is different and may last longer or shorter. Take good care of your generator, and it will last longer. This is true for both petrol and diesel generators.

Choosing the right fuel for your generator is essential. Think about how much fuel it uses, how much it costs to maintain, and how long it will last. These details are different for petrol and diesel generators. Considering them all will help you choose the right fuel. Additionally, the price difference between diesel and petrol should be considered. Think about what you need most in a generator. Choose the fuel that's best for you. This will help you get the best generator for your needs.