Natural Gas Generators Can Help Backup Small Businesses
When it comes to running a business, there are many items that need to be kept track of daily to ensure smooth operation. Whether these items range from managing employees, maintaining inventory levels, or monitoring key systems and processes that help keep the business running, have you ever considered what would happen in the event of a power outage?
Often times, many business owners are so focused with keeping their business on track, that they may not take a moment to consider factors out of their control like inclement weather caused by severe storms or natural disasters. Events like thunderstorms, lightning strikes, hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, and extremely powerful winds or blizzards can cause unexpected power outages. In addition to that, there’s also the potential for man-made disasters such as utility poles being downed by construction vehicles, electrical component failure, rolling brownouts/blackouts, or planned utility service that can interrupted your business operations.
While this may not seem like a big deal – what would happens if a power outage lasted more than a few minutes? There is a possibility that a power outage could last hours or even extend into days. Depending on your business, a power outage could mean potential loss of inventory or stock if they are perishable goods that need to be maintained at a certain temperature, it could delay any packaging of goods if you rely on packaging equipment, computer systems can delay logistics, and can effectively bring employee productivity to a full stop. As these events add up, they could lead to missed deadlines and deliveries, which may be critical in the success of your business.
When considering all these factors, it may be beneficial to consider a backup generator for your business. While diesel generators are often thought of when you hear the word “generator”, there are other options such as natural gas generators. While both generator fuel types have their merits, we wanted to focus on natural gas generators in particular.
Conditions Where Natural Gas Generators Thrive
Natural gas generators can carry many benefits over diesel generators, especially for those who live in densely populated urban areas. Natural gas generators are considered to produce the cleanest burning emissions when it comes to backup generators and are thus considered a more favorable choice in areas of high population.
Natural gas generators are also known to run a bit quieter when compared to diesel generators, which can help reduce the noise pollution if your business is located in a metropolitan areas. Further sound-attenuation can be achieved by investing in a sound-attenuated enclosure for the unit, which not only can protect the generator from the elements, but also reduce the noise level while the generator is running.
Natural gas generators – unlike their diesel counterparts – do not rely on fuel storage, as they are usually connected directly to the natural gas utility. When paired together with an ATS (Automatic Transfer Switch), a natural gas generator can run without having to worry about someone being on-site to turn the generator on/off or replenish fuel.
If space is an issue, natural gas generators can also potentially be mounted to the roof of your building or in a dedicated generator room to remain out of reach by employees and random pedestrians that could tamper with the unit, and can also keep it out of the way from possibly obstructing any areas at ground-level.
Important Items to Consider with Natural Gas Generators
While natural gas generators are extremely viable backup power solutions, there are items to keep in mind when considering buying a natural gas generator for your business.
Natural gas generators do require more routine service & maintenance when compared to diesel generators. Natural gas generators have spark plugs being as they are are spark-ignited, as well as gas tubes that need to be checked and inspected regularly. Any cracked lines or pinholes in the tubes can not only negatively impact the performance of your natural gas generator, but can also become extremely hazardous.
If you’re located in an area prone to earthquakes of wildfires, it’s important to keep in mind that the utility company may turn off the natural gas supply in times of natural disasters. This effectively prevents your backup generator from running and providing backup power to your business. A possible workaround to this is by looking into a conversion kit for your natural gas generator which allows it to accept and run off liquid petroleum gas (LPG for short), which as commonly know as propane. While this does mean you would have to plan for propane storage and delivery, it may be a viable option for those looking to purchase a natural gas generator with a backup option.
Natural gas generators can begin to underperform in environments where the temperature reaches -20 degrees Fahrenheit. This extreme cold can negatively impact a natural gas generator’s ability to perform or even operate at the stated power rating. If you live in an area with high altitudes, this could also negatively impact a natural gas generator’s ability to function and perform properly. If you’re considering a natural gas generator for your business or facility, be sure to address these concerns with your generator dealer to see if there are any steps that can be taken to combat these potential issues.
When it comes to backup power, there is no cookie cutter solution that fits every single business. Each business is unique in its needs and backup power requirements. If you’re looking for more information on natural gas generators or looking to find out whether a natural gas generator is a good fit for your business, reach out to us at Woodstock Power Company!
Our project managers can provide consultation and make recommendations based on your needs.
Give us a call or send us an email: 610-658-3242 or sales@woodstockpower.com
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The Woodstock Power Company Experience
We have industry experts that focus on commercial backup power generator sets, with in-depth industry knowledge to help you choose the right generator that fits your needs.
Our experts are ready to assist you from answering any questions you may have about power generator sets to helping you find the best selection in our inventory based on:
- Peak & Average Power Requirements
- Fuel Preference (Natural Gas or Diesel)
- Portability & Stationary Power
- Prime & Standby Generator Requirements
- Available Space & Exhaust Restrictions
Our experts are also able to help coach you on prime, continuous, and standby power generators, as well as finding the best surplus, new, or used generator that best fits your required application.
Looking to buy used generators? Check out our inventory or give us a call and we’ll set you up with a generator that best fits your needs!
We carry only the most top rated new, used, and surplus power generator sets for sale, providing you with a great value generator that will fit your budget.
Our generators have been thoroughly inspected, serviced, and verified, which ensures that you will be buying a quality generator that you can depend on. If a generator is not up to par with industry standards, we make all necessary repairs or modifications, and fully test every generator before we sell. This ensures a full turnkey generator that’s ready to fire up and go!
Due to our wide selection of generator sets, we’re confident that we can find the model that best suits your operational needs.
We also buy used generators in good quality, if you have already upgraded and you’re looking to sell your older model.
Feel free to contact us with any questions, concerns, or inquiries to learn more about the Woodstock Power Company experience and the quality level of products & services we provide.