If you are in the market for a new leaf blower, you might have some questions about which type of blower is best for you.
This is just a quick and dirty comparison between gas and electric blowers. It is by no means a complete list.
As with any new product purchase, it is a good idea to research all potential features before making a decision your final decision.
When it comes to leaf blowers, there are essentially 3 options:
- a gas powered blower
- electric powered blower
- battery powered or cordless blower
I linked to each of my full buying guides for each type if you need more information.
Gas powered blowers generally consist of a two-cycle engine, similar to a chainsaw.
Electric powered blowers generally come in two varieties: corded and battery powered. While both of these are effective and both have their pros and cons, there are some advantages to an electric powered blower that might make your decision easier to make.
Advantage 1: Electric Blowers Cost Less
For most households one of the deciding factors on anything is how much the item costs.
Of the two options, traditionally, electric leaf blowers are generally less expensive than gas blowers. If budget is your primary concern, then electric leaf blowers cost between $30 to $150 versus a starting price point of $75 for gas blowers.
In addition to the initial cost, other than a nominal fee for your electric bill, electric leaf blowers do not have the same ongoing costs as a gas powered blower.
Gas powered blowers have ongoing fuel costs associated with it, often requiring specially blended fuels that can be more challenging and more expensive to locate. They are also more costly to maintain.
Advantage 2: Electric Blowers Are Lighter
Leaf blowers help take the backbreaking labor of raking leaves, cleaning gutters, maintaining decks, and keeping driveways and sidewalks clear to a more manageable level – especially with a lightweight blower.
Gas blowers are traditionally heavier than electric blowers.
A mid-priced but solidly manufactured electric leaf blower generally weights between 5 to 8 pounds whereas a comparable gas blower can weigh between 8 and 10 pounds.
Although that couple of pounds may seem nominal, when you using the blower for extended period of time, your body will feel the difference.
For the weekend warrior, an electric blower may be the better option to save necks, backs, arms, and legs.
Advantage 3: Electric Blowers Are More Environmentally Friendly
Gas powered tools are dirty. They have gotten better over the years, but they still emit carbon dioxide with is bad for the environment.
This is especially true for gas powered backpack blowers as they use a lot of gas.
In addition to gas fumes, the potential for leaks either at refill or due to a mechanical issue exists with gas-powered blowers. Furthermore, two-cycle engines emit a large number of hydrocarbons, known cancer-causing agents that contribute to global warming.
In addition to gas emissions, gas powered leaf blowers are also far noisier than electric powered leaf blowers. Gasoline powered leaf blowers can reach or exceed 100 decibels. Most electric blowers max out at around 85 decibels and are considered above-the-threshold for noise limits and optimal hearing health.
If environmental factors are important to you, then electric blowers are the better option.
Conclusion
We want beautiful lawns and homes year round.
We want speed, efficiency, reliability, and ease of use in our yard equipment.
Although there are a lot of available choices between gas powered and electric powered leaf blowers, you need to decide for yourself which is the best fit for you.
For the average sized yard, I prefer battery powered or electric models.
Take your time, do your research and let me know if you have any questions.