Generators are a great way of providing backup power for many home and business owners. But how long do they typically last? Well, it depends on a variety of factors. The most important factor is the type of generator you own, as some are designed with longevity in mind while others are intended to be disposable.
They last as long as you want them to, but you have to be mindful of proper maintenance measures too. In this blog, we will help you learn more about the longevity of common generators and provide some helpful maintenance tips to help these devices last longer!
Most generators have a lifespan of around 10,000 hours or 5 to 10 years. Generators that are used more often will need to be replaced more frequently, while those that are used less often will last longer. Proper maintenance is also key to prolonging the life of a generator.
There are two common types of generators: standby and portable generators. In this section, we will elaborate on the comparison between the two, and their life expectancy.
A portable generator is small and light enough to be carried around. They can be used in a variety of situations, such as camping trips, power outages, or outdoor events.
In contrast with standby generators which need to be connected to an external power source such as the power grid or a utility line, a portable gas generator is mobile enough to be moved from place to place.
Portable generators are also significantly cheaper than stationary generators because they do not require any permanent installation work.
Portable generators are designed to last for a few years at a minimum. Generally, they can last up to 10 years with proper maintenance and upkeep. However, it can vary depending on the quality of the generator and how frequently it is used.
It’s always best to stay on top of maintenance and replacement parts in order to ensure the longest possible lifespan for your portable generator.
A standby generator provides a more permanent backup solution to electrical outage issues. These generators are more commonly used by business, industrial, and commercial buildings that need a backup power plan for continuous operations.
Standby generators are usually used for power outages caused by man-made disasters, extreme weather conditions, or power interruptions due to the aging power grid.
A standby generator can be classified into two common types and they vary on the type of gas used to power them up. Take a look at the two classifications of a standby generator:
Natural gas generators are typically used to provide backup power for homes and businesses. They are also used in some industrial settings, such as oil refineries, paper mills, and chemical plants.
A natural gas generator produces electricity by burning natural gas in a combustion turbine. The heat from the burning process spins a turbine wheel, which is connected to an electric generator.
This type of generator has a life expectancy of 25 to 30 years, but this depends on the running hours and maintenance measures done for a natural gas generator.
A diesel generator is a type of generator that uses diesel fuel to generate electricity. It works by burning diesel fuel to power an engine, which in turn drives a generator that produces electricity.
Diesel generators are commonly used as backup power sources for businesses, homes, and other facilities in case of power outages or other emergency situations. They are also used in remote locations where electricity from the grid is not available.
How Long Does It Last?
A diesel generator’s lifespan can reach up to 30 years with proper maintenance. Additionally, this type of generator can run from a range of 15,000 to 50,000 hours before it needs to be repaired or serviced.
[Related: How Much Do Home Generators Cost in Arizona?]
Doing routine maintenance processes can help your generator run continuously, especially when you need it most. Here are some of the best tips for maintaining your generator:
Changing a generator’s oil regularly is important because it helps to ensure that the generator continues to operate efficiently and effectively. The oil acts as a lubricant for the moving parts of the generator, and over time, the oil can become contaminated with dirt and other debris.
Through this maintenance procedure, you can remove this contamination and help to keep the generator running smoothly. Additionally, changing the generator’s oil can help to extend the life of the generator by reducing wear and tear on its moving parts.
In general, it is recommended to change the oil in a generator every 100-150 hours of use, or at least once a year if the generator is not used frequently.
A lot of homeowners may think that it’s acceptable to use old remaining gas from your diesel or propane generator, but that is actually a no-no! After a generator is used, it is critical to remove the remaining oil and empty the tank.
Doing this will ensure that your generator is running clean and it can also help protect it from erosion or other damage.
Testing a generator is important for maintenance because it helps to ensure that the generator is capable of providing power in the event of an outage or emergency. Testing a generator involves running it through a series of tests to check its various components and systems, such as the engine, alternator, and control panel.
Although it is quite tedious, these tests can help identify any potential issues with the generator, such as low oil levels, worn or damaged parts, or electrical problems. This can help you get necessary repairs even before a power outage happens.
As we have seen, there are many factors to consider when maintaining a generator. By following the tips outlined in this article, you can extend the life of your generator and avoid costly repairs.
If you have any questions about generator maintenance, or if you would like to schedule a service, please give Assurance Electrical Services a call today.
The decision to invest in a backup generator for your home or business is a big one. And, as with any major purchase, you want to know that your generator will last long enough to provide you with true value. In this blog, we answer a few common questions about the lifespan of a backup generator and what you can do to prolong that lifespan.
Let’s start by talking about how long a generator will run during a power outage. Of course, this doesn’t necessarily speak to its entire longevity, but it does answer a more short-term questions of sustainability during a time of need.
In theory, a backup generator can run indefinitely, provided it has a fuel supply. Most residential generators run on either natural gas, propane, or diesel fuel. If your generator runs on natural gas, fuel isn’t really a concern, because its fuel source comes from your home’s gas line. However, if your generator uses propane or diesel fuel, you will need to keep an eye on the fuel supply.
Most generators have a fuel tank size designed to last 24 hours of use, but you can purchase a larger tank if you think you might need it. During an extended power outage, you may want to keep in contact with a refueling service that can provide you with additional fuel as needed.
In the event of an extended power outage, be sure to allow your generator to cool down periodically by simply turning it off for a few minutes. This will prevent overheating and will allow the generator to continue to serve you well throughout the power outage. You may choose to lessen the load on the generator by reducing the amount of electricity demanded. For example, you may choose to use the dishwasher only when it is completely full, instead of for smaller loads of dishes.
Now, we’ll look at the more long-term question of backup generator lifespan overall. As with any engine, the lifespan of a backup generator will really depend on several factors. But, in general, a typical backup generator lifespan is about 20-40 years. This range will be impacted by factors such as how well it is maintained, how often it is exercised, and how many running hours it is used.
We already know that proper maintenance will help extend the lifespan of any engine, and a generator is no different. There are a few easy ways that you can extend your generator’s life.
First, be sure to allow your generator to exercise without a load regularly. (Most generators will automatically turn on to exercise a couple times per week.) This helps prevent wet stacking and moisture buildup.
Secondly, perform routine maintenance regularly. Changing the oil, checking oil lines, cleaning and testing the battery, and so on are important parts of keeping the generator running properly and for longer.
Finally, enrolling in a scheduled generator maintenance program will help ensure the longevity of your generator. Midwest Generator Solutions makes keeping your investment in tip-top shape easy with generator maintenance packages designed to suit your needs.
Ready to make the investment into a backup generator? Still have a few questions? We’d love to help. Give us a call today!
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