How Long Do Home Generators Run
It will not be a bad idea if you invest in a standby generator. Your generator can last for as long as there is fuel in its tank and this is one of the features that make it reliable for providing energy for a very long time.
However, the type of fuel you have in your generator can go a long way to determine how long the generator can last.
If the generator runs on natural gas, for example, you will not have to worry about fuel since such a generator gets its fuel from the gas line in your home.
You will have to give a thought to fuel, however, if the generator is using propane or diesel.
How Long Do Home Generators Run
The life span of a generator depends on how frequently you use it as we have mentioned earlier. It also depends on the quality of maintenance you give to the generator.
Additionally, the size of the generator can determine its lifespan, the same as the type of generator. Typically a home generator can last between 1500 hours and 3000 hours.
If you want to exercise your generator adequately, you should make sure that you use it for at least half an hour every week. In such a situation, the generator can work for up to 26 hours per year.
You will be forced, however, to use the generator for a very long time. Studies show that the lifespan of a normal home generator is 20 to 40 years. The actual duration depends on the frequency of running the generator and the quality of maintenance.
Most of the generators on sale out there today come with fuel tanks that can make the generator work for up to 24 hours when filled with fuel.
You can, however, go for a bigger tank if you need the fuel to last for a longer period. Bear in mind that home generators will continue to work as long as there is fuel in them.
It is possible to keep your generator working for endless hours by connecting the tank with a refueling service to maintain a consistent availability of fuel in the tank.
To further make the generator more functional and perpetually working, you should make sure there is no snow in the generator.
Also, make sure it is free from debris. As much as possible, reduce the load that the generator bears for a better function.
If you subject the generator to a lot of stress by over laboring it, this can reduce its lifespan. Also, you should only use the generator when it becomes necessary and not just when you feel like it.
Restricting the use of the generator only when it is necessary will enable the generator to rest in between use so that the engine can cool and you can have time to check its oil level.
Some experts recommend that you check the oil level of your generator after 8 to 24 hours of use. If you are to use the generator for a very long time, it means you will have to check its oil level several times while it is working.
How to make your home generator last longer
It is possible to extend the life of your home generator. One of the best ways to make this possible is to give it proper maintenance; the maintenance should also be done regularly.
You can get more out of the generator when you care for it properly. If you will not have to use the generator for a long time, make sure you exercise it at least for 30 minutes every week.
This will keep the generator in perfect condition even if you do not have to use it for a rather long time. You should equally schedule it for repair at least once a year even if you have not noticed any fault; just let the trained technician check it out for any fault and repair the fault without delay.
If you can do this as and when due, there is a great assurance that your generator will last for a very long time.
If there is an extended period of a power outage, you should not allow the generator to continue working perpetually.
You may want to shut it down once in a while to allow the engine to cool, after which you can start running it again.
Excess load on the generator is one other factor that can prevent it from lasting for a long time. Before you place any load on the generator, first consider its starting power and running power.
When connecting electrical appliances to the generator, make sure the loads connected are not higher than the running power of the generator.
If you follow the tips provided above, you can rest assured that your generator will last for a longer period.
How to repair or maintain your generator
You should not attempt to repair any fault in your generator if you do not have the right technical training to do that. Just hire a technician to get it done for you.
You will find so many of such technicians out there today with each of them claiming to be reliable.
However, make sure you read reviews about them to detect if they are as reliable as they claim to be.
Before you hire an expert for repairing your generator, you should take some time to read reviews about the experts.
The reviews can help you to determine if the outlet can be trusted or not. You should also only pitch your tent with a licensed repairer. Find out also if the expert is insured or not.
If things go wrong in the course of repairing the generator, the technician’s insurance company will be responsible for the cost accrued
Before you attempt to repair the generator, find out if it is still within the warranty period. Then find out if the particular fault in question is part of the aspects covered by the warranty.
In such a situation, you will not have to spend money to repair the generator since the company will take up the repair at no extra cost to you.
