One of the most notable pieces of equipment I own are generators, namely standby or portable ones. But, just like many pieces of equipment, it has its limits and also a certain lifespan. With that being said, how long does a generator last?
My generators have helped me through a lot of power outages, providing power during severe weather conditions and the like. Instead of having to light candles and brace the heat or cold, I have the generator that can keep the house powered up for hours to days. It’s the reason why I take care of it so well and make sure it’s always ready for anything that may happen.
So if you want to learn more about how long generators last for exactly, read on! This can help you figure out what kind of generator you need and how to care for it to lengthen its lifespan.
How Long Does a Generator Last?
There are actually different factors which can alter the length of time your generator can power your home
Before I get into how long generators can last when running continuously, I first want to talk about the lifespan of a typical generator. How long does a generator last, is it a few years or more? There are actually different factors which can alter the length of time your generator can power your home, such as:
•The type of generator bought and what model
•How much power it can give
•The way you care and maintain it
•How much it’s used throughout its life
•Where it will be used in
Depending on these factors, the average standby generator set has the ability to last between 15,000 to 50,000 hours. Besides standby ones, how long do portable generators last? As for a portable generator, it can actually last for up to 10,000 to 25,000 hours.
Is that Enough?
But I’m sure you’re wondering, that’s not enough hours, 30,000 hours is like three years when you think about it! But obviously, you wouldn’t be using your generator 24/7 for years straight, which is why the numbers are understandable. So let’s make this even more digestible to help you learn how long exactly the generator can last for you.
Let’s determine the number of times the house loss power over a year, as well as how long the outages are. I’ll give a higher estimate, with you losing power for about the days every year. Now, ten days times 24 hours is 240 hours a year.
You’ve got a portable generator which can generate up to 10,000 hours of power in its lifetime. Divide that by 240 hours, and you’ve got 41. That’s a lifespan of a whopping 41 years to help you from all the power outages! BUT, I highly recommend that the accurate lifetime hours should be researched and based on your instruction manual, as all units are very different from one another.
Now, we can get to how many hours or days a generator can be used before it runs out of power or gas. On to the next section!
How Long Can a Generator Power a House?
The typical portable tank would usually last for up to 16 hours on average before it needs to be refueled and recoiled.
So, how long can a generator power a house? How about an office? What about an entire building or hospital facility? Just like the life expectancy of a generator, this depends on the similar factors stated above, as well as:
•Fuel type and tank size
•Power wattage of the generator
•How much power you need
The best and/or expensive generators have the ability to run for a few hundred hours without issues. However, the typical portable tank would usually last for up to 16 hours on average before it needs to be refueled and recoiled. The numbers may go higher or lower depending on the power wattage and type of fuel you use for the generator.
As for standby generators, they provide power for longer periods of time compared to portable ones. With its bigger fuel tank and higher power wattage, it has the ability to run for a few days to two weeks straight before it needs rest and refueling.
Tips on Caring For Your Generator Properly
I recommend that you care and maintain your generator properly if you want it to last for the number of years promised by your manufacturer.
Now that you know that they can last a bit long, I need to tell you this: Do NOT use your generator continuously for weeks or months on end. You shouldn’t even use it for days straight without giving it proper rest!
Generators are handy tools that are used as backup power sources and should not be used for everyday purposes. Not only will it shorten the lifespan extremely, but it can damage the generator itself, causing it to break or cause serious issues.
Furthermore, I recommend that you care and maintain your generator properly if you want it to last for the number of years promised by your manufacturer. Here are some tips to follow for generator care and maintenance:
•Your generator should only be operated outdoors, including the portable ones. Make sure it’s away from doors, vents, windows, and your garage. This keeps you safe from carbon monoxide inhalation.
•When in use, check the generator’s oil level every eight hours, changing it every 50 hours or once every season. Add fuel only after you switch off the generator and cooled it down.
•Clean the air filter every three months and clean its spark arrestor once every season.
•When not in use, store it properly and keep it clean and dry, covering it to prevent direct sunlight or rain from entering any parts. If the fuel has been stored for a long time, make sure you drain the fuel.
Wrapping It Up
Generators are highly powerful tools that make great use in any home, office or building, may it be standby or portable. With proper care and maintenance, they can last for years to come and power your area efficiently. Just map sure that you choose the right generator according to your individual needs!
I hope that this article answered your question, “How long does a generator last?” Now that you know the answer, begin following the right steps in purchasing and/or caring for your generator today.
If you have any questions or want to share your tips and experiences with the lifespan of a generator, then comment below. Your thoughts are much appreciated.