The generator is an incredibly handy tool with great potential to help you in any situation where electricity is urgently needed. In most cases, the generator is used for a short time to recharge devices, for example, in nature or while traveling.
But if you plan to use it for a long time, or interesting in what to look for in a generator, you are definitely interested in how long a generator will run.
A number of independent factors that should be taken into account will help us to answer this question. It is important to consider the size of your generator, the type of generator that includes the fuel source since different sources provide different lifetimes.
How long does a portable generator last
Portable generators usually do not have a long shelf life, unlike stationary models. For the most part, the engine determines the lifespan, but on average, it ranges from 1000 to 2000 hours. Thus, it can be roughly calculated that using a generator for about a hundred hours a year will allow you to work with it for 10 to 20 years.
Nevertheless, we all wonderfully know that there are many factors that negatively affect the life of the device. These factors include high humidity, and a pile of dirt that can clog the cooling system, and dust. Thus, it is important to monitor its proper storage and timely maintenance.
However, the portable generator is often a favorite among users. Why? It’s simple: it’s lightweight, can be transported, and what’s more, it’s much cheaper. Also, portable generators do not require a lengthy installation and setup process.
How long does a standby generator last
Stationary generators are devices that have tremendous potential and power. Due to the fact that they run on fuel, the cost of a medium-sized generator will be at least $ 8000. In addition, it is worth considering the extra expenses for the maintenance of such a device and its installation. Service is key. To justify generator life expectancy, you need to adhere to three rules and techniques of exploitation. Under these conditions, the generator can easily operate for over 3000 hours. Using simple calculations, you can estimate that such a device can last about 30 years if you use it for 100 hours every year.
Let’s add some precision to your calculations. Let’s say you use it for 60 hours annually. Try adding to the number of hours the generator is running for maintenance purposes. Running your generator for about 15 minutes each week will help add up to 13 hours of life to it. Summing up everything, you can understand that the generator will work for about 73 hours. Thus, on an annualized basis, this will be about 40 years.
The lifespan is also influenced by the brains of which the devices connected to it require. Please note that the more often the generator operates at high power, the faster it will wear out.
How to maintain the generator correctly
Owning a generator is only half the battle. In order for it to delight you with reliable performance for many years – maintenance is the key to this. Typically, experts recommend scheduling maintenance to save time and automate the process. Every week you need to run the generator for 15-20 minutes. This will enable it to work properly and stably so that the lubricating oil is regularly heated and distributed correctly throughout the engine.
In addition, the presence of coolant, fuel, and oil within the system should be checked regularly. This process is best done every month so that you can never doubt it. If you don’t do this, it can cause a low oil pressure in your generator.
Make sure the generator has enough space for the cooling system to function properly. In different seasons, you need to monitor the entire device in different ways. Do not let it fall in the snow in winter, remove stagnant water during rains and various leaves in autumn.
Every year or six months, it is worth asking for a specialized inspection so that the technician can check in detail if everything is working properly. He can lubricate the engine, check filters, and inspect batteries for damage.
