A power outage has great power and can either ruin or improve your day; you'd wonder how the early man lived. So you went out and bought the best generator to use as a backup generator during power outages, or you simply needed a portable generator to operate machines outside. The ultimate question, thus far, is, "How long do generators last with proper maintenance?"
To be honest, most generators don't have a simple or easy solution to this question. A few important elements will determine how long your generator can run continuously after being turned on. Portable generators often have a shorter lifespan than stationary generators. Its durability will also be determined by the quality of its engine.
Most portable generators can last between 1000 and 2000 hours. This indicates that if you use your portable generator for an average of 100 hours each year, a well-maintained generator should last between 10 and 20 years. However, various factors, such as excessive moisture or dust exposure, can significantly lower the life expectancy of portable generators, thus careful storage and maintenance are critical.
Portable Vs. The Standby Generators
Portable and standby generators can last and run on standby at different rates since these two are two completely different beasts. Additionally, standby generators should cover a standard of performance requirements by the NFPA state.
Standby generators are mostly backup generators with permanent features that are attached to the house and are constantly ready to fire up and illuminate the entire house when power is interrupted. Portable generators, on the other hand, must be manually pulled out and started during a power loss or anytime they are needed.
Here are the primary distinctions between backup generators and portable generators:
A) Size And Use
Standby generators
Generally, standby units are larger than portable units. This means that they all have different wattages and fuel supply techniques. Backup generators are designed to run continuously to power your entire home for days, so they are built to be resilient and long-lasting.
Portable generators
Portable generators, on the other hand, are built for just a few hours of running, so they might not be a realistic solution when it comes to a long-term electricity solution
B) Capacity
Standby generator
Typically, they carry 7,000-150,000 Watts which can power your entire home, depending on the size.
Portable generator
Typically, these generators have the capacity of a few hundred Watts to 7,000 Watts. In some instances, some are as large as 15 kW. These generators are built to only power 'just a few appliances only.
C) Space And Installation Requirements
Standby unit
These units are generally installed outside the house, mostly by a certified dealer under the approved state guidelines. You will need a level surface to install it on a pre-fabricated concrete pad. It's often mounted on a skid base as well. It's normally quite larger in size, roughly from 3-10 feet in length, and approximately 5 feet in height. It also comes in a weather-protected enclosure that's often sound attenuated.
Portable unit
These units don't need any installation necessary but will have to be stored indoors and only placed outdoors when needed for use in the operation of any appliances. Generally, it usually comes in the size of a large dog crate carrier.
D) Maintenance
Standby unit generator
These units need to be properly maintained, with periodic monthly and yearly maintenance by a certified technician.
Portable unit generator
Portable units need minimal maintenance that can be performed by the owner.
E) Durability
Standby unit
These units have air-cooling engines that can last up to 1000 - 1500 hours, while the liquid-cooled engines can last up to either 10,000 or 20,000 hours depending on the levels of stress or consistent use.
Portable unit
Generally, these units have roughly 2000 hours of run time.
F) Fuel Economy Considerations
Standby generator
Some can be fueled by a typical domestic natural gas supply, which may not require frequent refueling, or by fuel tanks, which can keep a significant amount of fuel for an extended period. With proper maintenance and high-quality gasoline, these tanks can run for three days. In general, these machines can be powered by a variety of fuel sources, including natural gas generators, propane generators, and diesel generators.
Portable generator
These devices rely solely on tanks for fuel. In general, they can only contain enough gasoline for a short run, 5-10 hours. This implies it must be filled on a frequent basis because the generator operates, and any residual fuel must be emptied after each run. Additionally, the gasoline must be stored outside. Typically, these units are powered by gasoline as portable gasoline generators.
G) Start-Up Process
Standby generator
This type of unit needs to be connected to the electric frame, using an automatic transfer switch, which automatically starts the generator during an outage.
Portable generator
Most units in this category are manual, so with the help of a recoil pull-cord, you'll have to connect the generator to your house appliances for each run.
Liquid Propane Vs. Natural Gas Generator
Naturally, as a generator owner, your next follow-up question would be; which is better between a Liquid Propane (LP) or a Natural gas-powered (NG) generator? This will help you understand which generator is best for you and the intended purposes.
A standby NG-powered generator connects to an underground fuel pipe, giving it unlimited access to natural gas to keep your generator running continually. Because these subterranean fuel lines are managed by the relevant township, you will not have to worry about filling the generator's tank, as you would with an LP-powered machine. Typically, these units may run for up to 200 hours without interruption. However, if the natural gas line you're on is broken during a natural catastrophe, your fuel access will be reduced or restricted.
On the other hand, your liquid propane generator's runtime is determined by the size of your fuel tank and the availability of propane. This means that while your generator may be capable of running constantly for a few days, it will be restricted by the availability of fuel to create energy until you refill the tank. Although the particular wattage dictates how long it will operate, a 1-2 gallon fuel tank should last 8-10 hours.
So if you want a couple of days worth of backup power, you should probably go for a tank that's relatively bigger. Also, keep in mind that filled propane tanks will only hold 80% of their rated capacities, meaning a 500-gallon tank can only store 400 gallons of propane.
What Are The Wattage Requirements?
This may appear to be a simple concept: larger generators use more fuel than smaller generators. If you purchase the 11 kilowatt (kW) generator and operate it to full capacity, it will undoubtedly use less fuel than the 20 kW machine running at full power.
Also, if you're planning on powering high-wattage household appliances and a higher number of items, you'll also require way more fuel. For example, your electric water heater will need roughly 4,000 watts, while your WiFi and cable router will probably need only 40; the water heater will definitely need more fuel. Generally, the more items that need to run, the higher the wattage you need.
However, the generator comes with an operating manual that should tell you how much fuel the unit you pick will drain per hour while operating at full capacity. You can also use the information given to help you calculate how quickly you'll be depleting your tank supply.
What’s the Durability and Warranty?
The opposite side of the great question, "How long will your generator last?" could also refer to how long the generator will run for its entire life. Some generator manufacturers will provide a lifetime warranty on specific parts, while others will cover the complete generator.
However, this amount of giving is not common. As a result, most reputable brands normally supply a cover with a 5-10 year warranty or a device that should last at least 3,000-5,000 hours. With careful care and preventative maintenance, the machine should endure for many years, regardless of the degree of use.
What’s the Level of Maintenance?
No matter how powerful or durable the generator is, a lack of routine maintenance will decrease its useful life. Here are some handy generator maintenance tips and a few factors that influence the time you can continuously run a generator:
- Your generator will need you to fire it up every few months to keep the electric starter's battery fresh and charged; otherwise, it may fail to run
- Also, regularly check for rust, check oil and inspect the belt drives, batteries, and spark plugs
- Have an oil change every 50 hours while replacing filters
- Have yearly check-ups on your generator
How Do You Get The Longer-Lasting Power?
This is where you look for the appropriate unit. Having a new generator endure its whole lifecycle begins with selecting the proper generator, manufacturer, and brand. Engines with pressured lubrication are typically more durable because the lubrication allows the oil to circulate through the engine rapidly, preventing the engine from becoming cold and reducing wear.
Furthermore, getting the most out of your unit requires selecting the appropriate size generator for your home. Because a generator with a smaller capacity than you want will put strain on the generator engine. Every time it reaches or nears maximum capacity, the engine is put under strain.
This engine strain thereby shortens the generator's lifespan. Overall, always take the time to calculate and determine the amount of energy the household uses to know what energy range engine you should be looking at.
