We all want to have as much information as possible at our disposal, especially during a crisis, like when your home's power goes out. But rather than provide disinformation, it is vital for consumers to understand that standby generators vary, so there is no one size fits all answer to this crucial question. But there are a few general pieces of information that will help you determine some reasonable estimates. And as long as you have the manufacturer and model number of your generator, the team at Louisiana Generators, at 225-224-3005, can help you determine a more precise time frame.
The Factors To Consider
The two types of standby generators you will find in residential applications include:
- Portable generators
- Whole-home generators
The second factor to consider when determining the run time for a generator is the fuel source of the unit. Whole-home generators typically use propane, natural gas, or diesel fuel. And as you might imagine, the size of the fuel tank will have a significant impact on how long the unit can operate. The pros at Louisiana Generators can help you size the fuel tank to meet your desired run time. A portable generator will usually use gasoline or diesel fuel. These are the type of generators included in an RV or camper. The fuel used by the generator is the same as the fuel for the RV as they generally run off of the same fuel tank.
Rough Estimates For Long-Term Operation Of A Generator
A portable generator is rated for around 2,000 hours of use, or just over 83 days. However, the greatest limiting factor is fuel. A portable generator tank is small and will require refilling every few hours. In addition, the use case for these devices is not constant operation. Most can run for 6 to 18 hours at a time. The manufacturer will also provide specific guidelines regarding when to service the unit and perform routine maintenance to maximize the life expectancy. A whole-home generator is more well suited for long-term use. These devices have a life expectancy of closer to 3,000 hours or 125 days. Unlike the portable units, they can run for much more extended periods by design and thanks to larger fuel supplies. Most manufacturers of whole-house generators recommend service after 500 hours of use or just under 21 days of constant operation. So that is the most limiting factor.
A Real-Life Application
2020 was considered to be the worst year ever for power outages. Some Louisiana residents were going 60 hours with no power. Using this worst-case scenario and estimating three power outages a year, you would not need to complete the 500-hour service on a whole-home generator until it had been in service for just over two years and nine months. And the life expectancy would be over 16 years. But realize that most areas experience less than half that use, extending the generator's life to well over 30 years. To learn more about how long you can expect a standby generator to power your home, call the experts at Louisiana Generators at 225-224-3005.