Most homes experience at least a few power outages per year due to severe storms or temporary issues with the local power grid. While the majority of outages don’t last that long, not having power for even an hour or two can be incredibly frustrating. One issue is that you obviously can’t run your air conditioning or heating if the power is out, which can result in your house quickly becoming too hot or possibly so cold that your pipes may freeze.
The only way to make sure that your house still has power during an outage is with a whole-home standby generator. If you’re considering installing a whole-home generator or aren’t sure how much longer your existing unit may last, we’ll explain all you should know about the typical lifespan of this type of unit and what factors can impact it.
Average Lifespan for Whole-Home Backup Generators
The life expectancy of a generator is expressed in the number of hours it is expected to run before it fails. That means how much the generator has to run directly impacts how many years it will last. A quality whole-home generator installation will typically run for between 1,500 and 3,000 hours before it finally fails.
In most cases, you can expect a new backup generator to last somewhere between 15 and 25 years. Units that don’t get that much use can potentially last for 30 to 40 years or more. However, you’ll usually start seeing more problems and needing to have the generator repaired more frequently after about 25 years. Once a generator gets this old, there’s also a much higher chance of it suddenly failing and leaving you without power during an outage.
Factors That Can Impact the Lifespan of a Backup Generator
In addition to the frequency of operation, several other factors can influence the generator’s lifespan. One key factor is the brand of the unit, as some manufacturers produce higher-quality, more durable generators than others.
Whether the generator runs on natural gas or propane can sometimes also have an effect. Propane doesn’t burn as cleanly as natural gas, which means it can result in more soot buildup that can potentially shorten the generator’s lifespan.
Another important factor is the typical load that the generator is under when running, i.e., the amount of power it has to supply to the house. Running under a higher load puts additional stress on the generator and can cause it to wear out sooner. This is especially the case when the generator is running at close to its maximum load, which is one reason why it’s important to choose a generator that is sufficiently powerful to easily meet all of your electricity needs. The worst thing you can do is ever overload the generator. Not only will it automatically shut off if it gets overloaded, but overloading can also result in damage.
One way to help extend the life of your generator is to limit its load as much as possible. That basically means things like remembering to turn the lights off when you leave the room and avoiding running multiple major appliances at the same time. Not running your clothes dryer and AC at the same time is particularly important, as both use 240-volt power and have fairly high amperages.
The Importance of Regular Maintenance for Protecting the Life of Your Generator
The single biggest factor in terms of how long a backup generator lasts is whether it’s kept well-maintained. Manufacturers generally recommend performing certain maintenance tasks every year or after every 100 hours of run time. This includes things like checking the spark plugs and changing the oil, oil filter and air filter.
There are other tasks you should have a professional do every two years or 200 hours, and you should also have a full inspection performed at least every four years or 400 hours. As with your vehicle, changing the oil, oil filter and air filter in your generator is crucial for protecting the motor and avoiding issues that result from insufficient lubrication or insufficient airflow.
The other key part of maintaining a backup generator is exercising it, which just means running it occasionally for at least 15-20 minutes. This is something you generally want to do at least once a month, but some manufacturers recommend doing it every week or every two weeks. The main purpose of exercising the generator is to prevent moisture from building up in the engine and leading to rust and corrosion. The other purpose is just to check that the generator starts up smoothly and runs properly without any issues.
On most newer units, you can use the control panel to program the set exercise cycle, and the generator will then automatically come on at the appointed day and time. If you decide to program the exercise cycle, it’s important that you choose a time when you’ll be home to watch for any potential issues. The main things to check for are leaks, excessive noise, excessive exhaust and white or black exhaust.
If you notice any of these issues, it’s important to have the unit professionally inspected as soon as you can. If the generator’s oil pressure alarm goes off or it shows any error codes, you should immediately shut it off and not try to run it again until you’ve had it inspected.
One other key factor in maintaining your generator and avoiding any potential issues is keeping the area around it clear. That means removing any leaves and debris piled up in the area and making sure that no vegetation is growing within 3 feet of the front or sides of the unit. Whenever you’re shoveling snow during the winter, you also want to clear at least a three-foot path around the generator. The reason all of this is important is that it ensures the generator receives sufficient airflow.
Having sufficient airflow is essential for two reasons. The first is that the incoming air helps cool the motor, preventing the generator from overheating. The second is that it ensures the natural gas or propane burns cleanly. Reduced airflow always results in incomplete combustion, leading to more soot buildup inside the motor. If the generator frequently doesn’t receive enough air, you can also be almost certain that its lifespan will be much shorter and that it will need to be repaired more often.
Liberty Comfort Systems is a family-owned electrical services company with years of experience serving residents in Anoka, MN, and the surrounding areas. We’re dedicated to offering premier electrical services and helping our customers ensure that all of their electricity needs are safely and effectively met.
We specialize in electrical installations, handling everything from installing new lights and replacing outlets to installing backup generators and comprehensive home automation systems. When you choose us, you can expect a high attention to detail and an unparalleled level of customer service and support. If you need to schedule any electrical service, contact Liberty Comfort Systems today!
