eping a few essential appliances up and running. From ensuring those with special medical needs have access to refrigerated medicine to upholding your home security system while your family is asleep or out of the house, it’s a resource to safeguard what you and yours need to survive and live life uninterrupted.

So, if you’re thinking about installing a backup generator for your home, the matter of its lifespan is a legitimate concern. How can you be certain your generator will come through for you? How long will a backup generator last during an extended outage, and moreover, what is its overall lifespan? Here, we’ll go over what you need to know about how long backup generator homes last and steps you can take to ensure it provides power as long as possible.

How Long Will a Backup Home Generator Last in a Power Outage?

Much like the idea of a car attached to a bottomless gas station pump, as long as your generator has a fuel source, you can expect it to run indefinitely during an outage. Now, this depends on the type of fuel your generator uses. If you’ve got a natural gas generator, “refueling” should not be a concern, as the generator is hooked up to its own fuel supply; your gas line. If you have a diesel or propane generator, fuel should be top-of-mind.

Most generators are outfitted with fuel tanks allotted for 24 hours run time, although larger tanks are available for purchase. To ensure you don’t run out, keep in contact with a refueling service that can keep you stocked amid a long-term power outage.

What Can I Do to Help Keep My Backup Home Generator Running?

While your backup home generator should be able to run during an outage, there are tasks you can see through to help it function even better. During the winter, ensuring it is clear of snow and debris, as too much stress will shorten your generator’s lifespan. During an extended power outage, it’s critical to give the generator time to cool down by simply turning it off for a few minutes. This helps prevent overheating and ensures it can continue to serve you and yours well.

Additionally, you may opt to lessen the load on the generator by reducing the electricity demanded. For example, you may choose to use the washer only when it is completely full, instead of running it for smaller loads. Shutting down your backup power generator is also a good time to check the oil level, which is recommended every 8-24 hours of operation.

What Is the Average Lifespan of a Backup Home Generator?

The lifespan of your backup home generator is dependent on the type and size of your particular model, although the average range is about 1,500 – 3,000 hours. It’s wise to power your generator for a half-hour weekly to exercise it, which accounts for a minimum of 26 hours annually. Total hours may be a less accessible way to get an idea of just how long the lifespan of your unit will be; usually, standby generators have a lifespan of 20-40 years. Again, this depends on how often they are run as well as how well they are maintained.

What Can I Do to Extend the Life of My Backup Generator?

It’s paramount to exercise your generator weekly as well as schedule regular maintenance and yearly service from a certified technician. It is also a good idea to be wary of how long you run your generator during extended outages and “relieve” it as much as you possibly can. All in all, when you take good care of your standby generator, it will take care of you — and for a long time!

Our Professional Generator Maintenance Services Help You Live Life, Uninterrupted

Our professionals care deeply about the wellbeing of you, your family, and your property. As such, our experts are standing by to discuss how to get the most out of your backup home generator! To learn more about how generators work, what size generator is optimal for your home, and available payment models for products from leading manufacturers — including Generac whole house generator financing — reach out to our professionals today.