How long will Generac generator last? This is determined by the generator’s size, design, fuel used, and the tank size. The running load is also important in this.
How long will Generac generator last? Find more about the longevity of your generator to make sure that you get the most out of your investment. Since you don’t buy generators every day, you should make sure that purchasing a portable or standby generator is worth it. This article provides you with all the necessary details and shows how you can prolong its life, by using it under the best conditions.
How Long Can a Generac Generator Run Non-stop?
There is no definite answer as to how long a generator can run since it depends on various aspects. The Generac generator run times are determined by the following factors.
Generator Design
Portable and standby generators are the two main types of generators. Portable generators are often used for emergencies and outdoor activities where you need lesser power. Standby generators are designed to power up a whole house as an alternative power source. So, a portable generator will be used mainly to run the most essential equipment while you can use a standby generator to power up most of your regular appliances. Due to the portable generators being smaller, they will last shorter than standby generators. Portable generators are also more likely to overload, overheat, and fail sooner than the others.
Fuel Type
The type of fuel used in a generator will be natural gas, diesel, or propane. The major difference between natural gas and propane is the rate of consumption and the fuel burn. A fully loaded generator running on propane will consume up to 122 cubic feet of fuel per hour. For natural gas, this will be up to 245 feet of gas per hour. This shows that liquid propane can be a more efficient option to fuel your generator.
Furthermore, liquid propane provides up to 15% more power to the engine than natural gas. But it doesn’t mean that liquid propane lasts longer than natural gas. Once you connect the generator to the natural gas line, it will run continuously until you shut it off. It would even increase your utility bills if the generator keeps on running. But with liquid propane, the generator will run only until the fuel runs out. So, natural gas can be a better option as long as you have a continuous supply of fuel.
Tank Size
The size of the fuel tank has a significant effect on how long a generator last. The tank size is determined by the size of the generator engine and the electrical load. Therefore, for a larger generator, the power output requirement will be higher. Thus, it will have a larger fuel tank for the generator to produce more electricity without having to refill. Connecting an external fuel tank is another way to run the generator for a long time without refueling.
According to the size of the generator and the power requirement, the usage requirements of generators can be categorized as follows. For short-term needs, you will require generated power for a few hours or a day. Medium-term needs may require power from two or three days up to a week. If you need long-term power, then the generator will have to provide it for over two weeks.
If an average propane generator burns around 2 – 3 gallons of fuel per hour, then a 500-gallon tank can power up for a week at a stretch before having to refuel. However, during the warmer seasons, this duration will reduce as heavy air conditioning is needed for the whole day. Certain generator brands such as Generac iQ2000 can run for eight hours with a one-gallon gas tank at a load of 25%.
Running Watts and Load
The running wattage or the electrical load on your generator is another factor that directly determines how long a generator will last. So, when checking how long your generator will run, you need to consider all the essential appliances that you expect to use. If not, you will be able to provide only a few out of the equipment you planned to use. So, it is recommended to have an in-home assessment to identify how many watts your house needs. This is very helpful especially if you are deciding on a standby generator. It helps you to get the whole house covered in terms of electrical appliances adequately. In the contrast, choosing a portable generator would consume lesser time, but have more calculations.
Maintenance Tips for Generac Generators
If you are looking for ways to increase the Generac generator lifespan, the following tips will definitely help you in the task.
Check the Mounting Surface
Inspect the mounting surface of your generator once in a while. Make sure that the surface is clean, clear, even, and safe. If not, you need to adjust the surface accordingly to ensure a smooth performance of the generator without vibrations.
Inspect the Intake and Exhaust Louvers
Next, check the louvers of both the intake and the exhaust to make sure that there is no debris. If it is clogged with dust, it may affect the function of your generator. You can easily prevent anything from getting caught in these louvers by building an enclosure around them at a safe distance.
Protect the Control Panel
Another important step in maintaining a generator is preventing any damage to the control panel. As it consists of sensitive technological components, it is similar to the brain of the generator. So, make sure to protect your generator from rain, snow, and moisture getting into the control panel. Keep the panel fuse closed always to make it safe.
Inspect the Battery
Regular inspection of the battery of the generator will help start it easily. Clean away the terminals if you see any debris building over them.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Can a Generac Generator Run Continuously?
If your Generac uses propane in a fuel tank, running times are considerable unlike for gas generators connected to the local gas line. The standard tanks have a capacity of 250 to 1,000 gallons. As typical home use will require around 2 – 3 gallons of propane an hour, a 1,000-gallon tank will provide you with power for about two weeks. When considering larger diesel generators, this will be a lot more. A generator with a capacity of 10 kW running at the half load will need 0.35 gallons of fuel per hour. If the generator has a 1000-gallon tank, it will last for around 17 weeks.
How Long Will Generac Generator Last?
With proper maintenance, servicing, and operation under optimal conditions, a Generac generator can last up to 3,000 hours of use. You can enhance this life further by getting an extended warranty of up to 30 years of service. Since you will not be running the generator 24 hours a day, every day, this is a considerable time of use for power outages.
How Reliable Are Generac Generators?
Being one of the most reputed manufacturers in the US, Generac generators are very reliable. They also offer satisfactory customer service after the sale. Their customer support is open 24 hours a day and every day of the week both online and over the phone. So, you don’t need to worry about getting support if you have any issues with your generator.
How Long Will a Generac Generator Engine Last?
The overall lifespan of the Generac engine will depend on the type and size of your generator. However, the typical range is about 1500 – 3000 hours. You can increase the useful lifespan of the generator engine by carrying out scheduled inspections, proper maintenance, and servicing.
How Often Should a Generac Generator Be Serviced?
All generators need to be serviced at the proper time to avoid any inconveniences of premature breakdown. Regardless of whether the generator is being used or not, you should service the generator once every six months. In Generac generators, you can either choose to buy a service package from Generac or get one through a third party. The manufacturer will recommend you to find an authorized independent service dealer. You should also schedule to change the oil and filters at regular intervals as you use the generator.
How Long Can a Generac 22 Kw Generator Run Continuously?
A 22 kW Generac generator will power a house of 3 – 4,000 square foot house. It can power up your HVAC equipment along with other electrical appliances. A 22 kW generator consumes 9.7 cubic meters of natural gas when it operates at full load. That implies that it uses approximately 3.4 gallons of gas per hour. If it is directly connected to your natural gas lines, then you can power up your home for an indefinite period of time.
How Long Does a Generac Generator Battery Last?
A Generac generator should be replaced every 3 years. Since the battery is important in starting the generator, you will have trouble if it’s not maintained properly. If things get out of hand, you will have to jump-start the generator battery.
Conclusion
We hope that you got the answer to your question; how long will Generac generator last? As it is a reliable brand with supportive customer service, you will not be disappointed with Generac generators. Follow the maintenance guidance indicated in the user manual to ensure that you get the best use out of your generator.