A whole house generator can be a lifesaver during a power outage, but how long will it last? In this blog post, Doc Dancer Heating & Air will take a look at generator lifespan and what you can do to keep your generator in service longer.
Average Generator Lifespan
A generator is a machine that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy. Generators are used to power a home during a power outage or to provide power to a specific area, such as a construction site. The average lifespan of a generator is 1500 to 3000 hours of use, which translates to about 20 to 40 years.
Generator lifespan can be affected by many factors, such as:
- Installation quality
- How often it is used
- Outdoor temperature when it runs
- How well it is maintained
- Engine speed
- Type of generator
Maintenance’s Impact on Generator Lifespan
A standby generator is a lifesaver during an extended power outage. It can keep your lights on, your fridge running, and your home warm in the middle of a winter storm. But like any piece of machinery, standby generators need to be properly maintained in order to function at its best. Because it is such an important piece of equipment, it’s important to invest your time and resources into keeping it in good shape.
Neglecting to do regular maintenance on your generator can lead to expensive repairs or even replacement. Furthermore, a poorly maintained generator is more likely to break down during extended power outages when you need it most. That’s why it’s important to invest in good maintenance for your whole house generator. By taking care of your generator, you can be sure that it will be there for you when you need it most.
Proper maintenance is essential to prolonging the lifespan of a generator. Maintenance prevents damage due to wear, corrects defects so they do not worsen the unit’s condition, and overall helps your equipment last longer. By following the manufacturer’s recommendations for maintenance, you can help ensure that your generator will provide reliable power for many years to come.
Professional Generator Maintenance
As any generator owner knows, routine maintenance is essential for helping preserve your generator’s life. A generator tune-up should be performed by a professional once a year. Doc Dancer Heating & Air offers top-notch generator maintenance services to ensure your system is well cared-for each year.
During a tune-up, the generator’s oil and the filter will be changed, spark plugs will be replaced, the air filter will be replaced, and the fuel system will be serviced. In addition, the generator’s engine will be inspected for wear and tear. By scheduling this service each year, you can help to ensure that your generator will be ready during the next extended outage.
DIY Generator Maintenance
Luckily, whole-house generators require less maintenance than portable generators. If you schedule annual professional maintenance tune-ups, there are just a few tasks you should complete throughout the year to extend its life expectancy. Taking some time to perform regular maintenance on your generator will help ensure that it’s always ready to go when you need it.
Each Week:
These steps should also be performed following any regular use of your generator
Run the generator for half hour to make sure it is working properly.
Check the fluid levels and listen for any unusual sounds.
Inspect the unit for fuel leaks, smoking, and signs of overheating.
Clean the generator and clear away any debris or items in the area
Each Month:
Use the dipstick to check the oil level with the generator turned off.
Change the oil if needed. Typically, an oil change is necessary if the unit has been used over 100 hours since the last one.
Test operation of the battery charger.
If the unit has not been in use for a long period, drain out the fuel and replace it.
Generator Maintenance by Doc Dancer Heating & Air
Generator lifespan is greatly dependent on numerous factors. Maintenance is an important part of keeping your equipment running safely and smoothly. If you’re not sure how to properly maintain your generator or it’s time for your whole house generator’s annual tune up, our team at Doc Dancer Heating & Air can help. We offer comprehensive generator maintenance services that will keep your equipment in top condition all year round. Give us a call today to schedule a service appointment!