How to Extend the Life of Your Standby Generator

A generator is a sizable investment, but in that moment when you need it, it’s always worth the cost. But to get the most out of what you put into your commercial or residential generator, proper use and maintenance are key. That’s true with any equipment or machinery, and a standby generator is no different. Here, the experts at Generator Pros, Shepp Electric, explain the most important things that you can do to ensure that your standby generator has the longest life possible.

What Is A Standby Generator?

Also known as a backup generator, a GENERAC standby generator is essentially your own personal utility system. It is installed permanently and sits outdoors year-round, much like an air conditioning unit. A generator is designed to automatically come on when your day-to-day electricity source stops working, perhaps as part of a planned outage or as the result of a storm. A standby generator is connected to the electrical panel in your home or business, along with a transfer switch that disconnects your building from your normal power supply, triggering the generator to start up. Just as smoothly, when your electricity supply is restored, the generator shuts down and your home or business reconnects to your primary power source. When everything is operating properly, you shouldn’t even notice the shift.

What Are Factors That Can Affect Your Generator’s Lifespan?

While standby generators are designed to be durable and made to last even through harsh conditions, they aren’t indestructible and do have a given lifespan. Beyond the manufacturer’s estimated lifespan, there are other factors that can affect and even determine how long a generator remains reliably operational.

Some factors that affect a generator’s lifespan include frequency of use, consistency, and the quality of maintenance. It’s also important to purchase the most reliable, high-quality standby generator that you can afford, as the longevity of the unit often depends much on the materials and craftsmanship used to build it. If you have extreme weather conditions or fire risks in your area, then ask the experts at Generator Pros about RhinoCoat™ powder-coated finish and choose a GENERAC generator that can stand up to high winds, fire, and other potentially damaging factors.

Something that those in the market for a generator may not realize is that fuel type can contribute to longevity as well. Given that gaseous models are directly tied into the fuel supply, they may naturally experience less wear and tear than gas or diesel models that hold the fuel in a tank. Environmental conditions in which the equipment operates are also contributing factors to lifespan. Even though standby generators are fully capable of putting up with extreme temperatures and other seasonal shifts, these can take a toll over time if not paired with regular maintenance or if the specific model is not rated to withstand such conditions.

Where a unit is installed and whether it was done by a trained professional will also affect longevity. A home or business owner can remove seasonal debris–like grass, foliage, twigs, leaves, or even snow and ice–that could otherwise clog filters and cause overheating or lead to rust and electrical problems, but if the unit is situated in an area prone to debris or excess water, it may be set up to fail. It is vital to opt for professional installation from a certified technician to ensure proper installation and prevent premature failure.

How To Extend Your Generator’s Life

Your first question might be, “How long does a standby generator last?” We’re happy to report that with proper care and maintenance, a high-quality standby generator–like the residential and commercial GENERAC models we carry–can run reliably for 20–30 years.

The key to getting your generator to function properly for as long as possible is, as you likely expect, mostly down to consistent maintenance. How often it is used can also play a part. Proper operation and preventing avoidable wear also have large roles here, too, but suffice it to say that a home or business owner who is regularly interacting with their standby generator and calling in professionals to get an expert’s eye on it will be able to catch problems before they develop. Routine maintenance allows you to get used to the unit’s operation and so when something goes wrong or seems awry, you’ll be quick to notice and can then plan for an inspection and possible repairs.

Here’s a rundown of everything that constitutes regular maintenance on your standby generator:

• Follow the manufacturer's maintenance schedule for oil and oil filter changes
• For gas or diesel models, keep the tank full with a high-quality fuel and use a stabilizer
• Run the generator monthly for 20-30 minutes under load, if you are able
• Keep the unit clean and remove any debris, dirt, and buildup
• Ensure that moisture is not infiltrating the unit
• Do a regular visual inspection for any signs of damage to electrical components
• Schedule annual professional inspections and load bank testing
• Address problems and repair needs right away

The point of regular maintenance is to keep parts moving and prevent stagnation. It also lets you get used to your generator so that when something looks, sounds, or feels off, you know to call the professionals at Shepp Electric. Whether you have a working knowledge of electrical systems or not, there is value in familiarizing yourself with normal operation so that you know when it’s abnormal. It is also worth knowing what your generator’s manufacturer requires and sticking to their guidelines so as not to void any applicable warranties.

Caring for your standby generator is much like taking care of a vehicle. You may change air filters, refill certain fluids, and run it regularly, but when the lights come on or it’s time for major repairs to be done, you take your car for professional service from a certified mechanic. The same is true with a standby generator. And when you do need professional maintenance or inspection services for your generator, please reach out to the team at Generator Pros. We run an exhaustive inspection of all of the critical components in your generator, along with key tests to verify proper operation and ensure safety. With your and our efforts combined, you are sure to get the most out of your standby generator and see it operating for many years to come.

Expert quality, annual routine maintenance has a direct, positive impact on a generator’s life expectancy–contact us today to schedule yours!

What Are Signs You Need a New Backup Generator?

If you’re wondering about your standby generator's lifespan, you might also be wondering about the signs that your current generator is on its last leg. Here’s what to look for:

• Difficulty starting
• Excessive fuel usage
• Frequent serious repairs
• Inconsistent power output
• Visual signs of wear and tear
• Unusual noises, odors, or smoke
• Age over 25 years old

Another key reason why you may need a new standby generator is that your household or business energy needs have outgrown the capacity of your current generator. More people, more equipment, or a larger facility can all be reasons why this may happen. Whatever the reason behind your need for a new standby generator, you can trust the team at Shepp Electric, your Generator Pros, to help you find the very best model for your current and future energy needs.

Your Local Source For Reliable Standby Generators

The team at Shepp Electric, your Generator Pros, is proud to offer premier models of GENERAC generators to our clients for the best, most reliable protection against power outages and power quality issues. We handle all phases of electrical work involved with the installation, maintenance, and repair of standby generators and can help you keep your generator running for as long as possible. We have been proudly serving our wide Ohio and Pennsylvania communities since 1985 and are able to handle any and all standby and mobile generator related needs for residential, commercial, and industrial applications. Our expertise is right there in our name–we’re pros at this. It’s what we love and it’s what we do best.

Our customers love the work we handle for them, and we’d love to help you with your next standby generator installation. Our family-owned and operated local business has only the greatest respect for our customers and their properties. Contact us today for help in choosing your new standby generator or to schedule maintenance.