Not only are generators key for long-term and short-term survival in off-grid situations, but also for power outages that last momentarily or evetns that could Society as a whole. Having a generator readily available will give you peace of mind, no matter the circumstance. However, it’s important to remember that all machines have a shelf life and generators are not indestructible. With enough use, any generator will run its course into uselessness. So the question remains: How long can you expect your generator to last?
Depending on the type, quality, and maintenance of your generator, it will likely last 1,000 to 3,000 hours.
If you constantly run your generator at full power, it will break down faster than if you use it less frequently for shorter periods of time. Not only are generators a large purchase initially, but replacement costs can also add up if you’re using yours all the time. Understanding how different actions affect your generator’s lifespan can save money and help determine when it’s time to get a new one.
If you want something to last, you have to take care of it. The same is true for your car, your house – and even your body.
All machines, especially complex ones, need consistent maintenance to secure a long working life. Depending on the type of generator you have and its fuel source, it will require precise maintenance protocols that we’ll periodic check and replace parts for based on intervals.
Generators of all types will last longer and work better when they are well maintained, and the opposite is true if they are not regularly cared for. Additionally, a generator that isn’t properly taken care of will have to work harder to generate the same amount of power as one that is correctly maintained.
Deferred maintenance has a snowball effect that will shorten the working lifespan of your generator, no matter its make or model. Hardworking generators may only have a lifespan in the hundreds if they’re constantly exposed to wet conditions.
I strongly advise you to educate yourself on how to fix every component of your generator. Not only will this make you more independent, but it’ll also save you a lot of money otherwise spent on professional maintenance.
Climate Conditions
Disregarding the geographical location of your home and the weather conditions you typically experience will take a toll on your generator. To be frank, some areas are just tough on machines unless they possess certain features that make them resistant to their environment.
If you reside in an area with high or low temperatures, large amounts of rain or snowfall, or even if there is a lot of windblown sand or dust, it is likely that your generator won’t last as long.
The amount of weather and climate protection your generator needs depends on how you plan to use it. If you have a large standby generator installed in an annex, it will be mostly protected from the elements.
When you must leave your portable generator outside, it will be constantly exposed to the elements – especially when it is running. To protect your generator (and prolong its life), install it under a canopy or in a small shed built specifically for this purpose.
Handle maintenance on your generator regularly to stave off damage, especially if it’ll be subjected to harsh weather conditions. For maximum protection, increase the frequency of inspections in such cases.
Different Generators Have Different Lifespans
The lifespan of your generator depends on multiple factors, but one of the most important is what type it is. As stated before, generators come in all sorts and sizes, and can be powered by different kinds or even multiple types of fuel.
A portable generator is one of the most popular types for generating electricity at a remote campsite, bug-out location or job site. If you already have one of these generators, it will likely be the first thing you reach for in a time of trouble.
With other variables accounted for, most portable generators typically last between 1,000 and 2,500 hours. The lifespan can differ significantly depending on the quality of the generator and other listed factors.
At the other end of the scale, you have whole-house or (larger) standby generators. Generators of this type are rarely portable by one person in the true sense, with only smaller ones being lifted by people at all, typically with help from a dolly or hand truck. Most require cranes to be hoisted! Most gennys of this type are heavy-duty machines, capable of running for an extended amount time.A standby or whole-house generator typically lasts between 2,000 and 4,000 hours.
Operational Schedule
Save your generator for when you absolutely need it to avoid strain on the machine. The more a generator is used, the faster it will reach its end-of-life. If generators are used frequently and for long durations at a time, they will wear out much quicker than those that aren’t employed as often.
The average operational hour lifespan of a generator is significantly higher than the typical usage hours of the average person in an average setting. Most generators could last a person’s entire life if they are only running them for 50 to 75 hours per year on average.
However, the converse is also true. If you use a generator every day to power your home or business, it’s entirely possible to burn through one in less than a year. And that’s if you’re staying on top of maintenance.
If you’re neglecting proper upkeep, your generator will die even quicker as described earlier.
Do you need a light-duty or hard-use product?
One of the most important factors that determines how long a generator will last is its operative capacity. Running your generator at or near its maximum output more often puts more strain on all of its components, which will reduce its lifespan from baseline.
In other words, if you regularly use your generator at a lower capacity than what is advertised, it will last longer than the average lifespan. This could be an important factor to consider if you’re looking to prepare for the long term.
When you buy a generator, it’s important to think about your power needs and objectives. If you only purchase the bare minimum generator, it will run at maximum capacity all the time which causes wear and tear and ultimately raises costs. It’s better in the long run to buy a bigger generator that has more than enough power to meet your needs.
Quality is important
This might not be a popular opinion, but usually, generators that cost more money last longer than the cheaper ones with similar features. Now, I’m sure there are people out there who have had great luck with cheap generators lasting their whole life running them wide open. And I believe you.
In regards to averages, higher-quality generators assembled with better parts by skilled technicians in optimal settings will undoubtedly have a longer lifespan than inferior machines.
It all comes down to your objectives. If you’re goal is long-term, buying a generator for $200 more that will last 1,000 hours longer may be worth it to you. However, if you need thegenerator in the short term and it’s competitor lasts 100 hours less, that might not sound like such as good deal. Nevertheless, during an event where supplies are limited ,that extra time could make all of difference..
Conclusion
The answer to How Long Do Generators Last? is not a straightforward one, as it depends heavily on the type of generator you have, how frequently and intensely you use it, and the quality of construction. On average, portable generators can last between 500-1000 hours while standby or whole-house generators can last between 2,000-4,000 hours.
If you buy a high-quality generator that’s suited for your needs and take proper care of it with regular maintenance, you could potentially keep your generator running far beyond these averages. That being said, no matter what kind of generator you get and how well you maintain it – all machines will eventually reach their end-of-life. As such, be sure to keep an eye on your generator’s performance and be prepared to replace it when necessary. If you do, you’ll get the most out of your investment and avoid any costly emergency repairs or replacements down the road.
