Whether you’re planning to bring a generator into your home or business, choosing a generator with a long lifespan is essential. The number of hours a generator can last depends on many factors, including the type and brand of generator. So, how many hours do different types of generators last, and how can you prolong the life of your generator?
Diesel-powered Generators
Most diesel generators can last anywhere from 10 thousand to 30 thousand hours. In order to prolong the lifespan of your diesel-powered generator, regular inspections and preventative maintenance are necessary. Investing in high-quality fuel, as well as proper sizing for the predicted load, will lead to a longer lifespan for standby diesel-powered generators.
In addition, taking the time to examine and clean your generator and its enclosure on a weekly basis can greatly extend the life of the generator. Regular oil changes, replacing filters, and running the generator regularly can also contribute to a longer lifespan. Since a generator tends to last longer when its capability to produce power corresponds with the needs of the building its powering, make sure to take this into account when investing in a diesel generator.
If you’re in the market for a heavy-duty industrial diesel generator, Welland Power’s generators have been tested and proven in industrial buildings across Europe, the Middle East, South America, and Asia. Whether you run a bank or a hospital, investing in a Welland Power generator can give you the peace of mind that your business will be able to continue its operations in the event of a power outage.
Portable Generators
Since diesel-powered generators run at a lower RPM than portable gasoline-powered generators and natural gas generators, they provide a longer lifespan in both industrial and residential settings. Coupled with the simple mechanics of diesel engines, the lower RPM creates less wear-and-tear on diesel-powered generators. As a result, diesel generators can typically run for significantly more hours than gas generators.
Portable gas generators used in residential power outages often last from 2,000 to 3,000 hours. The lifespan of portable gas generators is considerably shorter than that of diesel generators. However, since portable gas generators are most frequently used in residential settings, they are used less often and can last for decades with the regular inspections and proper maintenance.
Preventative maintenance
As previously mentioned, practicing proper preventative maintenance can significantly extend the lifespan of your generator. In order to ensure that your generator can supply a continuous source of power to your home or business when needed, it’s necessary to adhere to a maintenance schedule. Every standby generator comes with a maintenance guide from the manufacturer, so use this as a starting point to create a regular maintenance checklist.
Since diesel-powered generators are often used more frequently, they require more frequent maintenance. Regularly inspecting and performing maintenance will ensure that your diesel generator is in good working order in the case of an emergency situation. Therefore, it’s crucial to stick to a strict maintenance schedule.
Depending on your industry, your maintenance schedule may be dictated by government regulations. If your industry is not required to regularly maintain its standby generator, you’ll still want to perform regular maintenance, especially before the winter months or an upcoming hurricane season. In addition, a manufacturer’s warranty is often only valid for generators that are serviced regularly, so following the manufacturer’s maintenance checklist is essential.
Ultimately, practicing preventative maintenance and performing regular inspections can greatly prolong the lifespan of your generator. Regardless of the purpose of your generator, ensuring that your unit is in good working condition can give you peace of mind in the event of a power outage.
