What is The Life Expectancy of A Generac Generator?

Last Updated on July 10, 2023 by Rod Olivares

Purchasing a generator for your home or business is a significant choice. You want to be sure that your generator will survive long enough to be really valuable to you, as with any significant investment. Generac is a reliable option for power backup solutions due to its reputation for dependability and longevity. But how long can your Generac generator serve you as a dependable power backup?

Generac generators typically last 20 to 30 years. The life expectancy of Generac generators depends on run hours, how often you do maintenance, where you use it, and the caliber of your home generator installation.

In this article, we address the common questions about the expectancy of a Generac generator and what you can do to increase its lifespan. Read on to learn more.

Who Makes Generac Generators?

Generac Power Systems Inc. is the manufacturer of Generac generators.

Generac, a pioneer in producing industrial, commercial, and residential generators, was established in 1959. They have made a name for themselves as a trustworthy and powerful brand. They are renowned for their high-quality, reliable generators that provide backup power solutions for various applications.

Generac generators can guarantee stable performance and reliability. They provide homes, companies, and other facilities with a dependable power supply during power outages or locations without access to the electrical grid.

Key Featur​​es of Generac Generators

Here are the key features that make Generac one of the best generators in the market.

1. Strong Engines

Generac engines are fantastic and renowned for their strength and dependability. The OHVI generator in the Generac portable generator can operate four times longer than other brands.

Even the compact Generac generator from China has a strong engine. Exceptional safety measures on these Generac engines include a low-fuel automatic shutdown feature and breakers for emergency circuits.

2. Eco-Friendly

It is no surprise that Generac generators are eco-friendly, which is one of their outstanding qualities. First, they use less fuel than most generators and emit fewer pollutants. In terms of this, the brand is performing so well that it has the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval. Few generator manufacturers have earned this endorsement.

Generac Holdings has done a terrific job in ensuring it is responsible for producing environmentally friendly products. Their production process has minimal adverse environmental effects, accomplished by purposefully lowering the number of materials required and the emissions generated.

3. Easy To Maintain

When resolving your power outage issues, you particularly want the backup generator to be in excellent condition. Generators made by Generac Holdings are simple to maintain. Both the standby generator and portable generator choices fall under this category.

The backup generators run self-diagnostic tests every week to ensure they function correctly. With the help of these weekly tests, you can avoid paying out of pocket if anything unexpected occurs. The fact that these tests run on their own in silence also eliminates the need to disturb the whole neighborhood while they are in progress.

4. Size Variety

You can get Generac in a range of sizes. Generators are available in a range of capacities to fit your demands and available space.

Sizes also impact prices. You can easily purchase generators within your price range. If you need help determining where to begin, look at some online guidelines on selecting a generator.

Recommended: Generac vs Kohler Generators – The Standoff!

What is The Average Life Expectancy of Generac Generators

Theoretically, a backup generator could operate continuously as long as it has fuel. Natural gas, propane, or diesel fuel are home generators’ three main fuel types.

Most generators’ fuel tank capacity intends to last 24 hours of operation, but you may get a bigger tank if you believe you need it. If your generator runs on propane or diesel engines, you must monitor the fuel supply.

If there is an extended outage, you can stay in touch with a refueling service that can provide you with more gasoline as required.

Now, how long does a backup generator last? The backup generator lifespan will mostly rely on several parameters, much like any engine life. The average lifetime of a backup generator is between 20 and 40 years. This range will be affected by how well it is maintained, how often you work, and how many hours you use it for.

Generac is one of the most popular backup generator brands. It offers fantastic overall run time, in addition to having infinite run times with natural gas connections and run times of up to a week with a 500-gallon tank.

Generac can operate for up to 3,000 hours with the proper upkeep and repair. If you purchase an extended warranty, you may get up to 30 years of life expectancy, extending the product’s lifespan far over 3,000 hours. Fortunately, this is a sizable period for emergency power outages since you will only sometimes rely entirely on your generator.

Factors Affecting The Expectancy of Generac Generators

A few things will determine the lifespan of a Generac generator.

Generator Design and Model

You may pick between standby and portable generators, the two most common varieties. While a standby model enables your house to function normally, you may want a portable generator to power essential items. Portable units will likely last much less than standby units because of their smaller size. Additionally, portable devices are prone to overheating or overloading, which makes them break quicker.

There are a variety of Generac models available, each with a unique lifespan. You will get what you pay for, as you could expect.

Routine Maintenance

You must adhere to a regular maintenance plan if you want your generator to last as long as possible. This maintenance includes routinely replacing the oil, testing the air filter, and monitoring the unit.

The frequency of your generator usage will determine how often you need to do these tasks. You will need to do maintenance more often if you use it frequently, for example, once every two weeks or so, than if you use it occasionally.

Read your manufacturer’s handbook to determine how often the manufacturer suggests completing this maintenance. After that, make a timetable and follow it. You may increase your generators’ lifespan by doing this.

Fuel Type and Maintenance

You may use liquid propane, natural gas, or diesel as the fuel for your generator. Liquid propane may give the engine up to 15% more power than natural gas. However, this does not imply that liquid propane has a longer life than natural gas.

A generator’s fuel kind may affect how long it lasts. Different fuel kinds have different properties that affect a generator’s performance and lifetime. The generator’s lifespan may increase through routine maintenance and clean, high-quality fuel.

Usage Environment or Setting

Your environment may also impact your Generac generator’s longevity. For example, your generator will be subjected to more cold weather if you reside in a region with severe winters. Over time, this can result in corrosion and other problems.

Protecting your generator from harsh weather is crucial regardless of where you reside. This precaution involves ensuring it is on a level surface and weatherproofing it.

It is also crucial to remember that if you live in a region that often has extreme weather, you may consider purchasing a generator specially made to withstand such circumstances.

Size of Tank

Like any engine, the fuel tank’s size significantly impacts how long it can operate. But other important factors to consider are the electrical load (output energy used) and the size of the generator engine.

Particularly with portable generators, you may find tanks with substantially lower capacities. For instance, the Generac iQ2000 can operate for up to eight hours at 25% load and has a one-gallon tank.

A generator with a bigger tank may incur reduced wear and tear on its fuel system parts, such as fuel lines, filters, and fuel pumps, by lowering the frequency of refilling. Easing the tension on these components may lead to a longer lifespan.

The Installation’s Quality

The quality of the installation determines how dependable it is and how long it lasts, much like the generator’s quality. If you hire a specialist to install it, they will take care of the weatherproofing and tighten up all the connections, among other things.

Additionally, they can install a robust cement pad under your Generac generator to safeguard it from seismic activity.

On the other hand, there’s a big chance you will regret it if you attempt to install a generator yourself or hire inexpensive labor. When purchasing a Generac generator, you may as well spend the extra money to install it correctly the first time.

How Often Should You Service a Generac Generator?

Ensuring your generator is maintained properly and frequently is one of the most crucial aspects of generator ownership.

With Generac, you can buy a service package directly from them or via a third party. Although periodic maintenance kits are more expensive, they might reduce the inconvenience of owning a generator. They will remind you to schedule an appointment with a professional to replace the oil and filter regularly.

Ideally, whether or not you use your generator, you should get your generator serviced every six months.

Generac is one of the top American manufacturers, and it has outstanding craftsmanship and provides a ton of support. For instance, homeowners may reach customer assistance by phone or online 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

How often should you replace the Generac battery?

Battery replacement every three years is non-negotiable.

The generator’s battery is its most crucial component. When the electricity goes out, you have nothing to start the generator with if the battery is dead. Avoid waiting until it breaks before replacing it. Home generator batteries seldom provide any warning before your generator system fails to start.

Specific neighborhoods nearer the beach should have their batteries examined more often because of the salt air.

Generac offers the 26R wet cell battery, which is suitable for all air-cooled standby generators and provides the most straightforward battery installation for generators. Without installation fees, these batteries range from $99.00 to $139.00 for the battery alone.

Tips to Extend The Life of a Generac Generator

Are you looking for a few easy ways to make your Generac generator last longer? Follow these tips to keep your generator in tip top shape.

Run your generator without a load.

Be sure you routinely let your generator run without a load. (Most generators will automatically start up once or twice weekly to work out to lessen the chance of moisture accumulation and wet stacking.

Examine the mounting surface.

Make sure to spend some time looking over your generator’s mounting surface. The surface ought to be free of fissures, transparent, and clean. You will need assistance to correct the stability of the surface if you see that it has become uneven.

Check the exhaust and intake louvers.

You must routinely check to see whether the louvers are clear of debris to prevent them from becoming blocked while they are in use. The good news is that you can construct an enclosure with enough clearance to prevent anything from snagging in the exhaust and intake.

Keep the control panel secure.

If the control panel suffers outside or interior damage, you should take urgent action. If not, you risk exposing the delicate technical components to precipitation and ice. Additionally, you must always turn off the panel fuse.

Check the battery.

It is crucial to routinely check the battery on your generator, just as you would with your automobile. There should be no evidence of dirt on the terminals, which should be clean and tight.

Regular and proper maintenance.

Carry out regular maintenance. Maintaining the generator correctly and for extended periods requires changing the oil, checking the oil lines, cleaning and testing the battery, and others. Signing up for a routine and proper maintenance program for your generator will also assist in preserving its life.

Conclusion

Generac’s excellent standby generator will provide plenty of usage with an average lifespan of 20-30 years.

Although Generac generators are known for their durability, you may have some control over how long they last. You can extend the life of your Generac generator and depend on it to provide dependable electricity when you need it most by taking good care of it and making regular maintenance investments.

Remember that buying a Generac generator is an investment in the security and comfort of your home or business. It may last many years as a reliable power backup option with the proper upkeep.