With Florida experiencing an average of at least one hurricane per year, it is really only a matter of time before you’re stuck facing a prolonged period without power. Having a generator installed as part of your home’s electrical system is the best way to prepare for this eventuality and ensure that you always have power even after a major storm. Still, many people are concerned that their generator might not be able to run for long enough, and we’re here to show you why with a Generac generator there is no reason to worry.
Standby vs. Backup Generators
There are two primary types of generators: standby and portable or backup. A backup generator can help you power some devices in the event of a power outage, but it really isn’t an effective solution. For starters, the backup generator can’t connect to your home’s electrical system, which means you will need to plug auxiliary lighting or other devices directly into the unit. The other major issue is storing enough fuel to power the generator for any longer periods of time.
A Generac standby generator is by far the best choice for dealing with longer power outages. These units not only connect directly to your electrical system to ensure you can power the entire home, but they also have their own fuel source. Whether the generator uses natural gas or propane, you really shouldn’t ever have to worry about running out of fuel even if the power is off for days or weeks.
Generac generators typically have a lifespan of around 3,000 hours, which means you should be able to run the unit continuously until the power finally comes back on. To avoid damaging the unit, you generally shouldn’t run it for more than 500 hours at a time. Still, this means you could continue using
the unit for more than 3 weeks straight without any issues. As a result, there is really no reason to worry about running your generator for too many hours as long as it is in good shape and working properly.
The Importance of Generator Maintenance
Although a standby generator can last for 3,000 hours or more, you’re likely to get far less time out of it if you don’t make sure to have it professionally maintained. Generator maintenance is key for protecting the lifespan of your unit and also ensuring it works properly. Regular maintenance is also essential as it allows you to identify and repair any issues before they can cause further damage to the unit. The last thing you want to have happen is to suddenly realize your generator isn’t working when you need it most, which is why it is vital that you have it maintained and serviced before hurricane season starts.
As Assurance Power Systems, we can handle all of your generator maintenance and repair needs. In this way, you can assure that you’re prepared for whatever Mother Nature might bring. If you’re considering installing a standby generator or need to have your existing unit repaired or maintained, let us know and we’ll be happy to help in any way we can.
