A whole-home generator is the only effective option for ensuring that your house continues to have power whenever the local electric grid is down. Also known as a backup generator, this type of unit can run for an extremely long time continuously and potentially power your home for a few straight weeks. In theory, you could power a house with a generator for even longer as long as you shut it down occasionally so it can cool off and keep up with changing the oil and oil filter.
That said, trying to do so would never make sense due to the huge amount of natural gas or propane the generator would use. Most whole-house generators have a lifespan of somewhere between 1,500 and 3,000 hours, which means the generator would also give out in as little as two to four months if you tried to use it full time. Even though you can’t power a house full time with a backup generator, installing one will still provide major benefits to your home.
How Long Can You Run a Backup Generator Continuously?
Many backup generators are technically rated to be able to run for up to 500 hours straight. However, this really isn’t the case since most units need to have the oil and oil filter changed after every 200 hours of use. If you need to rely on a backup generator for an extended period of time, it’s also important to regularly shut the unit down for a few minutes and then check the oil level. Some manufacturers say you need to check the oil every 72 hours when the generator is running continuously. Others say you should check the condition of the oil and the oil level every 24 hours or even every 12 hours.
Failing to check the oil when your generator is running continuously can lead to major issues arising. A backup generator should always shut down automatically if the oil level gets too low. If this happens, you’ll then need to top off the unit with oil before you can get it to run again. The bigger issue is that the oil can quickly get too dirty if the generator runs continuously, which can result in major damage or even cause the unit to seize up due to a lack of lubrication.
An Overview of How a Backup Generator Works
Most backup generators are installed so that they will automatically turn on and send power to the home whenever a blackout or outage occurs. The way it works is that the generator is connected to the house’s electrical system via a device known as an automatic transfer switch that is located at the main electrical panel.
An automatic transfer switch serves two distinct purposes. The first is monitoring the electrical current coming into the home from the grid so that it can signal the generator to start up as soon as the power goes out. You can also use a manual transfer switch, but this type of switch can’t detect if your power is out. That means you’ll have to manually flip the switch whenever the power goes out to run the generator and enable it to begin powering your house.
The other purpose of a transfer switch is that it isolates the home from the power grid whenever the generator is running. Electrical code requirements stipulate that a generator must always be connected to a home through either an automatic or manual transfer switch. The reason is that by isolating the home from the grid, the switch prevents the current produced by the generator from flowing back into the grid. This is a safety measure that prevents utility workers trying to repair the grid from getting injured or electrocuted, which could happen if the home isn’t isolated while the generator is running.
The Benefits of Having a Backup Generator
When deciding to install a backup generator, it’s essential that the unit is large enough to meet all of your electrical needs. As long as it’s not too small, you should be able to use everything in your house mostly as you normally would. There may be a few limitations as to how many things you can use at one time though. For instance, you probably won’t be able to have your air conditioning, dishwasher, washing machine and dryer all running at the same time. Nonetheless, you should be able to use at least one or two appliances while you have your AC or heating running.
Being able to run your HVAC system during a power outage is a huge advantage since it will prevent your home from getting uncomfortably hot or so cold that your pipes could freeze. You also won’t have to worry about the food in your refrigerator and freezer spoiling if the power is out for a long time. Everything in a freezer will usually stay frozen for 24-48 hours as long as you don’t open the freezer, but perishable items in your fridge can spoil in as little as four hours. The backup generator will also allow you to keep your lights on, charge your devices, stream movies and do whatever else you want.
How to Keep a Backup Generator Properly Maintained
Regular maintenance is key for getting as many years of life out of a backup generator and ensuring it’s always ready to work whenever your power goes out. In addition to changing the oil and oil filter, you also need to have the spark plugs checked and cleaned, the air filter changed and various other tasks performed. Some of these tasks typically only need to be done every four years or so depending on how many hours the generator runs. Other tasks should be performed yearly or around once every two years.
While we recommend leaving most of the maintenance requirements to a professional, there is one important task you can and need to do yourself. That is running the generator’s exercise cycle every week or two. You can program and schedule the generator to run this cycle automatically, but you want to have the cycle run when you’re home. That way you can monitor the generator’s performance and check for any issues that can indicate the unit needs to be serviced or repaired, such as excessive noise or exhaust, leaks, etc. During this cycle, the generator will run for 20-30 minutes without actually sending power to your home. The primary reason that you need to run the exercise cycle regularly is that it helps keep the motor lubricated and prevents moisture from building up inside the generator.
With years of experience, Potts Electric is the company to turn to for your backup generator needs. We offer a range of high-quality Generac whole-home generators, and our expert electricians can repair and service all generator brands. We also install EV charging stations and smart home automation technology, and you can count on us if you need any other electrical installation or repair services as well. Our company has locations in Ellisville, Fenton and Lenexa, and we also serve residential and commercial customers in the Overland Park and St. Louis areas. To schedule a consultation and learn more about the benefits a backup generator can provide to your home or business, contact us today.
