Is it OK to run generator all night?
Here in Louisiana, homeowners have learned over the years that a generator is almost as necessary as the stuff it powers, like the lights and refrigerator. Why is a generator so important to the homes in this area? Not necessarily all year long, but during hurricane season, when the storms knock out your power, a home with a generator can make getting through the rest of the storm more comfortable. With a home generator, electric power for the important things is still possible, like the lights and the refrigerator.
First thing we recommend is to read the manual that came with your generator, and if you bought it used, search the internet for an online version of the manual. The more you can learn and know about a generator, you’ll know the correct way to use it when you have a power emergency. When a generator isn’t used correctly, it can be dangerous, even deadly.
Most generators can operate non-stop for eight hours, then they need to be refueled. Keep in mind, if you don’t have power, there is a good chance the nearby gas station doesn’t either. This is why homeowners that live in areas where storms are common, hurricane and tornado areas, keep gasoline stored.
How often should I start my generator?
So, you have a generator, but hurricane season has arrived, do you need to anything with your generator in the off season? Yes! Year round maintenance is needed, even if hurricane season comes and goes quietly (it could happen!). To make sure your generator power is ready when you need it, we recommend starting it once a month and let it run for 15 to 20 minutes.
Also, if your portable generator has a battery, make sure it is fully charged before you store it away after each hurricane season. Many generator owners will invest in a battery trickle charger that keeps the generator ready to go at all ties.
How often should I change my generator oil?
A generator is a small-engine, like your lawnmower or any power equipment. This means that the oil should be changed on a regular basis, whether you’re using it or not, but especially after 100 hours of use. Again, we recommend being proactive when it comes to those hurricane power outages and get stocked up on gas, oil, and oil filters. That generator isn’t going to do you much good if you don’t have the supplies to keep it running.
What is the lifespan of a whole house generator?
Everything has a lifespan expectancy, including your generator. How long of a lifespan is dependent on a few factors, with the main one being the maintenance you do on that generator. Just like your lawn mower or car, basic maintenance is a must to get the most from your generator, starting it every 30 days even when you’re not using is, and keeping the oil changed as the owner’s manual recommends or as we’ve suggested in this article.
With all that being followed, you can get up to 40 years from your generator. Don’t follow the manufacturer’s recommendations, you may get up to 20 years lifespan. If you have priced generators recently, new or used, you know they aren’t cheap. This is because those selling generators know what they have is what you’re needing. So, after paying that amount of money, doesn’t it make sense to take care of it so you have for years to come?
Are whole house generators worth it?
Consider a whole house generator as an insurance policy. It provides a peace of mind that your family is comfortable, and your home is protected from power surges and voltage fluctuations during natural disasters and storms. Other advantages of a home generator are:
- During the cold winter months it can prevent the water pipes from freezing and bursting.
- Keeps the refrigerator on so your food doesn’t spoil.
- Keeps your security system on powered.
- Keeps the air conditioning and heating on
- Water heater still heats water
- Sump pump keeps working (important with the amount of rain a hurricane can bring)
- Electric garage door is useable
Can you use a home generator without transfer switch?
A transfer switch provides a dedicated set of switches for every circuit you need to power, like the refrigerators, air conditioning or heating, the sump pump, etc. Not using a transfer switch can damage your appliances or anything you have powered by the generator. If you’re shopping for a generator, make sure it either comes with a transfer switch or purchase one that fits your generator.
Even if you don’t live in an area of the country where the power is known to go out, a whole home generator backup can be handy. As we mentioned earlier, a generator can be considered an insurance policy, ensuring that you’ll have power regardless of the situation. Call 985-764-8191 today for your generator repair service in Norco and New Orleans, LA.