Having a standby generator is one of the best things you can do for your home or business. It will allow you to continue working and keep your home safe during a power outage. However, having a backup generator isn’t enough; you need to make sure you keep yours maintained and running at its peak performance.
Propane
Propane is a clean burning fuel with a long shelf life and low carbon content. It is comparable to natural gas in terms of performance and safety. However, propane has the advantage of being readily available and having no degrading effect over time.
If you are planning to use a standby generator, you may want to consider propane. Although it is more expensive than gasoline, it is also safer and environmentally friendly. Gasoline, on the other hand, is highly flammable when stored improperly.
Diesel is another fuel type that has advantages and disadvantages. For example, it is difficult to start in cold weather. Also, it tends to gum up the engine’s inner parts.
Natural gas is a form of gas that is supplied by your utility company. The main difference is that it is not liquid at normal pressures. So, you need to run it at a certain temperature to be effective. This can lead to problems like wet stacking.
Diesel
In order to get the most out of your diesel standby generator, you need to consider your needs. The number of hours of run time you need depends on the size and model of the generator. Generally, portable models can last up to two to three thousand hours. Larger units can provide up to twenty-five thousand hours of power.
To ensure that your generator will run longer, you need to follow a few simple maintenance steps. You should change the oil at regular intervals, check the fuel tank for contamination, and replace the filter when needed.
To determine the best fuel for your generator, you need to consider the nature of the engine, the load you plan to use, and the weather conditions in your area. Some engines are better suited to a cold climate, while others are better for a hot environment.
If you have an extended outage, you may need to run your generator continuously during the day. If this is the case, you need to keep your tank full of fuel.
Cummins
If you are interested in an emergency standby generator, you might want to consider the Cummins RS20AE. This unit has an automatic transfer switch that connects it permanently to your home. It is capable of providing 20 kilowatts of continuous power. You can use it for both indoor and outdoor use.
This generator is CARB emissions compliant. It is also quiet. And, its design is compact, so you can install it close to your home.
It comes with two 50-foot wiring harnesses. The cover also flips up for easy access. Plus, you can get free shipping and technical support for life.
The RS20A is built with a 993cc overhead valve v-twin engine that runs on LP gas. It features an electronic governor and an oil cooler. There is also a fully pressurized lubrication system. During operation, the engine operates at a steady 3600 RPM.
The generator has a maximum run time of 10 hours at 25% load. During an extended outage, you may need to run the generator for several hours.
Proper maintenance
Whether you own a standby generator or not, proper maintenance is important. It helps to ensure that the engine will run smoothly and safely, as well as extend the life of the unit.
While it may seem overwhelming, a routine checklist of maintenance tasks can be easily managed. With this, you can enjoy the peace of mind of having a generator that functions properly.
If your standby generator hasn’t been serviced recently, it’s a good idea to contact the manufacturer or an authorized dealer for an appointment. They will help you determine the recommended schedule for maintenance.
If your system has a controller, it will let you know when it is time for maintenance. You should also make note of any changes in operating parameters. This will enable you to act upon any deviations from the manufacturer’s specifications.
Depending on the type of generator, the cost of O&M will vary. Most of them are powered by natural gas, propane, or diesel.