If you are thinking about purchasing a new whole house generator, you probably want to know how long it will last. After all, you do not want to buy a machine that will be broken down before you have a chance to use it. It’s also important to know how to care for your unit so it can last for a long time. Here are a few things you can do to make sure your generator runs smoothly.
Propane
If you’re wondering how long a whole house generator can run continuously on propane, there are several factors to consider. The fuel source, model and size of the generator play a big role.
Propane generators are quieter than gasoline models, and they are more environmentally friendly. They also produce less greenhouse gases, so you don’t have to worry about air pollution or carbon emissions.
Portable propane generators can run for up to 150 hours on a large tank. However, most cannot be operated for longer than a few days. To increase the running time of your generator, connect two propane tanks.
A typical propane tank holds a maximum of 500 gallons. You can refill a smaller tank over the course of a few weeks. During an outage, a service provider can refill the tank if you need to use more than your generator can provide.
If you have a whole house generator that runs on propane, you should keep a backup supply of oil in case you have an extended power outage. It can also help cool a generator in warm weather.
Diesel
Diesel whole house generators offer a number of advantages over the traditional standby generator. These include larger engines and sophisticated programming to help better manage the load. However, they will require regular tune ups and oil changes.
Depending on the type of generator, there are three main fuel types available. These include natural gas, diesel, and liquid propane. Generally, diesel offers the longest running time and highest power output. Natural gas and liquid propane are not as efficient as a diesel engine.
During an extended power outage, a natural gas generator may be more reliable. Besides, it costs less to run. It burns 15 to 20 percent less carbon dioxide than diesel. But it’s also hotter.
Several companies are working on powerful engines that run natural gas with diesel. Fortunately, these engines offer a long running time and the ability to burn fuel at a lower cost.
If you plan on running your generator for an extended period of time, you’ll need a large tank of fuel. Typically, you’ll need between 250 and 1,000 gallons. You can bury the tank underground, or have it above ground.
Properly shutting the generator down for engine cooling
If you are using a whole house generator for engine cooling, it is important to shut down your generator correctly. This will prevent overheating and possible damage.
Most generators come equipped with an automatic shutdown feature. These are activated when low oil pressure or coolant level is detected. You should also check the oil level of your generator, especially if it is not running.
When the generator is operating, you should always turn it off at night. The noise from a generator should be quiet, but if you hear a whirring noise or a rattling sound, this is a sign that you should shut the unit down.
If you need to restart the generator, make sure you disconnect all appliances from it. Also, you should have your battery fully charged. Otherwise, you may get an unexpected blip on your power distribution system.
Another way to prevent overheating is to ensure your water tank and fuel lines are clean. Leaks can cause rapid loss of pressure. They can also affect the delivery of fuel to the engine.
Properly changing the oil
A whole house generator is a great way to provide electricity to your home during an outage, but it needs regular oil changes to ensure it is running smoothly. If your machine is not operating properly, you could be wasting money on power. The following guide will show you how to change the oil in your unit.
First, you need to start by checking the owner’s manual. It should give you the recommended amount of oil to use. You also want to make sure you are using the proper type of oil.
Generators typically require SAE 10W-30 oil. This is a type of synthetic oil that provides better lubrication. Synthetic oils are much less prone to impurities than mineral oils.
After you have determined how much oil your generator needs, you can check the oil level on your engine with a dipstick. Some machines shut off automatically if the oil level is too low. However, this may not be the case for your specific model.