How Long Does a Commercial Generator Last On Average?
Business owners need to ensure that they always have electricity at their commercial properties. Whether it’s a manufacturing plant, a warehouse, a restaurant, an office, or another type of business, electricity is crucial to daily work.
It’s important to have a commercial generator on-site in the event of a power outage. With a commercial generator in place, a business owner can rest easy knowing they’ll have power when they need it.
Just as vital as having a generator is knowing how long to expect it to last. Typically, commercial generators will last for up to 20 to 30 years, but many factors can affect the lifespan of these systems.
Commercial Generator Life Expectancy
Generator lifespan will depend on several factors, including the type of generator and how often it’s in service.
Standby generators are the most common type of system used by businesses. These units only run when the power goes out. Usually, these systems last 10 to 20 years or 15,000 to 25,000 hours of use.
Continuous-use generators are always operating and deliver electricity to specific systems or a whole property. Depending on how much power these systems need to deliver, they tend to last 10 to 15 years before needing replacement.
Factors That Affect Commercial Generators
A lot of factors can affect the lifespan of a commercial generator. Some common factors include:
- Load demand
- Usage frequency
- Environmental conditions
- Fuel type and fuel efficiency
- Brand quality
It’s important for business owners to consider these factors when shopping for commercial-grade generators. When you know what your property needs, you can find the right generator for your property.
Maintenance That Helps Keep a Generator Alive
Generator maintenance can make all the difference in the lifespan of a system. Be sure to take care of common maintenance tasks, such as oil changes, bank testing, and resolving wet stacking, among other tune-up tasks.
Oil Care
Like any other combustion-engine system, commercial generators need regular oil changes and lubrication. Over time, oil will degrade and burn off, leaving your system in need of fresh oil to keep running safely. Every system is different, so be sure to consult the manual to know what type of oil is required and how often oil and filter changes are needed.
Bank Testing
Load bank testing is important for commercial generator maintenance. It can show you how much workload your system can handle.
Generators have a limit to how much electricity they can produce and send through the system. If you run a load bank test and the unit doesn’t deliver, it may be time to call an expert for system repairs.
Wet Stacking
When a generator doesn’t run for a long period, oil and debris can collect in the exhaust. This is called “wet stacking,” and if the generator is used, it can lead to system failure and dangerous conditions.
Be sure to occasionally run your generator to keep the internal liquids flowing and the exhaust system clean. Preventing wet stacking can help your system stay in good shape for years to come.
General Maintenance
As with any major appliance at your business, regular professional maintenance is always a good idea for your generator. Working with a certified electrician, you can get a comprehensive system tune-up, catch small problems early, and get the most out of your system.
Always keep your commercial generator running well, and trust local electricians to provide complete maintenance service when needed.
Get Help With Commercial Generator Needs
The licensed and insured technicians at Generator Services, Inc. offer complete generator repairs, replacements, and maintenance in Columbia and beyond. Our team services all brands, offers same-day repairs, and brings 30+ years of expertise to the table. Look to our family-owned and -operated business for upfront pricing, financing options, generator rentals, and more.
Be sure that you have a proper generator for your business. Contact GSI now to schedule commercial generator services in Columbia.
