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How Long Can You Run A Home Generator Without Turning It Off?

home generator
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With the number of storms resulting in power outages we face in South Florida, it comes as no surprise that many find it necessary to own a home generator. Though generators can be a valuable asset to our homes, it’s critical to know how to safely operate and maintain them to avoid accidents or damage. Many are not aware of the operation time, which is why the experts at Art Plumbing, Air Conditioning & Electric are here to detail how long generators can be run without having to turn them off.

Home Generator Basics

As we often face many tropical storms and hurricanes in South Florida every season, generators can be a fantastic investment for our family and home’s comfort, convenience, and safety. Though modern generators are relatively easy to operate, many do not know precisely how they function. 

Home generators provide a source of backup power to run your electricity in the event of an outage. The generator switches on its power as soon as it detects an outage, usually within a matter of seconds. Though all homes can benefit from a home generator, there are many options available to best suit your needs. 

Some options we offer include:

Whole-Home Standby Generators

Our Generac whole-home generators safely provide electricity to the entirety of your home when there is a power outage. Unlike many other whole-home generators on the market, the Generac line can last for weeks. Whole-home generators from Art Plumbing, Air Conditioning & Electric provide you with peace of mind as they do not suffer from power surges or voltage issues. In the event of a natural disaster, the last thing you should have to worry about is your power, which is why we’re here to help.

Portable Backup Generators

While installing a Generac® whole-home generator offers endless benefits, they are often not a feasible option for homes that do not require a large amount of power or for families looking for generators with a particular budget in mind. 

Portable generators are a cost-effective option to keep your household essentials, such as your air conditioner or refrigerator, running. The heavy-duty portable Generac choices Art Plumbing, Air Conditioning & Electric offers will help give your family peace of mind in an emergency.

Running Your Home Generator

No matter what type of generator you decide is best for your home, it’s crucial to understand how to operate them safely and effectively. 

You should keep in mind:

Standby vs Portable

Simply put, if you plan to operate your generator for more than a few days, a standby generator is a better option as they are much larger. The general rule of thumb is not running a standby generator for longer than 500 hours, or around three weeks. 

Portable generators have a run time that is limited to the capacity of their tank and fuel source. For gasoline generators, they can range from just a few hours to nearly a full day. If you power your portable generator with propane, they can reach around 200 hours, or eight days, of power. Even if the generator is still operating past these general limits, they are now more susceptible to breaking down and other safety concerns. 

To prevent these issues, you should allow the generator to rest so the engine can cool. You can call the technicians at Art Plumbing, Air Conditioning & Electric to perform necessary maintenance and ensure it is properly running.

The Art Plumbing, Air Conditioning & Electric Advantage

With nearly 40 years of experience, our professional technicians provide South Florida with the best service in the area when it comes to selling, installing, and servicing Generac® generators. Not only are we proud to call ourselves an authorized dealer, but we also have Select Dealer status with Generac®, the number one choice for generators across the country! 

If you have any questions about our home generators or are looking to install one before hurricane season, call Art Plumbing, Air Conditioning & Electric today at 1-800-475-1504!

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