How Often Should You Start Your Portable Generator to Keep It Ready?

Is your generator just sitting there? Worried it won't start when you need it most? Proper care is simple, but essential.

Yes, you should start your portable generator regularly. For long-term storage (over 3 months), run it 1-2 times monthly for over an hour. For short-term storage (under 1 month), run it 2-3 times monthly for 30-60 minutes.

You've invested in a generator for peace of mind or business continuity. But like any engine, it needs a little attention to perform reliably. I've seen too many people get caught out by a generator that fails to start simply because it was neglected. Let's make sure that doesn't happen to you and explore why this regular "exercise" is so crucial. Understanding the reasons behind these recommendations will help you keep your machine in top shape.

How Long Can a Generator Sit Without Being Used?

Wondering if your generator can just collect dust for months? Thinking it's fine until the next big outage? This is a common, but risky, assumption.

A generator shouldn't sit unused for more than a month without specific storage preparations. Ideally, even less. Gasoline can degrade and parts can seize, leading to starting problems when you least expect them.

Leaving a generator to sit for extended periods is asking for trouble. I've seen it many times in my years in this business. The main culprit is usually the fuel. Modern gasoline, especially ethanol blends¹, can start to degrade in as little as 30 days. When it degrades, it can leave gummy deposits. These deposits love to clog up the tiny passages in a carburetor². If that happens, your generator might not start, or it might run poorly. It's not just about the fuel, though. Lubricating oil needs to circulate. Seals and gaskets can dry out and crack if they sit for too long. This can lead to leaks. I always tell my clients, if you plan to store your generator for more than three months, you need a plan. This means starting it at least once or twice a month. And when you do start it, let it run for a good hour. This helps keep everything lubricated and the fuel system clearer.

Here's a quick guide based on storage duration:

Think of it like this: a generator that's regularly "exercised" is a generator that's ready to work.

Should You Run Your Generator Every So Often?

Is it really necessary to make time to run your generator? Does it actually make a difference if it's just sitting there, waiting?

Absolutely. Running your generator periodically is vital. It keeps the engine lubricated, the battery charged (if applicable), the fuel system clear, and ensures it will function correctly when you actually need power.

Yes, you absolutely should run your generator every so often. I can't stress this enough. It's one of the simplest yet most effective maintenance tasks you can perform. From my days working in a generator factory to running my own trading company, this has always been a key piece of advice. When you run the generator, several good things happen. First, the engine oil circulates. This coats all the internal moving parts, protecting them from corrosion and preventing them from seizing up. Second, it helps keep the fuel system in better shape. Old fuel is a major cause of generator problems. Running the generator, even for a short while, helps to use up the fuel in the carburetor bowl before it can go bad and cause blockages. If your generator has an electric starter with a battery, running it also helps to keep the battery charged. A dead battery is another common reason a generator won't start. I usually recommend starting it at least once a month, but for short-term storage, say within a month, doing it two or three times for 30 minutes to an hour is even better. It's a small time investment that can save you a lot of headaches later.

How Often Should You Run a Generator Under Load?

Just starting the generator is good, but is that enough? Or should you actually plug things into it when you do these maintenance runs?

Ideally, run your generator under at least a 30-50% load for most of its maintenance run time. This exercises the generator end (alternator) properly and helps burn off deposits more effectively.

Running your generator under load is definitely better than just letting it idle with nothing connected. I often get asked about this. When you connect a load, you're making the entire unit work – not just the engine, but also the generator's alternator (the part that actually produces electricity). This is important. It helps the engine reach its optimal operating temperature³. This can burn off any carbon deposits that might be forming on the spark plug or in the combustion chamber. It also ensures the alternator windings are working and can handle demand. For my clients, I suggest running the generator under load for at least 30 minutes to an hour during these monthly or bi-monthly checks. You don't need to max it out, but a significant load, say 30% to 50% of its rated capacity, is good. This could be a couple of power tools, some lights, or a space heater. If you're using it daily and it runs for more than 24 hours continuously, remember to check and possibly replace the engine oil and air filter monthly. This keeps the lubrication system working as it should. The key is consistent, sensible operation to prevent issues like fuel system clogs from gasoline's volatile nature, especially during long-term storage.

Conclusion

Regularly starting and running your generator, preferably under load, is key. This simple habit ensures it's ready when you need it most.