How Long Should You Run a Generator During a Power Outage? A Guide for Homeowners in Bowness, Alberta

Power outages are more than inconveniences. They can be downright life-threatening for some people, especially during icy winters when temperatures plummet below freezing. It helps to know how long to run a generator during power outages in your area. 

High Point Plumbing, Air Conditioning, and Heating Repair’s team offers dependable electrical services in Bowness, AB. We’ve installed and repaired our fair share of generators during those visits. Our electricians outline how long you might depend on your generator and how to prolong its service below. 

How Exactly Do Generators Work?

The average generator transforms mechanical or elemental energy into electricity. For example, many homeowners use internal combustion generators. These models use fuel to power their rotating components, which then turn their movements into electrical power.

Your generator is an essential part of comprehensive emergency preparation. As long as you regularly maintain it, you can depend on it to keep the lights and heat on. It can also ensure that vital medical equipment continues to work, regardless of the weather. 

However, determining how long to run a generator before refueling or losing power depends on several factors. Let’s explore some of those factors below to help you prepare. 

What Factors Determine How Long a Generator Can Power a Bowness Household?

Fuel-powered home generators typically run as long as they have fuel. If you keep refilling the generator, you’ll continue powering your home. However, extreme blizzards limit your access to fuel, especially if you live in a rural area in Bowness, Alberta.

Estimate your expected generator run time by considering the following elements:

• Size: Big generators operate for longer stretches. If you own a 5,000-watt device, you can get up to ten hours of uninterrupted power. A generator twice that size may operate for 20 hours uninterrupted. 
• Fuel: Does your generator run on propane, natural gas, diesel, or gasoline? You can easily access gasoline, propane, and diesel at nearby convenience stores, while natural gas might be harder to come by.  
• Electric usage habits: The less electricity you use, the longer your generator can go without refills. Calculating how long to run a generator without topping off means cutting unnecessary usage. 

Figuring Out How Long To Run a Generator During a Power Outage

So, how much power outage generator use can you get from your rig at one time with no fuel refills?

• What kind of generators do you have? A whole-home model can power an entire family unit while a standby option supplies less power. 
• How many generators can you use? If you can depend on whole-home and standby generator operation, you’ll get longer stretches of power supply. However, you should plan to refill the whole-home version once your standby kicks into action. 
• How powerful are your generators? Higher wattage means more power and potentially longer stretches of electrical service. 
• What electrical devices must you use? If you limit your electrical demands to necessities only, you can prolong your power access. 

A whole-home generator can power a house for 18 hours. A good rule of thumb is to check your fuel meter daily so you have enough time to top off. 

What Can You Do To Prolong the Generator’s Electrical Service?

Our electricians in Bowness, Alberta, recommend practicing the following habits to prolong your generator’s emergency power supply:

• Test and maintain your generators. Consistent maintenance and inspections dictate how long generators last and how well they perform under dire circumstances.
• Break out the candles and other battery or fuel-powered devices. Place candles or flashlights in dark rooms, like bathrooms and other windowless spaces. Encourage family members to keep a light on them. You can also use fuel-powered indoor heaters in enclosed, designated areas. 
• Only use small devices that quickly recharge. Shut down your desktops, laptops, and tablets. Limit your device usage to smartphones while conserving your use. 
• Reconsider how or when you use electric appliances when possible. If you have gas appliances, you don’t have to worry. But you might choose your camping stove or grill over your electric stove. 
• Use a portable generator alongside your whole-home model. While the portable generator duration is modest, it still prolongs your electricity access.