How Long Does a Home Standby Generator Last | Adam Meets Brian After 18 Years!

Join us as Adam, President of Platinum Electrical Contractors Inc., revisits Platinum's very first Generac generator installation from 2005. In this special video, Adam meets with Brian, their very first home generator customer, to inspect the generator installed nearly two decades ago. Thanks to Generac's high-quality production, Platinum's exceptional installation, and perfect yearly maintenance, this generator is still working perfectly with no issues.
Adam answers the big question: How long does a generator last?
He also talks about the importance of home standby generators for continuous power.
We then hear his insights into the durability and reliability of Generac generators and also a glimpse into Platinum's commitment to customer satisfaction and high standards of workmanship.
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Contact: 1-844-443-6776
Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, KZbin: @PlatinumGens
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Since 1991, Platinum Electrical Contractors Inc. has been serving commercial, industrial, institutional, and residential clients in the Greater Toronto Area. Known for outstanding service and unparalleled customer satisfaction, we take pride in maintaining the highest standards of workmanship and safety. From new construction projects and renovations to standby generator installations, fire alarm systems, data and communications wiring, and alternative power (wind generators and solar) options, we are dedicated to providing simplified solutions for a large range of electrical construction project challenges. Our team of experts has been providing comprehensive services, on-time and on-budget for more than 25 years.

[@jjackson2612]

I have two of the same model. Installed in 2001 and 2003. Both have around 500 hours. Still running strong. Except for batterys (every 3 years) ,normal service (yearly) only thing replaced has been a starter (caused by weak battery) and one gas valve diaphragm. Mine do have hour meters.

[@trith72]

Had a Generac 24kw installed down here in Louisiana last September. Hurricane Beryl just caused a mess and electricity was down for three days....not for me though. I was able to run everything in my home without issue including 2AC units, and continue working remotely and make sure my elderly father was taken care of during 100 degree temps. You don't realize how valuable these things are till they kick on in an outage.

[@PlatinumGens]

Thank you so much for sharing your experience! We're so glad to hear that your Generac 24kW generator kept you and your family safe and comfortable during Hurricane Beryl. It's amazing how much of a difference these generators can make, especially in tough situations like that. We're happy you were able to keep everything running smoothly, including taking care of your father and staying cool. If you ever need any help or have questions, feel free to reach out. Stay safe and powered up! 😊🔋🏡 #Generac #PoweringPeaceOfMind

[@Paddleinc]

I saw just saw this video pop up. I have the same generator over 20 years old now. I do my own yearly service. As easy as a lawn mower to do.

[@darnice1125]

Years mean nothing. How many Hours will it last, is what matters. How many hours on it? 500? 700? 1000? Thats what matters.

[@REVNUMANEWBERN]

ABSOLUTELY and here is the "deception" by >>> INCOMPLETE

[@PlatinumGens]

In addition to the answer to one of the comments on this post, our educated guess is somewhere between 500 and 1000 hours and still going strong

[@marksarkosh1412]

Go Platinum Go!

[@TimothyAllen-v4b]

I bought a new Generac 18 kW unit early this year (2024). After the first battery failed, the control module was replaced by the dealer. That module did not work at all. A third control module was installed with another new battery. The third module seems to be keeping the battery up, and the unit actually started during a short line interruption. The Generac Mobile Link app on my phone still says the battery is not being properly charged, but every day when I measure the battery voltage it is good. The Mobile Link software seems to now be the culprit. So I have no way to monitor the health of the unit remotely. That is not very user friendly. Generac support insisted on schooling me in the art of using a voltmeter, and helped me to understand how a battery charger works.

[@seangriffon6502]

Back when generac was built great. Love the metal enclosure as well. Built much better than todays generacs. Very simple unit.

[@REVNUMANEWBERN]

YEP , so many of the parts now are sourced FROM China a person had better get a COMPLETE parts manual listing EVERY part & them illustrated, I'd suggest them talking to different dealers / installers to find out the top 5 or 10 parts that FAIL & go ahead & buy them ALSO with a new purchase, so many MFG's discontinue some of the NECESSARY parts to upkeep such.

[@PlatinumGens]

Appreciate the comment. Steel is more robust than aluminum. However, We haven't really seen any detriment to the all-aluminum enclosure. Definitely weathers better!

[@nspro931]

Those units sucked, all kinds of problems and loud as blazes. Also this one was not installed to code, blowing exhaust right into the house.

[@justdoingitjim7095]

I bought my first generator in 1988 from a preacher who had it several years. He bought it from a guy who took it off a power company truck that he bought at an auction. So, it was about 10 to 15 years old when I got it. It was a Kohler 2,200 watt, with a Brigs and Stratton 3.5hp gas motor. When I sold it around 2005 it was still running strong and I used it for construction work constantly. I needed a bigger one that would also run my home AC, because I had moved down to the coast, so I bought a used 4,000 watt Coleman with a 6.5hp Briggs and Stratton from a pawn shop. I also used it in construction and also after Hurricane Ike hit us. I used it regularly until I retired and moved inland. Now it sits in my shed, still ready to start on the first pull, as it always did. My "secret" for long lasting generators is to shut the gas off and run it until the gas line and carb were empty, when I didn't plan to use it for several days. During longer periods I'd also drain the gas tank. I changed the oil regularly and other than buying a cover for it, that's all I did. Oh, I did "splurge" and buy a wheel kit for it after a few years of dragging it around job sites. It was getting too heavy to drag on skids.

[@PlatinumGens]

Wow, what an incredible journey your generators have had! It's amazing to hear how long-lasting and reliable they've been for you, from construction work to weathering hurricanes. Your maintenance tips are great, regular oil changes, and proper storage really make a difference. Sounds like those generators served you well through thick and thin! Thank you for sharing your story and the great advice. If you ever need any help or are considering another upgrade, we're here for you. 💪🔧🌟

[@seangriffon6502]

Kohler is the best generator i think.

[@REVNUMANEWBERN]

AND if you get a Motor Snorkel propane conversion kit you won't have to worry about the gas issue, BTW B&S has and continues to DISCONTINUE key parts of their engines, hopes yours run as you need

[@REVNUMANEWBERN]

@@seangriffon6502 DEPENDS on who actually builds the engine

[@justdoingitjim7095]

@@REVNUMANEWBERN The generator doesn't have many hours on it, so it should last. Even if new parts get hard to find, B&S made hundreds of thousands of them, so used parts are everywhere!

[@langthompson6969]

What they don't tell us is how many hours of run time is on the unit.

[@REVNUMANEWBERN]

YEP having worked AT a small engine mfg plant they are only tested & designed to last so long, having them run just a few hours a month or year is one thing, but running as a mower would on a weekly basis is another

[@PlatinumGens]

Unfortunately, the older units did not come with an hour meter. So we cannot verify the run time. What we can offer is that this customer has emailed us countless times over the years thanking us for the installation as it just performed again we can also say that in that time there have been multiple multi-day outages that the unit has handled. In addition to the above the unit would have exercised weekly for all these years adding approximately 180-200 hours of exercise time as well So while we can't verify the exact hours. we do believe there is a respectable amount of run time on the unit. And the unit is in fine working condition

[@nspro931]

They were not proud enough of these to install an hour meter, that tells us something.

[@REVNUMANEWBERN]

Purchased 18 years ago it SHOULD still work when the actual hours it has been used is very limited

[@davejustice7464]

I just bought one this week and it's still looks the same as that 18-year-old

[@REVNUMANEWBERN]

BUT it is NOT the same, good luck

[@PlatinumGens]

In general we suppose. However, the new units have a more sophisticated control panel, an all-aluminum enclosure and a new engine plus other improvements.

[@andrewsquire9892]

Of course this one is 20 years old and they don’t build them like they used, so maybe only 5 years…

[@PlatinumGens]

Yes, many things in this life are not made like they used to be! We quite agree However, we have at least 2000 units out there that exceed 5 years of age and show no signs of expiring any time soon.

[@tonioyendis4464]

I've had my Generac since 2005. I had to replace it once about 5 years ago. I've already had to repair it twice! Generac has declined significantly in their quality-control. My next generator will be a Cummings.

[@nspro931]

Cummins pure Chinese now

[@REVNUMANEWBERN]

18 years ago quality ISN'T what it is today & with so many of the parts supplied from OUTSIDE of the U.S.A. if a part goes down you better HOPE they have a part local & it DOESN'T have to be shipped in

[@joeybleu66]

kohler engines last the longest.