According to Statista, the global portable generator market has surged from $2B in 2019 to $2.5B in 2024.
For those of you who have bought, or will buy, portable generators for backup home power: were you aware that there is a crucial difference between short term maintenance and long term maintenance?
Taking care of your equipment is critical, and 90% of homeowners fall into the trap of not maintaining their generator properly.
But fear not! We're here to make maintenance easy. Each unit has different requirements, but this short article will introduce you to the most common and critical items. Let's dig into a few FIRMAN Owner's Manuals!
Short Term Maintenance
For those that use your portable generator less than once per month but at least a few times or so a year, this section is for you. It's simple. Let's take a look at the FIRMAN W01781 2100W as an example.
Make sure that you are running your portable generator for at least 30 minutes per month.- When running it, close the fuel shut-off valve and run the unit until the fuel is spent. The engine will naturally stop.
- Then, move the engine switch to 'OFF'.
Long Term Maintenance
Most everyone will live in this next section unless you use your portable generator pretty often.
If the generator is going to be stored for longer than 1 month, some different steps have to be taken in order to ensure the equipment is maintained properly.
First things first: drain the gas
Since gasoline will go bad after sitting for awhile, it needs to be removed from your generator. Here's how:
1. Ensure that the generator is topped of with appropriate oil.
2. Start your generator, then close the fuel shut off valve. Allow it to run until it stops.
3. Move engine switch to the 'Off' position.
4. Allow the unit to cool. The next step is to safely drain gasoline from the fuel tank, fuel line, and carburetor.
- For step 4, you'll need a siphon. First, turn the fuel valve to 'Off'. Next, remove the fuel cap and fuel tank filter. You'll then be able to insert your siphon from the generator to a different container. Finally, start the generator again until the rest of the fuel is used up.
- Remove the maintenance cover screws and cover (it's the panel of the generator).
- To drain the carburetor, look for a screw - it's called a drain screw - on the float chamber. Loosen it.
- Turn the fuel valve back to the 'Off' position.
- Next, when the carburetor is properly drained, re-tighten the drain screw, and replace the maintenance cover and screws.
- Let the engine cool completely. Then turn the Fuel Cap Air Vent to 'Off'.
5. The next step is to close the intake and exhaust valves. To do this:
- Pour a teaspoon of engine oil through the spark plug hole.
- Pull the recoil starter several times, then replace the plug.
- Pull the starter until you feel the piston is on its compression stroke.
6. Cover the unit and store in a clean, dry place. Make sure the area is well ventilated and not close to open flames or sparks.
Ready to give it a try? Follow these steps to ensure that your portable generator serves you for years to come.