Posted: September 16, 2024

Is Your Generator in “Ready-mode”?

Here is how you can prepare your generator

Those of us who live here in Central Massachusetts or Southern New Hampshire know that we get hit with all sorts of weather, big snowstorms and rainstorms included. And this big weather sometimes means power outages. When that happens so many of us depend on backup generators and generator fuel.

Making sure your generators are ready to go

Even though you are not using your generator all the time, it should be ready for you to use at a moment’s notice. After all, you never know when some sort of emergency is going to hit that is going to cause a sudden and desperate need for a working generator.

So what does it mean for your generator and generator fuel to be in “ready-mode”?

You want to make sure that your generator is working and you want to make sure that you have plenty of generator fuel on hand. However, you don’t want your generator fuel actually in your generator until you are actually using your generator.

This is because the generator fuel in your generator is eventually going to go bad – it doesn’t last forever (unless you are using propane). So if we are fortunate enough to go for a long period of time without an emergency that requires the use of your generator, chances are that the fuel in your generator will no longer be good or particularly helpful. In fact, fuel that has expired can actually cause harm to your generator by clogging up fuel lines.

So here is what’s best in terms of preparing your generator.

Leave it on until it has run out of fuel and is completely empty. Then, fill one or two canisters with fuel and leave it alongside your generator so that your equipment is prepped and ready to go when you need it.

Just remember to not store your fuel in the areas of your home that are lived in and occupied by people. Fuel should also be kept away from any possible sources of ignition.

Different types of generator fuel

Part of having your generator in “ready-mode” is knowing what kind of fuel you are going to use to provide it with the power it needs to operate and function. There a few different options when it comes to generator fuel:

1. Propane: If environmental friendliness is what you are after, powering your generator with propane is a great option since the fuel is non-toxic, clean burning and considered green. Another benefit of propane is that it doesn’t go bad or expire so it is a great solution if you are looking for something to last long term.
2. Diesel fuel: Diesel fuel generators are most commonly used by commercial businesses and facilities that need to be fully operational at all times like hospitals and emergency service providers. Although diesel fuel itself does expire, diesel fuel generators can last quite a long time and don’t require much in terms of operational and maintenance costs.
3. Natural gas: A natural gas generator connects to a gas pipeline that is underground, which means it is protected from natural elements. But if there is a natural disaster or widespread emergency that cuts off a community’s natural gas utility, people who count on natural gas generators are at risk of not having power.
4. Gasoline: For the most part, homeowners use gasoline-powered generators as a backup power source. But anyone who uses these types of generators should be aware that gasoline itself expires after about a year.

Fraticelli Oil & Propane can help get your generator ready

If you are in Central Massachusetts or Southern New Hampshire and need propane or diesel fuel to get your generator ready, Fraticelli Oil & Propane can help. We can deliver the fuel you need directly to you.

Contact Fraticelli Oil & Propane to prepare your generator today!