Generator Storage: What You Should Know About Storing Your Generator Properly

By
Rodney Nestor
Rodney Nestor
Research Writer
Rodney holds a Master’s degree in Arts and apart from working as a freelance writer, is a rather successful author of science fiction stories published in several literary read more
Last updated: September 13, 2023
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A generator can be a real lifesaver in a time of need when you need it most. Whether there’s a power outage or a big storm, having a generator on standby can save you a lot of stress in the process. However, just having a generator around doesn’t mean you are off the hook yet because generators need to be respected and taken care of to work properly. By looking at some of the best solutions for generator storage. Knowing how to store your generator whenever you use it will ensure that it is ready to go when you need it and knowing how to prepare a generator for storage will keep you ready for the next time you need to use your generator.

How prepare a generator for storage: Step by step

Generator Storage: What You Should Know About Storing Your Generator Properly

The first step to make sure your generator is stored properly is to treat or remove the gas. If you take out eh gasoline, then it won’t be able to corrode and damage the generator, and using treatment with the gas will prevent any stored gas from damaging the generator. Next, you should inspect all of the components to make sure that they are in working order. Knowing your generator is being stored in working order means that there is less chance that it will fail when you go to start it again later on. When wondering where you should place your generator for storage, consider how protected the area is and if it will keep your generator protected from the elements.

How to store a generator: Useful tips

Depending on how long you plan on storing your generator without using it, there can be a variety of factors that determine how you should go about storing and getting your generator ready to be put away. Let’s take a look at some of the short and long-term storage options you have when putting away your generator.

Short-term storage

If you are only storing your generator for a few days, then you have a much easier time storing your generator than a longer-term solution. Short term storage that only lasts up to around ten days really only requires that you keep the generator in a safe and secure location away from the elements.

Long-term storage

Unlike the short-term solution, long-term storage of a generator can become a little trickier. The most important factor when it comes to the effective operation of any generator is how long the fuel has been in the tank. The longer that fuel has been resting in a generators tank then the more likely it is to have trouble and clog. For any long-term storage, you should either empty out all of the fuel from the generator or use special fuel treatment, so it doesn’t corrode.

How to build a portable generator storage

No matter how long you are planning to store your generator, it is always a smart idea to have some storage in place. Many people often wonder how to build portable generator storage, so we will look at some advice to help you understand how to protect your generator.

Many people recommend that you use a storage shed or small storage unit to store your generator safely. We advise not building a wooden shed or container as those tend to let in moisture and damage the unit. You can also try to store the generator in your garage if you live in a reasonable climate or but a generator cover to keep it safe from the elements.

Can I run a generator in a storage unit?

In most cases, running a generator inside of a storage unit is not advised. Running any type of gas-powered device that produces emissions should not be used inside as the fumes can cause you and the property to face damages. Depending on the size of the storage unit, you may be able to use the generator inside of it if all the possible openings are open, and there is plenty of circulating air. You want to give your generator as much breathing room as possible so ideally you will want to be using it outside in most situations.

How to remove a portable generator from storage

Generator Storage: What You Should Know About Storing Your Generator Properly

If you are needing to use your portable generator after having it in storage, then getting it ready to use again is a fairly simple process. If you have only had your generator in storage for a few days, then you should be able to just take it out of its storage location and fire it up without much hassle. Most generators are fairly easy to move around too so you shouldn’t have to worry about it being too hard to get in and out of storage. If you have had your generator in storage for a longer duration of time, then there are some additional steps you will want to take to ensure that it is all in working order. First, make sure that the gasoline in it has been properly treated and that all of the fittings and gaskets are in working order. The last thing you want to happen is to need your generator to work and have it fail on you because of bad gas. If you haven’t stored it with gas, then you can just fill up the tank and inspect all of the parts before firing it up.

In conclusion

With generators being so crucial in emergency situations, it is so important to try and keep them protected from the elements at all costs. Knowing the right way to store a generator is the difference between an easy startup procedure and a cold night without any power. Additionally, we also discussed the importance of proper ways to ensure effective generator storage. With all of the tips and recommendations given, we hope that you are able to understand your generator’s need and best working conditions so that it is ready for action at a moment’s notice.

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