1994 Generac 5000w bare bones generator.
If there is a power outage that requires generator power, we run it for 3 hours in the morning and 4 at night.
That keeps the freezer and fridge mostly cold, allows us to recharge our well-pressure tank, make coffee, eat, catch the news, etc.
We haven't had an outage that was long enough to require generator power in 3 years.
So,,, Hadn't started the generator in 3 years.
Every year, I siphon out the fuel and replace it with fresh, stabilized fuel.
Today, I fired up the generator. Started on the 2nd pull.
Ran like a top. Connected a 1500w load for a minute or two.
Turn off the fuel, slowly advance the choke as it tries to die,
Then place it on the compression stroke and close the choke for storage.
Changed the oil.
Probably won't run it for a couple of more years unless actually needed.
We had a 7 hour outage the other night.
Liz and I lit a candle and played cards.
No generator needed.
If the power was still out in the am, we would have began out outage routine.
THE LAST thing I would ever want is a generator that fires up at every little power blip.
We run the generator ONLY when absolutely necessary.
The whole "exercise the generator" thing makes absolutly no sense to me.
