Although you can always rely on your backup power to keep you going during a power outage, you must know how to store a generator outside properly if you want to extend its life span.

Given that a generator is one of the most expensive expenditures you will ever make, it’s understandable that you search for credible generator maintenance and storage recommendations. Whether you own a portable generator for your RV excursions or an outdoor standby device, it’s crucial to understand how to store a generator to keep it safe.

Generator Storage for Long-Term or Short-Term

You must get your generator ready for storage if you won’t be using it for a while. The storage method and preparation tips will depend on the duration of your intended storage time.

Some background information about generators can be in our article on the best generators.

1. Long-term Storage

Long-term generator storage will require some planning on your side. For more information on how to properly clean the generator, consult the owner’s manual or instruction book. Prior to being retrieved for long-term storage, each generator model will have specific instructions that must be followed. These steps include:

Step 1: Meticulous Cleaning

A damp cloth needs to be used to completely clean the generator. Before you begin cleaning, disconnect the generator from all power sources. Check the appliance for fuel leaks and clean off any dirt or debris. Don’t forget to clean the small components, such as the carburetor, cooling air slots, muffler, springs, and engine controls.

Step 2: Professional Servicing

To make sure your generator is in good shape and operates at its best when needed in the future, you can also get it professionally serviced. Before you put the generator in storage, the technicians will tune it up and give it a complete cleaning.

Step 3: Fuel

Protecting the fuel within your generator is one of the most important steps in generator storage. You can select one of the two alternatives based on the generator’s fuel level. To prolong the life of the fuel, you can either empty the tank or add a stabilizer. Getting professional assistance may be helpful if you’re unclear how to complete the task alone.

2. Short-term storage

Preparation for your generator’s storage is fairly easy if it will only be needed for several days or weeks.  It will spare you the hassle of completely cleaning it before storage or emptying the gasoline tank. All you need to do is put it in a spot that’s clean, well-ventilated, and cool.

Where to Store Your Generators

The next thing you must consider after preparing your generator for storage is where to keep it. During storage, you’ll want to keep your generator safe and secure. Additionally, it ought to be easily accessible in case of an emergency. Some of the best options for storing generators include:

  • Garage: One of the most common places for people to store their generators is in their garages. A garage provides the generator with the best protection from the outdoors, easy access, and a temperature-monitored environment.
  • Outdoor Shed: An outdoor shed would be an excellent solution for people who don’t want to keep the generator away from their homes. However, wintertime is not the best time to use it because the cold might harm the generator or impair its performance.
  • Generators Enclosure: If you’re looking for anything in the middle between an outdoor shed and a garage, generator closures are a great choice. It enables you to store your generator outside the garage, shields it from dirt, debris, and moisture and has good ventilation as well.

Also, learn how to protect your generator from the rain.

Conclusion

When you get the hang of it, learning how to store a generator outside properly when it’s not in use is rather easy. Since a generator is not always necessary, it is crucial to store it efficiently so that it will be there for you when you need it.  By using the above-discussed suggestions, techniques, and solutions, you may significantly increase the lifespan of your generator while ensuring that it continues to run flawlessly.

FAQs

Below are some of the most common questions that our readers have asked about how to store a generator outside.

1. Can I store my generator inside my house?

The majority of homeowners avoid storing generators inside the home since it is quite dangerous, particularly if the generator contains gasoline. It may seem safe to keep the generator in the basement, but this isn’t always the case. The garage is the location where the generator should be closest to you.  In addition to the risk of fire, generators emit toxic pollutants that give off a strong gas smell. It will give off an unpleasant stench that will remain around the house for a long time. A generator should be avoided in addition to being a health risk, especially if you have children at home.

2. How do I use a fuel stabilizer?

The primary purpose of utilizing a fuel stabilizer is to stop gasoline from separating and it also soaks up water.  It increases the amount of time you can store the generator’s fuel before the engine clogs or corrodes. It serves as an anti-oxidizing solution and keeps the gas tank from rusting. Quality stabilizers can preserve gas in the generator for more than a year, depending on the weather.

3. How long can gasoline be stored in a generator? 

One of the key reasons why it is crucial to understand proper generator storage is because of the fuel it uses. The length of time you can store gasoline safely in each brand and type of generator will be different. To make sure the stored generator is still safe, you must periodically inspect it. You should stop using the generator and seek professional help if you find that the gasoline is separating (ethanol splits and falls to the bottom).

Gum formation, deposits in the gasoline, oxidation indications, and varnishes are other indicators of fuel contamination to watch out for. The longer the tainted fuel is kept in the generator, the more damage it causes.  Usually, fuel can be used in a generator for about a year before becoming contaminated. However, this is not always the case, as sometimes it can happen within a month or so. This is when factors like weather, generator brand, and storage conditions come into play. Utilizing a stabilizer to prevent the fuel tank from corroding is one way to preserve gasoline in the generator for longer.

In this matter, you might be interested in learning about the best dual fuel generators.