How many days can a standby generator run continuously?

• <div><p>The <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-long-can-whole-house-generator-run-continuously.htm">amount of time a standby generator can run continuously</a> is around <b>3,000 hours</b> on average. However, standby generators can generally run indefinitely as long as they have a continuous fuel supply. Generators hooked up to a home’s natural gas supply are the best option for extended usage, as these won’t rely on a finite fuel supply based on how much you have in storage. Generators running on liquid propane or diesel won’t last as long, as these require fuel storage and regular refueling to stay running.</p></div>

What types of fuel do generators take?

• <div><p>Generators run on a variety of fuel types, ranging from natural gas to solar power. Keep in mind that fuel costs varying by type:</p><ul><li><p>Natural gas: $2,000–$21,000 per year </p></li><li><p>Liquid propane: $2,000–$21,000 per year</p></li><li><p>Diesel: $3,000–$20,000 per year</p></li><li><p>Gasoline: $500–$3,000 per year</p></li><li><p>Solar generator: $2,000–$25,000 per unit</p></li><li><p>Battery backup: $10,000–$25,000 per unit</p></li></ul><p></p></div>

Get matched with top generator install pros in Oswego, KS

Q: Do you need a permit to install a whole-house generator?

• <div><p>In many cases, you&rsquo;ll need a permit or basic inspection to install one of these large generators. Since they include significant alterations to your home electrical system and many produce exhaust fumes, local governments often require jumping through a few hoops for general safety purposes. Your installer may be able to help you with these permits.</p></div>

Q: What happens if my whole-house generator is too small for my AC?

• <div><p>An undersized whole-house generator has the potential to overheat and shut down when you try to run a central AC system. This scenario can not only damage the whole-house generator, but can also trip your home&rsquo;s breakers or cause electrical damage. To avoid this situation, hire a local generator installer to correctly size your whole-house generator.</p></div>

Q: What’s the normal lifespan of a diesel generator?

• <div><p>You can expect a diesel generator to last for up to <b>30,000 hours of use</b>, which works out to 20 to 25 years with the proper maintenance, of course. That depends on how much you use it, so a diesel generator used for emergencies a couple of times a year will last a lot longer than a generator that takes over for a faulty electrical grid every month for a day or two. </p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Generator Install pros in Oswego, KS

*The Angi rating for Generator Install companies in Oswego, KS is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Generator Install needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Generator Install companies in Oswego, KS is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Generator Install needs.

Last update on November 16, 2025

Reviewed in August 2024
We had a wonderful experience with The Besette Boys. They installed new kitchen island Cabinets, countertop, and sink for us. Their work is top notch. Our island looks beautiful and works for us way past any expectations we had. They are highly professional and do excellent work. So much so, we...
Besette Boys Plumbing & More, LLC
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Reviewed in January 2024
Mike installed ceiling tiles in our kitchen and bathroom. He also completed a list of odds and ends jobs that needed done in the house. I was so impressed with his communication before, during, and after the work as well as his professionalism. I have another project in the work and have...
MLP Home Services
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Reviewed in January 2024
FRAUDS! RUN FROM THIS COMPANY! They stole money from us. They did a shotty job. Installed wrong flooring. The flooring they installed was rotted, wet moldy left in a wet wood warehouse. It was red oak should have been white oak. Get invoices they will overcharge you for extra items to use in...
Kansas City Remodel & Handyman Allen, LLC
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Reviewed in August 2022
The work was all awesome. The installers was very perfestionable and clean.
Continental Siding Supply, Inc.
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Reviewed in February 2017
Steve and Susan were awesome. Listened to my concerns, gave advice and installed the system in an emergency, the day after Christmas. Showed up on time, worked through all the issues and completed it the same day. Wonderful people, honest and reliable.
Steve Jones Air Conditioning
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Reviewed in May 2014
Thought the wait of several weeks was too long and then they could only tell me they would be there sometime that week. From outward appearances, the work looks good, nothing leaks. The person doing the work was nice, explained things when I asked, and he cleaned up nicely. My biggest...
Larry L. Vaught Roofing Inc
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Reviewed in March 2011
The installation seemed to go well except that within a day and a half the system shut down. This happened at midnight and we called the after hours number 3 different times and no one ever called back or came to repair the service until the office opened in the morning. They apologized that...
Polar Aire Heating & Cooling
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Find Generator install pros in Oswego

Donohue's Lightning Rods

4.89(

)

•Approved Pro

Donohue's Lightning Rods

4.89(

)

•Approved Pro

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 96% of Angi customers

102 local quotes requested

The modern suburban and small town home of today has become an ideal lightning target. The home owner would do well to recognize lightning for the destructive force that it is and protect against this major life and fire hazard. Donohue's Lightning Rods is based in Missouri, near the factory where most of the residential and commercial lightning rod supplies are manufactured. Jim travels regularly to Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Missouri, Kansas, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, and New York. Call today to find out when Jim will be in your area. For installations outside Missouri, Kansas, or Texas, Jim waits until there are a few customers lined up, thus being able to provide the same quality services at affordable prices. **WE DO NOT DO ELECTRICAL SERVICES.** (ONLY LIGHTNING RODS)

"The job was beautifully and professionally done. I have a zero scape yard and the gentleman was concerned about disturbing the gravel when putting the rod into the ground. WOW!!!!"

Debra D on June 2025

"The job was beautifully and professionally done. I have a zero scape yard and the gentleman was concerned about disturbing the gravel when putting the rod into the ground. WOW!!!!"

Debra D on June 2025

Tri-State Water, Power & Air

No reviews yet

Tri-State Water, Power & Air

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33 years of experience

Tri-State Water, Power & Air has been provided products designed to improve the comfort and quality of life of our customers since 1992. Our specialties include Automatic Home Standby Generators, Residential Water Treatment Equipment, Plumbing and Water Heater installation and service, Safe Rooms, Solar and Battery Power. We expect customer service excellence and aim to go above and beyond on every call. With 9 locations across 8 states, Tri-State is always ready to serve you.

SpectraSource Inc

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SpectraSource Inc

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Contact us at (913) 802-4501 in Atchison, KS, and ask about our workplace communication solutions that incorporate high-end sound generators.

Alltech Electrical Service

5.00(

)

Alltech Electrical Service

5.00(

)

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

We are a technical contractor providing instrumentation services, relief valve service and repair, ground penatrating radar, thermal imaging as well as electrical work of all kinds.

My Classic Car Trader LLC

2.00(

)

My Classic Car Trader LLC

2.00(

)

53 years of experience

Sales, Service & Rebuilding of Antique and Classic Car Components such as, Carburetors, Starters, Generators, Fuel Pumps, Double & Single Action Fuel Pump Rebuilding, Water Pumps, Hydraulic Top Pumps, Distributors, and DELCO Knee Action Shocks, We also carry a complete line of NOS and NORS parts. We offer FREE Technical advice for any YEAR Classic Car 609-462-7412

"Beware. They charged me double shipping even after I told them I would wait so I wouldn’t have to pay two shipping fees. The last item was a fuel pump that I had a problem with. I have made 4 calls to ask for help with no return call. Poor"

Frank H on July 2020

"Beware. They charged me double shipping even after I told them I would wait so I wouldn’t have to pay two shipping fees. The last item was a fuel pump that I had a problem with. I have made 4 calls to ask for help with no return call. Poor"

Frank H on July 2020

Generator Install questions, answered by experts

In many cases, you’ll need a permit or basic inspection to install one of these large generators. Since they include significant alterations to your home electrical system and many produce exhaust fumes, local governments often require jumping through a few hoops for general safety purposes. Your installer may be able to help you with these permits.

An undersized whole-house generator has the potential to overheat and shut down when you try to run a central AC system. This scenario can not only damage the whole-house generator, but can also trip your home’s breakers or cause electrical damage. To avoid this situation, hire a local generator installer to correctly size your whole-house generator.

The amount of time a standby generator can run continuously is around 3,000 hours on average. However, standby generators can generally run indefinitely as long as they have a continuous fuel supply. Generators hooked up to a home’s natural gas supply are the best option for extended usage, as these won’t rely on a finite fuel supply based on how much you have in storage. Generators running on liquid propane or diesel won’t last as long, as these require fuel storage and regular refueling to stay running.

Generators run on a variety of fuel types, ranging from natural gas to solar power. Keep in mind that fuel costs varying by type:

Natural gas: $2,000–$21,000 per year
Liquid propane: $2,000–$21,000 per year
Diesel: $3,000–$20,000 per year
Gasoline: $500–$3,000 per year
Solar generator: $2,000–$25,000 per unit
Battery backup: $10,000–$25,000 per unit

You can expect a diesel generator to last for up to 30,000 hours of use, which works out to 20 to 25 years with the proper maintenance, of course. That depends on how much you use it, so a diesel generator used for emergencies a couple of times a year will last a lot longer than a generator that takes over for a faulty electrical grid every month for a day or two.

The Oswego, KS homeowners’ guide to generator installs

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

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