HOW TO STORE FUEL SAFELY FOR LONG-TERM GENERATOR USE: BEST PRACTICES FOR HOME AND BUSINESS

If you’re counting on a generator to keep your home or business running during an outage, the real secret isn’t just the machine. It’s the fuel behind it. Long-term, safe fuel storage is what keeps a generator reliable, prevents costly breakdowns, and protects both your property and the environment. Whether you rely on a residential unit, a commercial backup system, or a heavy-duty industrial generator, proper fuel management makes all the difference. Drawing on decades of experience, Paramount Power Systems breaks down the best practices every owner should follow to keep their generator ready when it matters most.

Why Safe Fuel Storage Matters for Generators?

Keeping fuel stored safely isn’t just good practice; it's essential. It’s what guarantees your generator will deliver when everything else goes dark. Poor storage can cause fuel to degrade, clog vital components, corrode lines, and create risky conditions around your property. This applies to every setup, from industrial diesel generators to residential units meant to keep families safe and comfortable during outages. When you follow proper standards and regulations, you reduce fire hazards, protect your equipment, and extend the lifespan of both your fuel and your generator.

Choose the Right Type of Fuel for Your Generator

Every generator has its fuel match, so always start with the manufacturer’s guidelines. Diesel units, often used in industrial environments, perform best with high-quality diesel treated with additives to prevent microbial growth and extend shelf life. Natural gas generators benefit from a steady utility supply, which means no on-site storage at all. Residential users typically rely on gasoline or propane, and both require careful attention to the quality of the container and where it’s stored. Selecting the right fuel sets the foundation for long-term reliability.

Best Practices for Generator’s Fuel Storage

1. Use the right containers

   Stick to certified fuel containers. Red for gasoline, yellow for diesel, blue for kerosene. Anything else invites leaks, corrosion, or unwanted chemical reactions that can damage your equipment.

2. Store fuel in a safe, ventilated spot

   Choose a cool, dry, well-ventilated area, away from ignition sources such as furnaces or water heaters. A detached garage or outdoor shed works well. Avoid basements or other areas inside the house where fumes can accumulate.

3. Label and date everything

   Mark each container with the fuel type and the date you stored it. This makes it easy to track shelf life and rotate your supply. Using the oldest fuel first keeps waste low and avoids issues caused by degraded fuel.

4. Leave room for expansion

   Never fill containers to the brim. Leaving about five percent empty gives the fuel space to expand, helping prevent spills or pressure buildup as temperatures change.

5. Consider fuel stabilizers

   Gasoline and diesel benefit from stabilizers that slow down degradation, reduce moisture, and stop gum or varnish from forming. It’s a simple step that protects your generator and keeps it running smoothly when you need it.

Inspections, Maintenance, and Emergency Preparedness

Routine inspection is vital. Look for leaks, rust, or bulging on storage containers. Replace any that show wear. Schedule regular generator maintenance as well. Paramount Power Systems can check fuel quality during routine checks, recommend accessories, and provide a wide range of high-quality replacement parts if needed. In emergencies or during extended power outages, keep your fuel supply secure and never refuel a running generator to avoid fire hazards.​ Paramount Power Systems also has a vast inventory of high-quality replacement parts. You never have to worry about downtime. 

Contact us today for expert guidance on generators, service, maintenance, and fuel storage solutions tailored for every residential, commercial, or industrial need in Canada.