An emergency generator is no good to you if it doesn’t work, and regular maintenance is the best way to make sure it’s ready when a power failure happens. No matter the size or type of generator you have at your home or business, maintenance and repairs can be expensive. You can cut costs and get better performance when you take this advice.
Stay on Schedule
How often your generator needs maintenance depends on the type and size, but every generator should be professionally serviced at least once a year. If your model has a fuel tank instead of a natural gas supply line, you need to test and replace or top off fuel every few months. Additionally, generators often need oil and filter changes just like cars. Consider setting up a phone or email reminder to check and service your generator regularly.
Start It Up Frequently
Portable and whole-house generators need to be tested at least every three months to make sure they start. Generators with battery-powered starters must be started to maintain the battery. Once you turn on the unit, let it run for several minutes to make sure it’s working at full capacity. Be sure to add fuel to replace any lost in testing so that you have a full supply if you experience a long-term power outage, which could cause gasoline and other fuels to be in short supply.
Repair Small Problems
Fix small problems before they become big ones that cause your unit to fail with well-timed generator repair service. If you hear a new or unusual sound when testing your unit, notice damage or corrosion or find that it’s slow or difficult to start, it’s time for generator repair to prevent failure. Some generator brands are temperamental, but anything out of the ordinary is a sign that you need to call for repair.
Consider a New Enclosure
If you have a permanently installed generator, its enclosure is designed to protect it from the elements, component theft and vandalism, but the enclosure often fails long before the end of the generator’s lifespan. Consider enclosure replacement if yours is rusty, bent up from vehicles, or lawn mower collisions, or separating because of fastener failure. Generators are expensive and deserve to be protected.
You can save on generator maintenance by staying on top of problems and correcting them before they cause system failure that leads to replacement. Check, maintain, fix, and protect your generator for years of trouble-free peace of mind.
