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Extending the Life of Your Generator: Essential Maintenance Tips and Tricks
A recent review of major outages across the United States showed that Virginia ranked seventh behind some states like California, Texas, and Louisiana.
Although the high-voltage transmission lines are strong, the distribution system isn't. During power outages in the state, many homes are left in the dark.
Investing in a generator is a great way to stay prepared for any major outage, but owning one isn't always easy. You can't buy one and leave it until you need it in an emergency.
Generator maintenance and repairs are necessary to ensure your system works when you need it to. Preventative maintenance can also extend the life of your generator so that you get the most out of your purchase.
Keep reading to learn more ways to prolong your generator's working life.
Follow the Manufacturer's Guidelines
Generator maintenance is key to prolonging the life of your generator. Maintenance requirements will depend on your machine's type, size, brand, age, and usage.
To ensure you are getting the most out of your investment, follow the manufacturer's guidelines. The manual will list recommendations for how to care for your specific model.
Review the guidelines thoroughly and keep your manual. If you ever need a refresher, you'll have handy instructions to look at.
Schedule Regular Inspections
One of the best generator care tips is to schedule regular inspections. This counts as preventative maintenance that will keep your generator running longer.
A generator company will complete inspections and performance testing. Routinely scheduling inspections at least once a year will help you grasp the condition of your generator.
A generator repair service will identify damaged parts during inspections. This allows you to catch small problems before they become costly errors.
Additionally, regular load bank testing will identify how well the unit works. It prevents carbon buildup that leads to electrical connection problems.
Regular load bank testing and preventative maintenance can prevent wet stacking. Wet stacking refers to unburned fuel that leaks into the exhaust pipes of the generator.
When this occurs, a buildup will happen, shortening the lifespan of your unit. Avoid overworking your generator, and always operate it with the correct fuel amount to mitigate the risk of wet stacking.
Use Quality Fluid and Check Oil Levels
A professional performs a fluid analysis during a regular inspection. The better the fluid quality, the longer your generator will last.
Again, you can check the manufacturer's recommendations to determine which fluid works best for your model. If this isn't an option, a professional will be able to recommend a great brand.
Quality fluid is important to the generator's performance and working life. High-quality fluid avoids overheating, contamination, and reduced power output.
The best fluid can also decrease the unit's wear and tear, preventing extra repair and maintenance.
You can check the oil levels of your generator on your own. Pull out the unit's dipstick to check the oil at least once a month.
Low oil levels indicate you should add more oil to the generator. Clean oil is a good sign. If the oil levels are low and you have dirty oil, the oil needs to be changed completely.
Keep Your Generator in a Good Location
A maintenance schedule means nothing if your generator is in a bad location. Not only can the wrong location prevent proper operation, but it can cause dangerous environments.
As a rule of thumb, keep your model away from doors, vents, windows, and high-traffic areas. Also, always keep the generator away from flammable objects.
Keeping the generator outside is ideal. To ensure it stays in good condition no matter the weather, invest in a hood or jacket. This will help protect the generator from debris, rain, and wind.
If your generator is in a particularly dusty and dirty area, change the air filter more often. Dirty air causes clogged filters, leading to an inefficient and shorter working life.
When the generator is not being used, you can move it indoors. However, following safety protocols is extremely important if you choose this route. You cannot operate the generator inside.
When turned on, generators emit an exhaust that can be life-threatening. Therefore, it is necessary to place your generator in a well-ventilated area outdoors. Proper airflow minimizes your risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Handle Emergency Repairs Right Away
If you notice a problem with your generator, it's important to call a professional repair service immediately. Some of the most common signs you need generator servicing include:
- Problems starting the model
- Odd smells and noises
- Fluid leaks
- Excessive fuel usage
- Visible damage
These are noticeable signs that you need emergency repairs. The longer you wait to fix them, the more you risk.
Repairs are cost-efficient compared to replacing the generator outright. If you leave your generator to sit with problems, the issues are going to get worse.
Run Your Generator Once a Month
Generators are typically used in emergencies, but what happens if there is an emergency and your backup generator isn't working? It is important to start your generator about once a month to prevent the possibility of your generator not working during an emergency.
Like a car, a generator needs to be used to keep the engine lubricated and battery charged. Run the generator for 30 minutes to see if there are any signs of damage.
Check your battery during this time. You'll likely need a new battery if you notice corrosion or signs of damage. Bad corrosion can spread to the entire generator if left unattended.
Let Us Handle Your Generator Maintenance!
Vancelectric LLC is your one-stop shop for your generator maintenance needs. Vance Cowper and his team specialize in different types of generators and are Generac® dealers.
We have 25 years of electrical construction and maintenance experience. Our team is trained infrared thermographers and has licenses in Virginia as master electricians and electrical contractors.
We provide trusted generator repair to keep your power source reliable in an emergency. We can also extend the life of your unit with general maintenance and repairs.
Since 1998, we've helped Virginians with repairs, maintenance, installation, and more!
Call us today for a free estimate.
