Essential Guide to Generator Maintenance: Expert Tips for Reliable Standby Power
In a world where our day to day depends on the lights staying on and the wifi flowing, power outages aren’t just a minor inconvenience. They can affect what we do and how we work, and in some cases be pretty dangerous. That’s why you made the decision to buy a whole-home standby generator. A wise decision!
Whole home generators allow you to keep your lights on, feed your social media addictions, join important zoom calls, keep medical devices going, and stop you from having to eat everything in your freezer when the power goes out. But you know this already, so let’s dig into what goes into owning and maintaining your generator.
Similar to any other tool or appliance you have in your home – upkeep is extremely important. Let’s compare it to that brand new car you purchased – you wouldn’t spend all that money just to miss every oil change and maintenance check, right?
From checking batteries to changing oil filters, generators require dedicated attention in order to maintain its longevity. We are going to delve into the ins and outs of generator maintenance and provide tips and tricks to maximize performance when the power goes out.
Know Your Generator:
Before discussing the specifics of generator maintenance, it is important to understand your specific unit. Each kind of generator has its own maintenance requirements and becoming familiar with them is necessary in order to keep things powered.
Speak with the electrical contractor or generator dealer that installed your system and find out what sorts of maintenance your specific unit requires. You can also check out the manual they provided to get the most accurate information about the system.
Luckily, all generators from DS Home Services are from GENERAC – the #1 standby generator manufacturer in the country. This means you know you’re working with the highest quality parts and certified technicians you can find.
Being the number 1 generator brand has its perks – there is a TON of resources and information out there, so you know you’ll never be in the dark as to the health of your unit.
Stay Proactive:
Similar to that brand new car, the occasional inspection is necessary for your generator. We suggest examining it at home once a month, paying close attention to the battery, and oil and fuel levels.
Although checking your generator at home allows you to stay on top of most issues, be sure to contact your generator dealer to learn about their maintenance and service contracts. Most of these maintenance agreements include a full yearly checkup where a generator technician will come out and inspect your unit. They will also change out your oil, spark plugs, and anything else that needs replacing.
Typically your generator maintenance contract will run you from $300-$400 a year, but it’s a small price to pay for the peace of mind of knowing your generator is in tip top shape the next time the power goes out. And after any maintenance is completed – make sure you get any relevant documentation. This would include:
- The date the maintenance began and ended.
- What work was done.
- What parts were replaced, if any
- Before and after photos
Oil & Filters:
Regular oil and oil filter changes are a simple yet important task for maximizing your generator’s lifespan. When old oil is sitting in your generator for long periods of time, it has to work a lot harder than it’s designed for. This can cause the pistons and engine to get worn down prematurely. If your oil is left unchanged, it can become a MUCH more costly repair than a simple oil change.
Changing oil filters is important for maintaining oil quality, engine life, fuel efficiency, and more. Every different kind of generator has its own system and steps for changing the oil and filters – so again it’s usually best to leave it to the pros to handle.
Cooling System:
Proper cooling is essential to keep your generator running optimally. These units can create a ton of heat when they run. In order to keep things cool, clean the air vents and radiator by removing dirt or debris. If this is not maintained, the system can overheat causing decreased performance, increased wear and tear on components, and potentially catastrophic engine damage. Also be sure to check that the coolant mixture you use is compatible with your generator. For example any of the GENERAC units we install only take Peak Fleet-Charge 50/50 ethylene glycol type coolant.
Typical Maintenance Issues:
Just like your new car, different brands of generators are susceptible to different maintenance issues. The most common maintenance issue for GENERAC generators is battery failure. Usually if there is a battery issue it probably happened over the summer as the weather changed, but you won’t know about it until the generator tries to kick on in the winter.
It is extremely important to stay on top of your inspections, as a dead battery means no power. It is standard to change your generator’s battery every three years if the rest of your maintenance is up to date.
Location
Choosing the right location for your generator is crucial for ensuring its safety, efficiency, and proper operation. Generators should always be placed outdoors in an open area away from fences, decks, enclosed areas or any other obstructions. Carbon monoxide poisoning is a risk with any gasoline fuel system, and correct placement is a way to minimize any danger. Even outside, we suggest placing the generator at least 5 feet away from any buildings, windows, or entry ways to eliminate any potential gas entering your residence.
Wrapping it Up:
A well-maintained generator is the backbone of a comfortable and efficient home, providing peace of mind and reliability during power outages. By following these maintenance tips and staying proactive, you can ensure that your generator remains dependable and is ready whenever you need it most. Take the time to care for your generator like you would a vehicle, and it will be sure to kick on and perform well when you need it most.
