Too often, we are guilty of buying a fancy gadget and not worrying about its maintenance until the first problem occurs. Although a standby generator may seem like a simple machine that runs on sources of mechanical energy – it really isn’t. In fact, it’s a clever complex piece of equipment that needs as much care as your regular car would need. If you need help with your generator installation, the internet is a great place to look up some expert tips and tutorials. Alternatively, a professional may be hired to help get you set up.
Like a car, a standby generator has a list of parts, wiring and other materials that are critical in its seamless functioning. This is the primary reason why it is important to regularly run checks on your generator to ensure it will be available at the time of need. If you find that your generator is not working properly, you can check your area for a local repairman. Consider doing an internet search, such as Generator Repair Milwaukee.
Reasons To Maintain Your Generator
A poorly or never maintained generator is as much bad news as an unpredictable loss itself. Here are a few reasons as a generator owner to ensure regular maintenance:
Parts, parts and the bigger picture: Like any equipment, generators also have plenty of parts that require regular checks. Each part within the generator adds up to make the generator work. Comprehensive maintenance of your residential generator plan should include checking of oil, oil filter, spark plugs, adjust and tighten any valves, check gas pressure, clear air filters, cross-check voltage, hertz, RPM outputs, perform a transfer test, last but not the least, the battery itself. Just like you would take your car for maintenance or call a professional to service your air conditioner, a standby generator requires a complete check-up at frequent intervals.
Maintain to remain: A standby generator is definitely a long term buy. Whether it is a short term outage or a power cut off that extends for a month- a standby generator should be available to run until normal power returns. A well-maintained generator can run from 10,000 hours to 30,000 hours. 10,000 hours translates to about 20 years of usage! Not only do you have a buy that’s long term but can attend to all your emergency needs.
Be risk smart: Your family and life are more important than anything else. Whilst you cannot mitigate every unforeseen event, investing in maintaining your generator can save you lots of trouble. When you don’t maintain it regularly, you are definitely putting yourself and your loved ones up for the risk. Imagine a blackout during terrible weather such a rainstorm, with no power, therefore no heating? It’s at these times that you need a fully functional generator to provide you with a seamless supply of power to have access to basic necessities like heating, information, and communication. Don’t risk instead, be smart, invest in the maintenance rather.
How to Maintain your Generator?
If yours is an industry like farming, you will understand the importance of having seamless and quality electricity at all times. In fact, In the farming world, Brett Patterson from AbleSales.com.au says that poor electrical quality is a common problem, making a reliable generator a must. Maintenance is the way to ensure your existing generator is a reliable one. While you may feel overwhelmed just looking at your generator equipment with all the wires and protective covering it may have, it’s actually quite straightforward on how to maintain it. Here are a few tips:
Create a comprehensive generator maintenance plan
This is probably the most important and the first thing to do right after you purchase a standby generator. A one-time schedule, it must include a routine maintenance check to ensure all aspects are covered along with timelines. If you decide to hire an outside contractor or a professional to carry out maintenance, it may be worth discussing your plan with them to gather their inputs.
Purchase a warranty
Investing in a warranty is one of the best backup plans you can have. Most generators don’t come cheap, ensure to understand the coverages- whether full or partial.
Invest in a cover
It may be worth investing in a cover or building an enclosure to protect your generator. The slightest bit of rainfall can damage parts that can prove to be costly.
Test your generator every 3 months
Most manufacturers recommend powering up your generator every 3 months for at least 30 minutes to charge the battery. Testing and maintaining your generator frequently improves the performance. The last thing you want is to get is a nasty surprise of your electric starter not working at a moment of need.
Check the outsides
Do a regular check outside of the radiator core and the intercooler of the water tank. There should be absolutely no foreign objects blocking the way.
Check the oil levels
If your generator runs on diesel, it’s important to check the oil level is between maximum and minimum levels of the dipstick scale.
Leaks
Inspect for any leaks from the equipment. If there are, investigate the source and clean up any residue.
Air filter blockage
Check if there is an air filter blockage. If the indicator shows red or is pointing towards the red zone, do not delay to replace the filter. The filter must be replaced after the unit is shut down. Remember not to reuse the air filter that was replaced.
Electrical connections to control systems
The last thing you want is to discover electrical connections to control systems are loose or faulty during an emergency. Run checks to ensure all portals are connected and fully working.
Use soft water
Check the cooling water level in the water tank. If it needs filling, make sure to use pure distilled water or soft water to ensure there is no corrosion.
Buying a generator may be simple. But ensuring it’s long life involves regular and complete maintenance. A standby generator has proven to be extremely useful at times
of need, especially life-altering emergencies that rely on medical equipment. Mitigate the risk of not having power by taking care of your generator. If you are unable to find the time or lack the ability to ensure regular checks, it may be worth hiring a professional to overlook the maintenance for you.
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