Do you recall a situation when your generator helped you keep your home up and running during a power outage? Generators are like the workhorses of your home but are sometimes not given the credit and care they deserve. They come in handy during a power failure and ensure your lights are on, the refrigerator is functional, and all necessary gadgets are charged.
But because these machines are not used every day, it is very easy to forget that they have not been maintained and this might make them disappoint when you need them the most. Preventive maintenance not only avoids such failures but also ensures that your generator is properly functioning, which will help you avoid expensive repair bills and fuel costs in the future.
Handy Maintenance Tips For Your Residential Generator
Checking the Oil Levels
Like your car, generators require oil to operate properly. Lack of oil in the generator can make the generator parts wear out faster and lead to overheating. It is recommended that you develop a habit of checking the oil level before and after using the generator. This is a very fast task which can save a lot of harm. If the oil is low then add more of the recommended type of oil. Another important thing that you should not ignore is changing the oil after every 50 to 60 hours of use or as recommended by the manufacturer.
Inspect the Spark Plug
The spark plug is an important component of your generator’s engine since it ignites the fuel. A bad spark plug is one that is dirty or worn out and can result in your generator misfiring or not starting at all. It is recommended that you check the spark plug at least once every 6 months or so and if it appears to be worn out or has a thick layer of carbon on it then it should be replaced. A new spark plug helps your generator to start quickly and also work effectively.
Run the Generator Periodically
It does not matter whether you live in a region that experiences a regular power outage; your generator should be used from time to time. This ensures that the various parts of the engine are well-lubricated and that the carburetor does not get blocked by stale fuel. The best way is to run a generator for approximately 20 to 30 minutes per month. It enables you to verify that everything is functioning properly and, in the process, uncover any problems.
Use Fresh Fuel
Fuel decays with time, so using old fuel will compromise the performance of your generator or even make it fail to start. If you have not used your generator for several months then it is recommended that you take out the stale fuel and put in fresh gasoline. If you will not be using the generator for some time then it is advisable to add a fuel stabilizer to the fuel in order to prevent the fuel from degrading.
Store Your Generator Properly
The manner in which you keep your generator during its idle time may significantly affect its lifespan. It is advisable to store your generator in a dry and cool area since both moisture and heat can damage it. If possible, one should cover it with a protective cover to minimize the formation of dust and debris on it. The battery should be removed before storage and the fuel should be drained or replaced with a fuel stabilizer.
Schedule Professional Maintenance
It is also advisable to get a professional to work on the generator at least once a year apart from the few DIY maintenance. A professional can do a more detailed inspection, examine all the parts, and fix any problems that you possibly overlooked. This can help you preserve your generator for a longer time in its best state.
Expert Generator Maintenance To Keep Your Home Powered
Your residential generator should be well maintained so that you can use it for a long time. If there is any aspect of generator care that you are not sure about or if you need professional assistance, our service experts at Leddy Power Systems are here to assist. We have been helping people in and around LA County, Santa Barbara County, and Ventura County to service their generators for many years. You can call us now or come to our office to find out how we can help you keep your generator always ready to supply power.
