Routine maintenance is a must if you want to keep your generator in good condition. It’s essential to keep your generator in top working order, especially given that blackouts have been becoming more frequent all over the country.
Here are some spring maintenance tips:
Conduct Load Bank Testing
A comprehensive maintenance routine for your generator should include load bank testing. As the name suggests, the test involves increasing the load on your generator until it almost reaches your load requirements. Load bank testing helps make sure your generator can supply electricity even under load conditions. And, as an added benefit for diesel generators, it also prevents wet stacking, which happens when unburned fuel or excess moisture gathers near the exhaust system. This often causes a thick, dark liquid to drip from the exhausts.
Important note: load bank testing should follow the guidelines specified in the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 110 guidelines. To learn more about the standards for load bank testing, consult your local generator contractor.
Sample the Oil and Coolant
A good rule of thumb would be to do oil and coolant checks at least once every year. Annual oil and coolant checks can help detect contaminants, which are usually a sign the coolant needs to be changed.
Check for Signs of Corrosion
If the fluids in your generator aren’t changed regularly, its radiator might suffer corrosion. And don’t forget to check the fuel filters as well. That’s because dirty fuel filters can also cause corrosion to form.
Look for Animal Nests
During winter, pests and small animals might have built nests in your generator, which isn’t surprising given that they love to nest in small, dark spaces. It’s highly recommended that you inspect the exhaust pipes, connectors and fans of your generator installation. For more maintenance tips, consult your local generator contractor.
Looking for experienced generator contractors near your area?
Jeff Woods Construction, a company with more than two decades of experience, offers whole house generator systems from trusted brands like Generac® and Kohler®. To schedule a free in-home consultation, call us at (931) 787-9107, or fill out this form. We serve homeowners in Kingston as well as the surrounding communities.
