Most of a time, a standby generator is a luxury and not a necessity. Like insurance, it’s generally useless, but you’d be in trouble if you don’t have it when you need it. That’s why having it can give you peace of mind. However, your mere possession of it isn’t a guarantee that it will bail you out when your power goes out.
Any trusted generator contractor will tell you that it’s a pain when your equipment fails to run during an emergency, especially in winter. To help ensure that your standby generator will work when you need it, follow these four maintenance practices.
1. Put a Premium on Proper Ventilation
Make sure there’s adequate clearance between your unit and everything else. Running it when its vents are clogged can permanently damage it. Any debris can obstruct the airflow your standby generator needs, so don’t underestimate a pile of leaves or a minor snow buildup.
Moreover, sufficient clearance results in better access for maintenance.
2. Use a Fuel Stabilizer
Time can negatively affect fuel quality. Generator fuel can become stale due to lengthy equipment inactivity. Your unit’s inner workings are likely to malfunction when running on a low-quality energy source. So, use a liquid solution (stabilizer) to keep the fuel in your generator’s tank fresh for up to 12 months.
3. Change Fluids Ahead of Time
Don’t wait until you run out of fuel and/or oil before you replenish your supply. Monitor your fluid levels regularly to carry out fuel and oil changes before a sudden power outage and when the weather is mild.
4. Run Your Equipment
Regular exercise is part of the upkeep of whole house generator systems. Your equipment may not turn on because of the freezing cold, so you must run it for 10 minutes once a week to lubricate its internal components properly.
Standby generator maintenance isn’t always straightforward. Sometimes, a professional needs to conduct certain tests to ensure that your unit runs at its rated capacity.
To make sure that your standby generator can actually provide reliable backup power in your time of need, let Jeff Woods Construction check it. Call (931) 345-2285 to schedule your free in-home consultation in Kingston, TN.
