Here in Massachusetts, we are getting excited for the warmer weather, but spring does come with its bad weather too, such as thunderstorms, high winds, etc… For this reason (along with other various factors) our power is at risk of being cut-off unexpectedly, day or night. Home generators are like having a lifeline, providing energy without disruption when the power goes out.
Backup generators are a wise decision and smart investment for any homeowner, especially those that experience unpredictable weather. But how do you know that your generator will be ready to go when it’s needed most? Without the proper care and maintenance, even the best generators can fail during emergencies.
In this guide, you will find tips for giving the right TLC to your home generator. By providing it with regular upkeep, you can ensure it will function properly and reliably. Learn the top tips to guarantee performance and longevity while also discovering how to perform the tasks and why they’re important. For those without the know-how, time, or desire to perform these duties themselves, we will discuss professional options so every homeowner that has a generator can keep the lights on.
The Importance of Generator Maintenance
Reliability: The strong winds, extreme thunderstorms, and frequent rainstorms experienced with the Massachusetts weather increase the risks of power outages during the spring and summer months. A well-maintained generator is important in keeping power uninterrupted during outages caused by storms or any other reason. Upkeep will also prevent breakdowns during critical moments of power loss.
Longevity: Although generators are a significant investment upfront, with regular maintenance you can prevent wear and tear that can cause premature breakdowns and extend the generator’s lifespan, saving money in the long-run. A well-maintained generator can last 10 to 30 years depending on usage and care.
Minimizing Costly Repairs: By performing routine maintenance, homeowners can identify and fix potential problems before they become major problems and expensive breakdowns. Failing to properly maintain a home generator can lead to fuel problems, clogged filters, and complete system failures.
Safety: Neglecting to properly care and maintain a home generator may lead to unrecognized fuel leaks or carbon monoxide buildup posing significant risks to the home and its occupants.
The Big Picture: While safety, minimizing repair costs, longevity, and reliability stand alone as reasons to maintain your generator. Other things like optimal performance, reduced emissions, and warranty coverage are also affected by the proper care and maintenance of the generator. With the below list of practical, home-owner friendly tips, anyone can keep their generator in tip-top shape.
Top 7 Tips for Generator Maintenance: The Why and How
1. Read the Manual
How to Do It: You guessed it! This is the easy one. Reading your generator’s operating manual is one of the easiest ways to educate yourself on how to care for the unit with guidance on proper maintenance and timing.
Why It’s Important: The operating manual provides specific maintenance guidelines, troubleshooting steps, and safety precautions tailored to your model. Understanding this information helps you understand proper operation, recommended service intervals, and the manufacturer’s approved care techniques, helping to prevent costly damage and increase the lifespan of the generator.
2. Perform Regular Visual Inspections
How to Do It: Visually inspect your generator at least once a month by looking for leaks, corrosion, loose wires, and debris buildup around the unit. Make sure that the enclosure is in good condition and there are no signs of rodent damage or fuel leaks.
Why It’s Important: This task is important in detecting potential issues like fuel leaks, corrosion, or loose connections early. These problems can impact the performance of the generator or lead to costly repairs. Regular inspections help to keep the generator in optimal condition, ready to provide reliable backup power when it’s needed.
3. Keep It Clean
How to Do It: At least once a month, your generator should be inspected and cleaned to prevent dust, dirt, leaves, and other debris from accumulating and interfering with its operation. A magnetic dipstick can be used to reach inside the crankcase to clean debris. After major storms, check the unit, making sure the vents and air intake areas are clear for proper airflow and performance.
Why It’s Important: Dust and debris collection in the generator can interfere with energy generation and cause parts to burn out faster. Blocked vents and air intake areas can lead to overheating, reduced efficiency, and even system failure. Blocked airflow can prevent cooling, which may cause the generator to shut down unexpectedly or suffer long-term damage. In the most extreme cases, excessive buildup creates a fire hazard or leads to dangerous exhaust gas buildup.
4. Check and Change Spark Plugs and Air Filters
How to Do It: Check the filter every six months (or as recommended in the manual), tap the dust out or replace it if it’s clogged. Check the spark plugs once a year (or as recommended by manual), remove the spark plugs and inspect for wear like blackened or worn tips. If the spark plugs need replacing, make sure they are the right type.
Why It’s Important: Dirty air filters choke the engine out, reducing the generator’s efficiency. Dirty spark plugs can cause hard starts and misfires, making the generator unreliable in a power crunch. Making sure that the air filters and the spark plugs are both clean will make sure the generator functions like it should when you need it.
5. Check and Change the Oil
How to Do It: Check the oil of the generator with the dipstick to ensure it has the correct amounts of oil. Change the oil every 50 to 200 hours of use (or annually) using the recommended oil type by draining the old oil and refilling with new.
Why It’s Important: Running clean oil in a generator keeps it running smoothly and prevents wear on the engine. This helps ensure the generator functions as it’s supposed to, reducing the risk of damage, and increasing the lifespan of the unit.
6. Performance Monitoring
How to Do It: Run your generator at least once a month for 10 to 15 minutes, following the manual’s start up instructions. While running the performance test, listen for unusual noises like knocking or sputtering, check for excessive smoke, and make sure it starts right up and runs without interruption. Inspect for fluid leaks, monitor voltage output if possible, and confirm that warning lights or error codes are not present.
Why It’s Important: Running the generator for short periods of time on a regular schedule will keep the engine lubricated and prevent the fuel from gumming up where long stretches between outages can let parts seize up in cold, damp conditions. This performance check is also vital for detecting problems early and ensures the unit will work when you need it most.
7. Test and Replace the Battery
How to Do It: Test the battery of your generator, following the manual instructions for your specific unit. Can use a multimeter to do this test. Then replace the battery if needed. If the battery does NOT need to be replaced, while you are there, make sure the battery terminals are clean.
Why It’s Important: A dead battery means that there will be no startup during an outage.
For Homeowners Who Prefer Professional Maintenance
Why not DIY? While some people have the know-how and time to maintain their own generator, many lack the time, expertise, or comfort to perform mechanical tasks on their generator. No matter the reason, hiring generator installation experts in Southborough for your generator maintenance needs offers a worry-free approach to generator upkeep.
Services Provided: Most companies that perform generator installation will also provide other services for your home generator. Many generator installers will also offer oil changes, inspections, tune ups, and some may even have maintenance programs.
4 Benefits of Professional Care:
1. Professional electrical contractors have trained technicians that can spot issues that others may not see.
2. Scheduling visits with a professional is convenient and saves you the hassle of having to perform the maintenance on your own.
3. Professional service often aligns with the manufacturer warranty requirements, helping to preserve your coverage for the entire duration of the warranty.
4. Having the pros take care of your home generator gives you the peace of mind that your generator will be ready for use whenever it’s needed, day or night.
Using the practical tips above, keep your generator ready for the next Massachusetts storm, bringing its frequent rainfall, scattered thunderstorms, and power-zapping winds. No cold nights required. With TLC tips like running your generator regularly, keeping it clean, swapping oil and filters, or handing it off to Southborough’s pros, you’ve got the playbook to guarantee performance and stretch its lifespan for years to come. Whether you’re a hands-on homeowner or prefer the peace of mind that professionals deliver, a little care now means your generator won’t let you down when the grid does. So, take a moment to give your generator some love today because a warm, powered home is worth every bit of effort!