Extending the Life Span of Your Generator With Preventive Maintenance
People with home generators rely on them to keep their houses powered during outages that last for hours to days or longer. Use these preventative maintenance tips to help your generator work and last as long as possible.
Change the Oil and Filters Regularly
Regularly change the oil and filters in your home generator. If you have a standby generator, change the oil once a year or after every 100 to 200 hours of runtime, whichever comes first. If you have a portable generator, you should change its oil more frequently, specifically after every 50 to 100 hours of runtime. Replace the filter every time you change the oil for both types of generators.
Stick to a Maintenance Schedule
Follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule. Do not exceed the recommended time frame for important maintenance tasks, such as inspections, filter replacements, and oil changes. Keep a record of maintenance to help you stay on schedule with tune-ups.
Use the Right Kind of Fuel in It
Likewise, follow the manufacturer’s guidelines on the type of fuel to use in your home generator. Use fresh fuel and also use stabilizers to prevent engine damage. The right kind of fuel also ensures that your generator runs and does not experience performance issues.
Keep the Battery in Good Condition
Remember to test the battery in your home generator at least once a month. Some home generators perform their automatic self-tests every week. However, even if yours does run its self-test, you should check the battery in your home generator manually at least once a month.
Store Your Generator Safely
Part of maintaining your home generator involves storing it safely and securely. Keep it in an outdoor storage building, such as a shed or a detached garage. Ensure that this building is well-ventilated and dry to prevent damage to the generator. Do not store the generator in your basement or any other room. Generators produce carbon monoxide, which could become trapped inside your home and put your family’s safety at risk.
Run It Regularly
Ideally, you should run it for at least 15 to 30 minutes every three to four weeks.
Periodically Load Test Your Generator
Periodically load test your generator to ensure it operates normally. Depending on the type of generator you have, it may be best to perform this test annually. For this test, connect a load bank or an appliance to the generator and then gradually increase the load. Monitor its temperature, voltage, and frequency, and allow it to run for 30 to 60 minutes. Look for signs of overheating, power output fluctuations, and unusual noises.
These preventative maintenance tips help your generator in Cedar Falls, IA, work reliably and last longer. Contact Henninger Electric for generator services.
