Generator Maintenance Ensures Power When You Need It
A generator can act as a valuable resource during power outages, but only if it has been properly maintained. Without regular maintenance, your generator could struggle to keep up with your demands. Plus, it might not work very efficiently or safely.
Issues With Reliability
Since power outages can occur at any time, it’s important to have a generator that’s able to jump into action regardless of the circumstances. Loose connections, leaks, and damaged components can all impact a generator’s performance. During a maintenance appointment, an electrician can identify any areas of concern and address them before they become major problems. Without the help of an electrician, you might not be aware of these complications until it’s too late. You might not have power when you need it, and you may be faced with costly repairs.
Lower Efficiency
Like a vehicle’s engine, a generator needs periodic maintenance in order to run efficiently. Its oil can become dirty and thick over time, making it harder to reduce friction and keep the engine cool. Also, debris may start to clog the filter, and regular use could wear down the spark plugs. An electrician can examine all of these components and replace them if necessary. Replacing them can boost efficiency and keep your generator in great shape.
Safety Hazards
Perhaps the biggest risk you’re taking when using an unmaintained generator has to do with your safety. When your system burns fuel to produce power, it emits carbon monoxide, a toxic gas that you cannot smell or see. Under normal circumstances, that carbon monoxide just disperses into the outside air, where it doesn’t pose a health risk. However, if your generator is too close to your home, used indoors, has a leak, or is running inefficiently, too much carbon monoxide could enter your home. This can create an extremely dangerous situation.
Other safety hazards related to poorly maintained generators involve electrical and mechanical concerns. Without the right connections and proper wiring, the power running through the system could create sparks and cause an electrical fire or shock someone. The generator could overheat as well, resulting in a total system failure. Further, any machine with large moving parts can be a hazard. Since the generator vibrates quite a bit when its running, a loose part could get knocked out, injuring someone or damaging your home or vehicle. It could also damage another component inside the unit.
The good news is that you can prevent many problems from occurring by scheduling regular generator maintenance. If you’re located in Cedar Falls, IA, call us at Henninger Electric to set up an appointment for generator maintenance. Once we’re finished with our service, you can have greater peace of mind, knowing that your system will be prepared to work hard on your behalf.
