How Regular Generator Maintenance Will Save You Money
Extended power outages due to severe weather events have an annual impact of approximately $150 billion on the U.S. economy. The damages for individual households can be significant, even with home insurance. The best way to protect yourself is with a whole-house generator. It’s also important to maximize that investment through routine maintenance. Backup generators need maintenance at least once a year and more often during periods of high usage. Let’s explore how that maintenance can lower your generator-related costs.
Lower Fuel Consumption
Regular maintenance improves fuel efficiency, thereby reducing your fuel costs. Dirty filters, clogged fuel lines, and worn spark plugs can all cause a generator to work harder and use more fuel. The savings can be significant if your generator burns natural gas, which is the most prevalent fuel for generators. They can be even more dramatic if you use liquid propane or fuel oil, which cost more and tend to experience greater price volatility.
Longer Generator Life Span
Multipoint inspections, comprehensive cleanings, and oil changes result in less wear and tear. If left unaddressed, normal wear and tear will build up over time and shorten a generator’s life span. Consider that the average generator life span is about 15 years. With routine maintenance, a generator can last 25 years or more. Even an extra five years can make a substantial difference in your total cost of ownership.
Valid Warranty Coverage
Many generator owners are surprised to learn that their warranties require ongoing maintenance as a condition of continued coverage. The typical industry warranty demands maintenance after a certain number of cycles or operating hours. When technicians complete a generator tune-up, they’ll provide you with documentation of that service. Should you ever need to file a warranty claim, that’s the proof of maintenance you may need. Without it, the manufacturer can deny the claim on that basis alone.
Prevent Expensive Generator Breakdowns
Major generator repairs can cost between $600 and $2,000. Regular maintenance will generally prevent such expensive repairs from occurring. If they do happen, you’ll likely be protected by your warranty. Some expensive repairs that can occur if you don’t schedule regular maintenance include replacing the carburetor, voltage regulator, and fuel injector system.
Preventative Repairs
Some wear and tear is unavoidable, and certain parts will fail over time. Those parts include fuel filters, spark plugs, ball bearings, and belts. However, with regular tune-ups, you’ll have the opportunity to replace those parts proactively rather than waiting for them to fail.
Avoid Unexpected Downtime
When a backup generator breaks down, households often incur costs beyond the repair itself. Those costs can include expenses related to portable generators, temporary housing, food, travel, and so forth.
To schedule generator maintenance services in Cedar Falls, IA, call Henninger Electric, or book your appointment online.
