Surprising Ways to Extend the Lifespan of Your Generator and Avoid Repairs
Your home’s generator is an important piece of equipment. It keeps you comfortable and your household running smoothly during a power outage. You need it to last as long as possible without costly repairs. Here are a few simple tasks you can perform to keep your generator functioning perfectly for longer.
Check and Change the Oil Frequently
Oil keeps the moving parts of your generator’s motor lubricated and running smoothly. Without it, friction can cause parts to chip, wear down, or overheat. Unfortunately, the oil will become dirty as it cycles through your generator. The dirt and dust it collects will cause it to thicken, which keeps it from doing its job properly.
Regularly check your generator’s oil to see if it needs to be changed. Generators typically have a dipstick that allows you to check the oil level and see how dirty the oil is. Keeping an eye on it allows you to avoid issues that could result in costly repairs.
Inspect the Battery
Routine battery inspections are easy to do. Take a look at the battery to see if there’s corrosion near the contacts. Corrosion can make a battery useless and may damage the generator if not caught in time. If you see corrosion, call your generator service provider to have the battery changed.
Run Your Generator Once a Month
If your generator isn’t being used, the battery will lose its charge and the engine will lose its lubrication. Start your generator at least once a month, and let it run for at least 30 minutes. Keep an eye on it during this time. Stay alert for strange sounds, unusual odors, and shaking. Any of these indicates that something is wrong.
Use High-Quality Fuel
Use only high-quality fuel in your generator. Stabilized fuel can help extend the life of the generator’s components. It may cost more, but it’s worth it to avoid wear and tear.
Schedule routine maintenance to have the fuel lines and mechanism inspected. Your service provider will also check the fuel filters, which get dirty over time.
Keep Your Generator Covered
The outdoor elements are a threat to your generator, especially if you live where there’s a lot of snow and sleet. The best way to avoid these threats is to cover your generator when it’s not in use. You can purchase waterproof and weather-resistant coverings for this purpose.
If you treat your generator well and keep up on maintenance, it can be ready when you need it for years to come. Contact Henninger Electric for professional generator service in Cedar Falls, IA.
