6 Generator Maintenance Tips
Don’t get stuck in the dark this coming storm season…
It’s officially fall on Long Island! This means pumpkin picking or enjoying fall sporting events. However, for the team at NY Electric, it means the perfect time for generator maintenance. You may feel like your generator is in great condition for the upcoming season, but there’s no such thing as being too prepared. When you don’t perform maintenance on your generator, you’re opening yourself up to consequences later on in the season. This includes power outages, damage to lighting or appliances and a higher risk of emitting carbon monoxide from the actual unit. Furthermore, fall is the ideal time to have a full inspection of your generator in order to allow time for repairs. The last thing you want is to lose power at a time where you need it most.
Why should you contact NY Electric?
Want to ensure that you have quality backup power this storm season? The team of dedicated electricians at NY Electric understand the importance of offering you top notch customer service and effective generator maintenance. Even if your generator is the newest on the market, you still need it inspected by a licensed and certified professional. In addition, staying on top of maintenance checks means an extended lifespan for your unit. This will reduce hefty repairs, without ever compromising your home power source.
Our Top 6 Generator Maintenance Tips
In order to avoid costly repairs or replacing an entire unit, consider the following tips from your team at NY Electric
1. Keep it Clean:
There’s more to cleaning a generator that keeping the outside nice and shiny. Generators don’t work their best when they become clogged with dirt or dust build-up inside and around the system. Be sure to continuously check air filters and replace them if necessary. If you’re still unsure of unit performance, contact a professional to do a full system air pressure cleanse.
2. Check the Oil:
This should be checked after every use. For newer generators, the oil should be changed after 20 hours of use, for older systems you can go up to every 100 hours. This is just an estimate; after a thorough inspection, your electrician will be able to determine the appropriate times to change oil.
3. Check for Leaks:
If your unit appears to be leaking it’s possible that it could be overheating and will need the attention of a professional. Coolant and oil leaks should not be attempted by anyone but a licensed professional.
4. Avoid Exterior Damage:
By investing in a generator cover you are ensuring that your unit does not suffer exterior water damage and corrosion. Even the smallest amount of rainfall has the ability to damage a system. Another option is a full enclosure made of steel. This not only protects it from the elements, but also protects your family from risk of electrocution or carbon monoxide exposure.
5. Prevent Motor Burn-Out:
Using heavy duty cords allows your generator to operate under lower voltage. An added bonus: your generator will run much quieter!
6. Test Run:
Every 3 months you should conduct a test run to ensure that your unit is running smoothly and efficiently. This will help to charge the battery, as well as ensure that your generator will not stall due to inactivity.