As we head into November, hurricane season will be winding down. Not only can we breathe a sigh that the big storms are likely gone for another season, but most rain and thunderstorms are done until the spring season. Now is actually the perfect time to consider looking into generator maintenance, especially if you did not need to fire up your unit over the last year.
Are you sure your home generator is ready to go if you lose power during a weather event? The worst possible time to learn that your generator is malfunctioning is when you need it. So using the dry winter season to perform maintenance is a smart move for any Florida homeowner. Not only are you less likely to need it during this time, but local electricians and generator mechanics will be less busy.
We’ve gathered a few maintenance tips to ensure that you and your family have the power you need when the time comes.
Backup or Standby Generator Maintenance
A generator which is installed at your home is known as a backup or standby generator. These units provide a secondary source of electricity to your home when your primary source of power has been cut off. Generators do not create energy, they convert chemical or mechanical energy into electricity for residential or commercial use. Once the generator establishes the electrical current, it directs the current through copper wires to deliver electricity to those devices and appliances you have prioritized – or if the unit is robust enough, to the whole home.
To make sure your home is protected from a power outage, you should do what is necessary to properly maintain your generator unit.
- Clear the area around the generator, keeping it free of any leaves, branches, or other debris which may have accumulated. These items can get into the machinery and clog it, hindering proper operation.
- Check the oil level monthly, and top off the oil level if necessary. Be sure to verify the oil which is required for your specific type of unit. You don’t want to run out of oil when you most need your generator.
- Keep a surplus of air filters, oil filters, and oil. If you need to run your generator for a long period of time after a hurricane or major power outage, you’ll need to refill the generator. Leading up to or after a major event, it is nearly impossible to find these items. Therefore it is necessary to keep stock on hand.
- If your generator does not have a self-test feature, test it out once a month. Simply run the generator for 15 minutes to make sure it is operational, keep the machinery lubricated and functioning, and clean out the fuel lines. Leaving a generator to sit for years without testing or running the unit leaves you rolling the dice if you ever really need the power.
- Call on your local Sarasota electrician and generator experts for general maintenance and tune-ups before the start of next hurricane season. Keep in mind that once the harsh weather begins in April or May, they will be very busy. Schedule time over the winter for easier maintenance.
Promise Electric are master electricians and your local Generac dealer; making them the perfect company to call for the service of your generator. If you are looking to purchase a home generator (or a portable generator) call us as well – we will help you to properly size your power requirements and purchase the correct generator for your needs.
