A portable generator is often a great solution for many Sarasota area homeowners. These smaller units have sufficient power to run essential appliances, and do not require permanent installation outside the home. However, like all machines, it is important that portable generator maintenance is not ignored. If you have purchased a generator for use during emergency, here are a few tips to keep it performing as it should.
Be Ready Before the Storm
It is important to point out that you will need to acquire your portable generator before a regional disaster occurs. Although some dealers stock portable units for sale or rental, they are typically claimed very quickly after a major event. If you want to guarantee that you have power after an outage, especially a regional or extended outage, you will need to own your own unit.
The other aspect of portable generators which is important to note is that you will need to have a gas supply available. Gas can also be in short supply when a disaster is imminent. One of the most recent examples of this took place in the days leading up to Hurricane Irma in the fall of 2017. Gas stations were running out of gas rapidly as people tried to get out of the path of the storm. Having gas available to you is a necessity prior to any rush on fuel.
Portable Generator Maintenance
- Keep Oil on Hand: Any small-engine machine will require regular oil changes to stay reliable. A new generator typically needs an oil change after only 30 or 35 hours of use. Therefore in addition to gas, having oil and oil filters on hand will be important.
- Store With an Empty Gas Tank: Once storm season is over, you may decide to put your generator away in storage. If so, be sure to drain the fuel from the tank, either by siphon or letting the generator run out of gas. You may wish to ask your local generator dealer for advice as to the best ways to store your portable generator.
- Start up Periodically: If you do not put the generator away in storage, you will want to run it for a 5 minutes or so, once per month. This will make sure that the fluids aren’t stagnating, and that the unit is operating as expected. With our unpredictable weather, keeping your portable generatgor well-maintained and ready to go is a prudent plan.
- Change out Spark Plugs: Your spark plugs and air filters should be changed approximately every 200 hours. Your generator needs clean air flow and ignition, or it wont work properly and you could do damage to the engine. Ensuring that these two components are maintained will help to extend the life of your generator.
- Check out a Maintenance Plan: You can always contact an authorized dealer for help with portable generator maintenance and repair. Promise Electric can not only sell you a portable generator, but will help you to keep it in top condition.
Before the next major storm makes its way across Florida, prepare your home and family with a generator from Promise Electric. Whether you would like a standby generator installed on your property to run your whole house, or a portable generator to help you run some basic necessities – we are the call to make. Our expert team will help you to choose the right generator model for your family’s needs and lifestyle. Don’t get caught without power. Call us today.
