Like most people, your emergency generator is just that – for emergencies. But what happens when your backup power source fails to fire up during a hurricane?
It’s frustrating. So, if you want to avoid panicking amid a blackout, keep your emergency backup power source running efficiently with these tips.
- Exercise your generator at least once every few months
You don’t need to wait for a power outage to fire up your generator. A generator is like any other electrical equipment; if not used for a long time, it can malfunction.
So, running your generator every few months will keep the battery charged and fresh, which will save you when you need it.
- Make sure not to leave old gasoline sitting in your generator’s tank
Being an emergency power backup source, you’ll probably need it only a few times every year. And the last mistake you can make is leaving old fuel in your generator’s tank. The old fuel will soon become stale hence clogging your generator engine.
To prevent stale fuel, you can incorporate a fuel stabilizer into your tank or empty the fuel tank. And do not fire up your generator with old gasoline.
- Clean or replace the air filters once in a while
If your generator’s air filters are dirty, ditch them for new ones. Here’s why: dirt wears down the surface of the filters, and if left to accumulate, can be bad news for your generator.
If you choose to clean the filter, take caution not to tear it. But the best option is to replace them; filters are very cheap.
- Stock up on extra fuel
Part of generator maintenance is keeping an ample oil supply so that you’re not caught off guard amidst a storm.
- Keep an eye on the fuel lines
The generator’s fuel lines can easily get clogged or sometimes tear, which means there won’t be enough gas reaching the fuel system, and the generator won’t operate as it should.
So, always check the fuel lines, and replace them more often. Like filters, they are pretty cheap.
These are just the basics. There are more tips you can apply to keep your generator running.
In addition, you can always bring in a trained technician to help with your generator maintenance and catch minor problems before they become a major issue.
Hire Wheeler Generators to Help with Generator Maintenance
We assist our clients in staying on top of the routine care for their unit. We do annual transfer to switch inspection and annual wiring inspections. We are also available 24 hours for emergency services.
If you’re from Lakeland, FL, and the surrounding 50-mile radius, feel free to hit us up.
