When the power goes out, you want to be sure the electricity being supplied to your home continues functioning. An automatic home backup generator guarantees that the power will only truly be out for a few seconds before he generator kicks on and your appliances are functioning normally again. Ideally, you will then be covered until your home is back on the grid. Then your automatic generator will shut itself off and barely any changes will be felt. In a perfect world, this would happen every single time you lose power while hooked up to an automatic backup generator.
This can happen, but in order to guarantee that it does you will need to maintain the generator while its not in use, keeping a close eye on a few different factors. Many contractors offer maintenance checkups, but there are a few things you can do to ensure a properly operating automatic generator all by yourself.
Here are ten maintenance tips for your automatic home backup generator:
1. Check Your Generator’s Placement
Despite most likely being in an enclosure, with increased and constant exposure to certain elements your generator may get worn down. Make sure your generator is not in the direct line of affect from sprinklers, downspouts, or any trickling water from your roof. The generator should be able to withstand the elements during a storm, but constant exposure of seeping water over days and months will begin to wear it down.
2. Keep an Eye on Your Engine Oil
Just like an automotive vehicle, or anything with an engine for that matter, your automatic generator requires a sufficient level of engine oil to function. Go out at least once a month and check the oil levels within your automatic generator and add/replace as needed.
3. A Clean Enclosure is a Happy Enclosure
Make sure all materials that aren’t related to the generator itself are removed from in and around your automatic generator’s enclosure. Sticks, yard game toys, rocks, and various outdoor paraphernalia can damage your generator if rumbling around in the enclosure or blown into the enclosure.
4. Give It Some Space
Generac, a leading automatic generator provider, insists your generator should have proper clearance of 18” from the back and 36” on each side. This means clearance from any yard ornaments, landscape aesthetic, outdoor tables and chairs, and any other materials. In an event of harsh or dangerous winds, these objects can be unexpectedly hurled at your generator. The enclosure should give it decent protection, but maintaining those clearance distances will ensure that mother nature doesn’t throw any unexpected surprises your way.
5. Monitor the Control Panel
The control panel fuse controls whether your automatic generator receives power itself. While it does stay pretty secure, random elemental factors can cause the panel to open. In that scenario, debris or water could then enter the panel and cause damage to your entire generator, or even worse render it totally unusable. Every few weeks go out and ensure that the control panel is securely shut and not at risk of swinging open suddenly or randomly.
6. Inspect the Fuel System
Make sure your fuel system is clear of debris and any signs of corroding. A system that has been vulnerable to unfavorable climate and conditions, along with being improperly installed, can corrode, leak fuel, and pose a potential fire hazard for you house. This sort of disaster requires the perfect storm to occur, but its better to be on top of the situation and verify that the fuel system is operating normally and not corroding.
7. Replace the Air Filter If Needed
The air filter within your automatic backup generator is just as important as one in a vehicle. As air flows through the generator, the filter catches the pollen, dust and debris to prevent it from contaminating the engine itself. If the filter becomes clogged, air will not be able to enter the engine and can cause long-term damage to the generator. Check the air filter routinely and replace it if you start to notice that it looks clogged.
8. Condition of the Mounting Surface
The surface that the generator and containment unit rests on is almost as crucial as the generator itself. Any cracking, instability, or unlevel positioning can result in problems later on. If you notice any of these symptoms on the mounting surface of your generator unit, it may be time to consider moving it to a new location or calling in an expert to make some repairs to the area.
9. Evidence of Water Excess
Look around and in the containment unit of the generator to ensure that there are no signs of water damage/ in-take. Typical signs of excess water include erosion around the unit, water markings on the enclosure, or stagnant water within, on top, or around the enclosure.
For help selecting and installing the backup generator that is right for you, call us today at (978) 464-8334.
Contact Ryan Gath Electric For a Free Installation Estimate
So whether you’re building a new home or looking to add a generator to your emergency kit, there are many considerations in deciding if you are going to move forward with investing in a generator. For a business owner running computer systems or electric tools, a generator is an investment that can help employees get more done. For homeowners, the investment into a generator (whether a permanent standby model or a portable unit) might just pay off by preventing expensive home damage and loss that could result from a power outage.
If are unsure of which generator model is right for your home or business, just give us a call. Ryan Gath Electric specializes in the installation of automatic generators throughout all of eastern Massachusetts as well as southern New Hampshire and southern Maine, providing home and business owners with a safe source of electricity they can rely on when the power goes out. We are factory-authorized Generac installers! We’ll help you through the whole process and get you a unit that fits both your needs and your budget.