Generator Maintenance Tips
September 22, 2020
Perhaps you have already prepared your home for an eventual Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) by purchasing and installing a backup generator, or maybe you are in the process of researching your backup power options. Whatever the case, knowing what it takes to keep your backup generator ready and in peak form is essential for those looking to keep the lights on when the power goes out.
As a licensed Generac technician and an installer of solar battery backup systems, Brower Mechanical understands what Placer County and the Sierra Foothills homeowners need when it comes to generator maintenance—so here is what you need to know.
Why Does a Generator Need Maintenance?
After your home standby generator installation is complete, it can be easy to slip into “set it and forget it” mode. After all, you shouldn’t need your backup generator every day (fingers crossed...), so maintenance often falls by the wayside. However, without proper maintenance your generator may develop issues that will prevent it from providing the emergency energy you need, like:
Fuel leaks
Low coolant levels
Water damage or contamination
Air in the fuel lines
Overheating
Issues with the switchgear
Most backup generators have an automatic cycle that ensures the most basic maintenance is upheld, but in order to avoid the issues listed above (and extend the life of your home generator), there are a few things you can do yourself. However, we recommend scheduling professional generator maintenance or service at least once a year, especially before the peak wildfire season here in California.
Things You Can Do Yourself:
There are a few tasks you can put on your list to keep your home generator from incurring damage:
Ensure your generator is in “auto” mode
Clear any debris from the top or sides, keeping at least a 12” obstruction-free zone
Make sure any battery terminals are tightened and clean
Outside of these easy DIY tasks, scheduling yearly generator maintenance with a certified expert is the most important maintenance task you can perform for your backup standby generator.
How Professional Generator Maintenance Works
Your first professional generator maintenance call should be scheduled after the first 25 hours of operation for your generator. Professional backup generator maintenance is similar to a checkup for your vehicle, and includes:
An oil change and air filter change
Coolant checks
Lubrication
Air system check
Starting system check
After your first maintenance call, we recommend scheduling maintenance at least once a year, and even more often if you rely on your generator frequently.
Whole House and Generac Generator Service in Sacramento
When it comes to using backup generators here in Sacramento, you need an ally to help keep your generator ready for the next power emergency. We are Greater Sacramento’s trusted experts when it comes to Generac generator repair, whole house generator maintenance, and even standby generator installation. If you have been wondering if a home generator is worth it, call the experts at Brower to see how an emergency power system can provide peace of mind as we enter peak blackout season here in California.
