Losing power at home often means chaos and discomfort. Whether a power outage strikes due to severe weather, vehicle accidents, or an overburdened electrical grid, it can leave you and your family disconnected from your daily schedules. Having a home generator is a wise investment for keeping backup power ready to go, but don’t neglect its general maintenance. Home generators need to be functioning on all gears to continue providing reliability, efficiency, and safety. Here’s what you need to know.

Oil and Filter

You monitor the oil level in your vehicle, and you should do the same thing for a home generator. Electrical experts recommend checking the oil level before each use. At the very least, the level should be checked once monthly.

Change your generator’s oil after every 50-100 hours of operation (check the manufacturer’s recommendations). Also, replace the oil filter during every oil change. Inspect and clean the appliance’s air filter for proper airflow.

Battery Voltage

Your generator battery’s voltage is crucial and should be tested monthly. Without a strong, healthy battery, your generator will not be able to start immediately during a power outage event. Batteries should generally be replaced every two or three years.

To prevent corrosion, it’s important to clean the battery terminals. You could do this by applying a baking soda and water solution with a damp sponge and gently wiping the battery and terminals, and then rinsing them with water.

Underload Test

Generator installation experts also recommend running an underload test at least once monthly. Start and run the machine for 30 minutes, and test it under load to gauge the generator’s ability to handle power demands. Monitor the appliance for power output fluctuations and any unusual sounds the generator makes.

Fuel Rotation

Proper fuel storage is key. Always check for a fuel leak or contamination before firing up your generator. Fuel should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. To ensure freshness, rotate the fuel every six to 12 months, and use fuel stabilizers to safeguard against degradation.

Winter Maintenance

Your home generator is an incredible machine, but during wintertime, there are a few more things to do. Ensure proper ventilation by clearing snow around the machine. Keep the battery fully charged to prevent freezing, and use cold-weather oil during plummeting temperatures.

Is Your Generator up to the Task?

Stormy weather and wind gusts can be epic during the winter. Reach out today to our team of experts in Charlton & Hill for professional generator and electrical services in Lethbridge, Alberta.