Generator Maintenance Companies in Grand Rapids MIOnce you have your new generator installed, it's easy to forget about it. After all, you did the all work to research the best generator installation in Grand Rapids, MI, got it installed and now it’s ready to go. But it’s critical to remember that you must develop a preventative maintenance schedule to keep the generator prepared to run efficiently during a power interruption.
A generator upkeep strategy includes performing a set of small, easy-to-perform tasks, such as checking the engine oil and coolant levels monthly, and employing an expert generator maintenance company in Grand Rapids, like us, every 6 to 12 months to carry out a more in-depth evaluation. Taking care of your generator is just as essential as installing it. But if you do it right, maintenance does not have to use up much of your time or money. Below you will discover a guide of how to properly maintain your generator. We may even be able to offer you more information specific to the generator make and model, however, we hope you find this overview valuable. |
|
Affordable Generator Maintenance In Grand Rapids
Many individuals envision setting up a backup generator and leaving it alone until the next power failure. In reality, however, like any internal combustion engine, a standby generator requires a little attention in order to perform correctly. Not only does regular generator upkeep help the engine run more smoothly, it also enables you to spot any prospective problems as they come up. The last thing you want to do is buy a standby generator only for it to stop working when it is most needed. That's why it's so crucial to look after your generator. No matter how silly upkeep may seem to you, an improperly kept engine will not operate correctly. On the other hand, if effectively cared for, a generator might last anywhere from 20 to 30 years, keeping your home safe and comfortable throughout extreme weather and power blackouts.
How to Create a Generator Maintenance Plan
The best method to ensure you give your generator the care it requires is by creating a preventative maintenance strategy. Generator manufacturers and dealerships normally offer a maintenance schedule for each type of generator they offer. Follow it. It's up to you, however, to determine how best to integrate the supplied generator maintenance program into your schedule.
Start by setting up a time each week to run the generator. Whether it’s during breakfast on Saturdays or prior to Sunday night football, make it a part of your routine. Every week, you must examine the air consumption and exhaust systems, as well as the starting system to guarantee that the battery and charger do not have any loose connections or torn wires. In addition to a visual inspection, test your generator under load to make sure everything is running efficiently. If anything seems odd, call us to see if it could be something wrong.
Running your generator every week
You wouldn't purchase a vehicle just to leave it in the garage for months on end without utilizing it. It's the same with a backup generator. A couple of minutes a week is all that’s needed to keep your standby generator ready and to use. We advise running your generator at load (i.e., at full capability, as opposed to running idle) for about 15 to 20 minutes per week. This enables the lubricating oil to heat up to running temperature and cycle within the engine. Both of these are essential to the ongoing health of the generator.
After you run the standby generator, confirm the unit ran and indicated no warnings or alarms. Be sure to confirm that the generator has appropriate fuel levels and there are no fuel leaks. It's also a good idea to ensure your generator is set to "auto" for automatic startup in case of a power blackout. Then, examine to see that the breaker is closed. If all is well, you can rest assured that your generator is healthy and ready to start at a moment’s notice.
Examining the oil and coolant levels
Once a month, you need to take a second to examine the engine oil and the coolant levels. Both of these fluids are important to the performance of any generator. In fact, among the most common reasons a generator stops working is low oil or coolant. Many generators have a low-oil shutdown feature to prevent damage to the engine should the oil run low. Low coolant will lead to a malfunctioning and overheated engine. If your generator appears to be malfunctioning, inspect the oil and coolant levels right away.
Checking the coolant and oil levels is easy. To inspect the coolant level, simply take a look at the level in the catch tank inside the engine. If it is running low, include a little additional coolant. To examine the engine oil level, find the dipstick, which usually has a yellow ring or handle at the top. Remove the dipstick, wipe it clean with a rag, then replace it. When you pull it out again, you'll be able to judge how much oil remains in the generator based on how high the oil sits on the dipstick. Note: you should not inspect the oil right away after running the engine; wait at least 10 minutes after you have shut it off.
Regional Maintenance Tasks
Depending upon where you live, you may need to carry out a couple of additional generator maintenance tasks to ensure your generator is fresh and ready to use. All generators need plenty of air to work effectively. If your generator is in a location with significant plant overgrowth, take time to remove vines, leaves, and other foliage. In the winter, you may need to clear snow away from the generator after a storm. In an enclosed system, you ought to likewise check to ensure no rodents have set up shop. Like leaves and snow, little animals will disrupt the performance of the engine.
Regardless of the environment you live in, you should often perform a visual inspection of your backup generator after a power failure. If necessary, fill up the oil and the coolant. You should also check the air intake and exhaust systems and make sure the battery and charger are functional and have no loose connections or torn wires. Lastly, check that the starter battery is devoid of deterioration and ready to start during the next power blackout.
Maintaining Peace of Mind
If you experience power failures, the advantages of owning a functioning standby generator significantly surpasses that slight annoyance of regular maintenance. Though the list of upkeep jobs may at first appear complicated, do not let this prevent you from acquiring a generator. The comfort that comes from understanding your house will constantly have power deserves the effort. After the very first week or more of maintenance, you'll find it easy and gratifying to run through the quick checklist of jobs. The most crucial thing is to remember to run the generator weekly.
Start by setting up a time each week to run the generator. Whether it’s during breakfast on Saturdays or prior to Sunday night football, make it a part of your routine. Every week, you must examine the air consumption and exhaust systems, as well as the starting system to guarantee that the battery and charger do not have any loose connections or torn wires. In addition to a visual inspection, test your generator under load to make sure everything is running efficiently. If anything seems odd, call us to see if it could be something wrong.
Running your generator every week
You wouldn't purchase a vehicle just to leave it in the garage for months on end without utilizing it. It's the same with a backup generator. A couple of minutes a week is all that’s needed to keep your standby generator ready and to use. We advise running your generator at load (i.e., at full capability, as opposed to running idle) for about 15 to 20 minutes per week. This enables the lubricating oil to heat up to running temperature and cycle within the engine. Both of these are essential to the ongoing health of the generator.
After you run the standby generator, confirm the unit ran and indicated no warnings or alarms. Be sure to confirm that the generator has appropriate fuel levels and there are no fuel leaks. It's also a good idea to ensure your generator is set to "auto" for automatic startup in case of a power blackout. Then, examine to see that the breaker is closed. If all is well, you can rest assured that your generator is healthy and ready to start at a moment’s notice.
Examining the oil and coolant levels
Once a month, you need to take a second to examine the engine oil and the coolant levels. Both of these fluids are important to the performance of any generator. In fact, among the most common reasons a generator stops working is low oil or coolant. Many generators have a low-oil shutdown feature to prevent damage to the engine should the oil run low. Low coolant will lead to a malfunctioning and overheated engine. If your generator appears to be malfunctioning, inspect the oil and coolant levels right away.
Checking the coolant and oil levels is easy. To inspect the coolant level, simply take a look at the level in the catch tank inside the engine. If it is running low, include a little additional coolant. To examine the engine oil level, find the dipstick, which usually has a yellow ring or handle at the top. Remove the dipstick, wipe it clean with a rag, then replace it. When you pull it out again, you'll be able to judge how much oil remains in the generator based on how high the oil sits on the dipstick. Note: you should not inspect the oil right away after running the engine; wait at least 10 minutes after you have shut it off.
Regional Maintenance Tasks
Depending upon where you live, you may need to carry out a couple of additional generator maintenance tasks to ensure your generator is fresh and ready to use. All generators need plenty of air to work effectively. If your generator is in a location with significant plant overgrowth, take time to remove vines, leaves, and other foliage. In the winter, you may need to clear snow away from the generator after a storm. In an enclosed system, you ought to likewise check to ensure no rodents have set up shop. Like leaves and snow, little animals will disrupt the performance of the engine.
Regardless of the environment you live in, you should often perform a visual inspection of your backup generator after a power failure. If necessary, fill up the oil and the coolant. You should also check the air intake and exhaust systems and make sure the battery and charger are functional and have no loose connections or torn wires. Lastly, check that the starter battery is devoid of deterioration and ready to start during the next power blackout.
Maintaining Peace of Mind
If you experience power failures, the advantages of owning a functioning standby generator significantly surpasses that slight annoyance of regular maintenance. Though the list of upkeep jobs may at first appear complicated, do not let this prevent you from acquiring a generator. The comfort that comes from understanding your house will constantly have power deserves the effort. After the very first week or more of maintenance, you'll find it easy and gratifying to run through the quick checklist of jobs. The most crucial thing is to remember to run the generator weekly.
Best Generator Maintenance Company in Grand Rapids
We understand that you take pride in your standby generator and your ability to take care of it. Nevertheless, there are some jobs you'll need a professional, like us, for.
Every 6 to 12 months, you should call us to perform an in-depth assessment of your backup generator. Think of it as bringing your vehicle in for an oil chance and examination. The professional will oil check the oil and filters and look for leaks. They will also check fuel line filters and air-intake filters, replacing them at routine periods, while also inspecting the belt drives, batteries, and spark plugs, if needed.
Many dealers use maintenance packages for the standby generators they sell. If you go through a third-party provider, ensure the service technician is qualified to carry out generator upkeep. You might have to choose on your own exactly how frequently you want the professional to come. If you use the backup generator often or if the generator is frequently exposed to severe heat, cold, dust, or moisture, you will want to set up consultations every 6 months. Otherwise, you may have the ability to go a year without an inspection, assuming you perform the routine maintenance tasks each week.
Every 6 to 12 months, you should call us to perform an in-depth assessment of your backup generator. Think of it as bringing your vehicle in for an oil chance and examination. The professional will oil check the oil and filters and look for leaks. They will also check fuel line filters and air-intake filters, replacing them at routine periods, while also inspecting the belt drives, batteries, and spark plugs, if needed.
Many dealers use maintenance packages for the standby generators they sell. If you go through a third-party provider, ensure the service technician is qualified to carry out generator upkeep. You might have to choose on your own exactly how frequently you want the professional to come. If you use the backup generator often or if the generator is frequently exposed to severe heat, cold, dust, or moisture, you will want to set up consultations every 6 months. Otherwise, you may have the ability to go a year without an inspection, assuming you perform the routine maintenance tasks each week.
Contact UsIf you are unsure what sort of generator to get, or are still choosing if you wish to buy a generator at all, give us a call! We can discuss your concerns, needs, and budget to find the best generator service in Grand Rapids for you.
|
|
