A Generator Tune-up prevents critical system failure. Just like any appliance in your home, maintaining your generator helps prevent it from breaking down or needing untimely repairs. The more attention you give your generator, the longer it will last, and the better it will function. In fact, a properly maintained generator lasts twice as long as one without annual routine maintenance.
How Often Should You Tune Up Your Generator?
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Change the Oil
One of the most important ways to maintain your generator is to change its oil regularly. Industry experts recommend changing the oil every 50 to 200 hours of operation based on the above factors. How often you need to change the oil will depend on several variables. The brand of generator, how frequently the generator operates, and the environment. For instance, newer, state-of-the-art models may require fewer oil changes because they burn cleaner than older models.
However, a generator that operates in a dirty environment lets dust or contaminants that mix with the oil. In that case, you may need to increase the frequency of oil change. Additionally, if your generator is brand new, it’s common for manufacturers to recommend an oil change after the first eight hours of use. By changing the oil immediately, you can ensure your generator is free from contaminants that may have gotten into your system during manufacturing or shipping.
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Keep it Clean
A generator works from the rotor and stator, two parts located inside your generator, working together to create electricity. When in operation, it’s typical for rotors and stators to collect dust, debris, and other contaminants. If too much grime gets in the motor, your rotor and stator won’t generate energy efficiently. To eliminate debris, you must clean the air filters in your generator. It’s recommended to check the air filter for dust weekly. If you live in a particularly dusty area increase the number of times you check your generator. These precautions will ensure you’re generator is ready to use when you need it most.Stirling Generator can change the air filters monthly and as needed.
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Start it Up
Most times, generators are a backup precaution, which means you could go months or years without needing to fire it up. Every month, start your generator up to ensure it’s getting lubricated by oil, charge the batteries, and the carburetor is functioning well.
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Test it Out
The National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) has created a set of standards homeowners can follow when it comes to testing their generators. For non-critical generators should follow NFPA 70, like those that homeowners use for a charge during an occasional power outage. NFPA 70 states that generators should be tested at 30% to 50% of their maximum load, for 30-minutes at least once per month.
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Don’t Use Old Gas
Most homeowners may not realize they should empty the fuel from their generator’s tank after each use. Cleaning out the tank ensures that you’re running clean, efficient fuel, and also protects your equipment from erosion and damage. Instead of relying on old fuel, purchase a generator that’s easy to fill on-demand. For example, generators that run on propane can utilize home-delivered services, so that in the event of an emergency, you have access to resources, without having to scour around for fuel.
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Store it Safely
To extend the life of your portable generator, you’ll need to take a few precautions after each use. In addition to emptying the fuel tank, double-check that the fuel lines are also empty. Store your equipment in a cool, dry place to decrease rusting, and extend its life. For additional protection, homeowners can consider purchasing accessories like generator sheds, tents, or covers. Each of these tools helps store and protect your portable generator so that you can ward off untimely repairs.
Generator Maintenance Checklist
After each use: Drain the gas and store it safely
Weekly: Check the air filters
Monthly: Start your generator up and test your system
Yearly: For an annual checkup, it’s wise to call in professional technicians that perform a 17-point tune-up on portable generators. A licensed professionals can take a more technical look at your equipment. A tune-up includes to check all gauges and timer readings, to set exercise cycles, to test transfer switch operations, and to inspect drive belts, pulleys, and hoses. These items require specialized tools and skills to accurately assess and adjust. By bringing in an expert, you can rest easy knowing that your generator is ready when you need it most.
How Often Should You Tune Up Your Generator?
Annually get your generator serviced and tuned-up. A Stirling Generators professional have comprehensive maintenance skills, extensive knowledge of warranty limits, and if needed, replacement installation. The owner, Tommy Rozmerski, is a certified Generac mechanic with many years of professional experience doing maintenance and repair work with just about every generator model. Based out of Stirling, NJ, we are the leading NJ generator installation, maintenance and repair company. We service North and Central NJ including, but not limited to, Union, Somerset, Hunterdon, Middlesex, and Morris Counties. For more information, you can contact us at (908)334-3556 or check out our website https://stirlinggenerators.net/union-county-generator-repairs/ .