Mistakes That Cause Generator Failures Can Be Avoided With Routine Backup Generator Maintenance Service | Marion, SC
Your backup generator can be extremely useful in an emergency, but only if it’s working properly. The truth is that the work that goes into keeping your backup generator in good condition isn’t always exciting. Still, it can help you prevent major problems when it’s time actually to use your generator during an emergency.
Even if you’re not preparing to live without power, taking care of your generator can prevent numerous problems and save you money in the long run. If you have a backup generator installed at your home or business, it’s important to schedule regular maintenance with a backup generator maintenance service provider.
Not Performing Routine Checks
By not regularly checking and servicing your generator, you are more likely to experience a failure when you need it the most. Properly maintaining your generator is the key to ensuring it performs at its peak efficiency. Since each generator produces different amounts of power, it’s important to keep track of how much electricity you use to ensure that your generator is functioning properly.
The first step in this process is to ensure that you’re plugged into an outlet. If there’s an electrical shortage, this will prevent your generator from functioning properly. A second step is to check for loose wires or broken connections in the starter motor. If something is wrong with either of these parts, you’ll have to call a backup generator maintenance service to replace them before you start using your generator again.
Not Cleaning the Air Filter
A dirty air filter can lead to several problems, including decreased performance, fuel consumption, and engine damage. In most cases, your generator will not have any issues if it’s regularly cleaned. However, if you’ve ever owned a gas-powered lawn mower in Marion, SC, you know that dirt and dust can accumulate between the air filter and the engine and cause it to run poorly. With the help of backup generator maintenance service professionals, you can ensure that your air filter is clean and won’t cause any problems.
Low Oil Levels
When the oil level gets too low, it can cause the engine to overheat and seize up. This can damage the engine beyond repair, so it’s important to check your oil levels regularly and top them off as needed. It’s also important to change the oil at least once a year. A backup generator maintenance service will take care of any problems you might have with your generator before they become costly repairs.
Checking oil levels isn’t just for people who use their generators regularly. If you don’t use your generator often but still want to be prepared in an emergency, then make sure you schedule annual inspections by a qualified technician from a backup generator maintenance service.
The technician will inspect the unit for anything that needs attention or repairs and provide recommendations for proper maintenance based on how often the unit is used. An annual inspection includes checking all major parts for wear, pressure testing, looking for leaks, and monitoring fuel quality.
Excessive Use of Electrical Appliances
Excessive use of electrical appliances can cause generator failures. Certain devices, such as air conditioners, refrigerators, and ovens, should be avoided when using a backup generator. It is recommended to keep the lights off or at a minimum so as not to overwork the generator and avoid plugging in other large power-hungry devices like microwaves or a coffee maker. These factors determine how often you need a backup generator maintenance service.
The frequency varies depending on the climate, your usage habits, and many other variables. Getting routine backup generator maintenance services yealrly with a qualified professional is important to maximize your unit’s lifespan. A well-maintained generator will perform much better than one that has been neglected for some time.
Dirty Fuel Tanks
When the fuel tank isn’t clean, the generator can’t run as efficiently as it should. This can lead to decreased power output, high fuel consumption, and engine failure. To avoid this, be sure to have your fuel tank cleaned regularly by a generator service professional.
Dirty fuel tanks also contribute to costly maintenance issues like gummed filters and clogged spark plugs. A dirty fuel tank will cost you more money in the long run than just cleaning your tank once every few months.
Skipping Regular Servicing Visits
Maintenance is key to keeping your generator in top running condition and avoiding failures. Unfortunately, some homeowners in Marion, SC, skip regular servicing visits, thinking they can save money. But this is a false economy, as skipping these visits can lead to more expensive repairs.
With regular servicing visits from a generator service, you will get an opportunity to address any problems before they become worse. And by making sure you have the right size of generator for your needs, you will also be able to avoid overworking it.
Neglecting Storage Procedures
The generator needs to be properly stored when not in use. The exhaust and fuel hose must be clear of tree limbs, bushes, and other obstructions. The fuel line should be stored away from dirt and debris. A small amount of water should be added to prevent rusting or corrosion due to rainwater or other weather conditions. If you store a generator in an unheated garage or shed, it will lose its effectiveness over time.
In addition, any moisture that gets into the engine will cause it to rust faster, leading to malfunctioning components that require repair or replacement. Talk to a backup generator maintenance service company if you don’t know how to store your generator. They will come to your home and help you with storage procedures, so your generator is always ready for emergencies.
Poorly Maintained Spark Plugs
Over time, the spark plugs in your generator can become fouled or damaged, causing the engine to misfire. This can lead to a loss of power, decreased fuel efficiency, and increased emissions. If you regularly don’t clean or replace your spark plugs, your generator could be at risk. Regularly check the color of your spark plug wires, which should be light tan.
They will turn darker as they age, so if they’re black, that’s an indication that it’s been too long since the last cleaning or replacement. Contact a generator service provider to get the job done quickly if that’s the case. It’s better to prevent than cure.
We Are the Best Generator Company You Can Count On
In conclusion, if you need a backup generator maintenance service or the surrounding areas, call us at Mister Sparky Generators. We have been providing reliable maintenance services for customers all over Marion, SC, for years. Our technicians are factory-trained on most generators on the market today and can troubleshoot issues on-site quickly before they become major problems that require costly repairs.