The Importance Of Backup Generator Maintenance Service | Marion, SC
When your generator fails to perform during an outage in Marion, SC it may seem like a catastrophe. After all, you invested a lot of money in getting the backup generator installed, and now it refuses to work when you need it the most. This will probably send you scrambling to save the food in your refrigerator, while you wonder what you are going to do to keep your family safe. This kind of situation can be easily prevented by implementing an annual backup generator maintenance service for your Marion, SC home.
But, what exactly does a backup generator maintenance service involve? And, why is it so important? In this article we will cover the importance of backup generator maintenance service, and give you a short overview of what type of actions it includes. Let’s take a look.
First, Consider the Benefits
When you schedule regular backup generator maintenance service, you are ensuring a professional technician inspects your generator in search for any potential problems that could rear their ugly heads when you find yourself in the middle of a blackout. If, during the inspection, any issue is detected, it will be repaired so it doesn’t show itself when you least expect it. Backup generator maintenance service is designed to save you from the stress and anxiety you can experience when your generator refuses to work when you need it. It can also help you save the money you would have to invest in more expensive repairs, and even the replacement of your generator.
What Happens During the Procedure?
On the day of your scheduled backup generator maintenance service, a few important things will happen. The exact process can vary depending on your system, and whether it’s placed in a residential or commercial service. Even so, a few actions are common, including the following:
- The condition of your generator’s housing and electrical systems will be inspected for any damages.
- The generator’s cooling system will be inspected. This part of the inspection includes checking the pulleys, medium, hoses, radiator, and the water heater.
- The generator’s oil levels will be verified, and if necessary, they will be topped off. Additionally, the oil lines and filters will be inspected, and adjusted as required.
- The generator’s air filter, housing, and pipes will be inspected.
- The generator’s fuel transfer system will be inspected.
- The tech will look for signs of overheating in areas such as the coupling and the exciter system.
- The generator’s starting voltage, and battery will be inspected.
- The generator’s control panel switches, meters, and controls will be verified.
- The generator’s connection to your home’s main breaker and the related power cables will be visually reviewed.
- The generator’s transfer switch will be inspected by operating the system.
- If any signs of wear on any part of the generator are found, they will be repaired. Any parts that require repair or replacement will also be attended.
A Matter of Safety
A malfunctioning generator can represent an imminent danger to your family and property. Because of its very nature, when a generator starts failing, it can turn into a potential fire hazard. In order to prevent any malfunction during a time in which you are dealing with a major power outage, and to keep your family healthy and safe, it is always a good idea to perform preventative maintenance on your generator at least once a year, and, if your generator’s use is above average, you should have it inspected every 6 months.
It goes without saying that your generator’s maintenance should be placed in the hands of a trained and knowledgeable professional. This is definitely not a DIY project you can do with a couple of friends on a Saturday afternoon. Not knowing what you are doing, or if you lack the required training, can lead to severe injury from the mishandling of the generator’s parts, and even death from electrocution. So, always make sure to hire a professional to get the job done. In the end, the money you spend will be worth it.
How to Know You Are Hiring the Right Technician
The most important part of your generator’s maintenance plan is the technician charged with performing the actual job. Because of this, you should never hesitate to ask for proof of their qualifications and experience. Don’t be afraid to ask to see their license, and ask about their years in the industry. If they refuse to show any documents, you are always free to look elsewhere for a professional that will not give you any excuses when you ask for proof of licensure.
A professional and knowledgeable technician will also be always happy to answer any questions you may have, both before, and during the procedure itself. Make sure you understand everything that will be done, and don’t forget to ask about the warranty offered by the company. This can help you later on if something goes wrong.
Lastly, don’t forget to verify the generator maintenance company’s reputation. You can do this online by reading the reviews written by their previous customers. A good rule of thumb is to look for companies that have at least 50 to 100 reviews and an overall star rating of 4.5 at the minimum. Hiring a reputable company with good reviews and many years in the business, will ensure your maintenance program results in you receiving all of the benefits and safety conditions listed above.
Once you have decided to include backup generator maintenance service to your Marion, SC home’s annual maintenance schedule, you should consider that experience and knowledge are the best way to ensure the job gets done properly and professionally. With this in mind, Mister Sparky Generators has accumulated many years of experience and is continuously updating the training of their techs, in order to provide you with the highest quality work during your backup generator maintenance service. So, pick up your phone and give them a call to schedule this year’s backup generator maintenance service today!