Top 10 Reasons You Should Replace Your Home’s Backup Generator | Dillon, SC
The United States Energy Information Administration began collecting electricity data in 2013, and since then, 2017 has had the second-highest duration of power interruptions compared to any other year. Its reports show that, on average, electricity consumers in the United States encountered a little over eight hours of power outages in 2020, the longest duration since 2013.
Regardless of where you live in the United States, you’re bound to experience a power outage in your home at one time or another. Power interruptions can occur due to different factors and can be pretty inconvenient.
A backup generator can allow you to keep your home’s electronics and appliances running. However, it’s not designed to last a lifetime. Here’s a look at some of the indicators you may have to find a replacement for your standby generator.
The Size No Longer Suits Your Needs
It can be tricky to determine the load growth of your Dillon, SC, household. Although you may have acquired your home with predetermined energy needs, a new set of circumstances may arise, forcing you to reconsider your decision.
Irrespective of whether you’re planning to shrink or expand your household, you should know the amount of load being transferred into the electrical grid when your backup generator comes on after a power distraction.
If the generator is too big compared to the load produced, carbon particles may accumulate inside the unit, eventually reducing its power production capacity. On the other hand, if the standby generator is too small for the load, the unit may start overheating and finally stop working altogether.
Therefore, you should consider reassessing your household’s power production demands. If you notice that the generator you’re using may be the wrong size for your needs, you should request a replacement service from your local electrical service contractor.
Excessive Carbon Monoxide Emissions
The Clean Air Act is the federal law regulating air emissions from mobile and stationary sources. As a homeowner, you must familiarize yourself with the stipulations provided in the act to know what you should do to keep your household and the environment safe.
A report comparing data on non-fire carbon monoxide incidents and fatalities between 2005 and 2017 showed that generators were responsible for 880 deaths between 2005 and 2016.
Backup generators can pose a significant safety hazard in your residence. To ensure that yours is safe for the environment and the members of your household, you should frequently monitor and record carbon monoxide levels. If they’re constantly rising, it may be time to consider investing in a replacement solution.
To get rid of the problem long-term, you can request your contractor to install a system with modern carbon monoxide safety technology. Also, when the generator’s in use, you should always ensure it’s running in a well-ventilated space.
Consistent Fuel Leaks
Fuel leaks are a common issue in home backup generators. However, if they occur consistently, they may result in explosions or fire outbreaks. Before requesting a replacement or repair service, you should ask your preferred electrician to inspect the unit to determine the root cause of the issue.
Fuel leaks may come about due to wide-ranging issues, including cracks or rain damage on fuel lines, corrosion and punctures in fuel tanks, and loose or worn-out shut-off valves.
Fuel leaks may also happen if the gaskets and carburetor bowls are dry, which can impact how the seals work, causing leaks. Poor welding of the pipes, loose connections, and improper maintenance of pipe connections may also result in fuel tank leaks.
Based on the extent of the damage, your local standby generator service technician can help repair some of the issues highlighted above. However, if there are no applicable fixes, you should request a backup generator replacement service.
It Has Outlived Its Life Expectancy
How long your home backup generator lasts may depend on its size, maintenance record, and quality. However, many manufacturers often believe that standby generators should remain operationally efficient for approximately 10,000 to 30,000 running hours, which translates into 25 to 40 years. The years they remain reliable will also depend on how well you take care of the system.
Essentially, the less you use your generator, the more years of service it will provide. Beware, though, although your unit may seem to work just fine even after 40 years of limited use, some unseen parts may be slowly wearing out or on the verge of a complete breakdown.
Such elements can impact the generator’s performance, significantly reducing the amount and quality of power it produces. In such cases, requesting a replacement may be your best alternative.
Unpredictable Power Output
As a Dillon, SC, homeowner, the main reason why you’d consider investing in a backup generator is to get a consistent and reliable power supply. It may be time to request a replacement if your unit is experiencing frequent power disruptions, starting up slowly, or operating roughly.
When the power goes off, generators with automatic transfer switches should be up and running in just a few seconds. If there’s a delay or any starting issues, you should have your system evaluated by your local generator service provider.
Many factors can cause problems with your home backup generator when there’s a power disruption. Your generator service contractor can consider these factors as they evaluate the machine.
If you’re in an emergency, you’d want to believe that your generator will be reliable. With that in mind, you should consider getting a replacement if you’re not sure of the reliability of your standby generator.
Mister Sparky Generators: Your Trusted Generator Service Contractor in Dillon
Whether you need a backup generator for residential, commercial, or recreational purposes, the professionals at Mister Sparky Generators are ready to assist in Dillon, SC. We can help you evaluate your situation and choose the best unit based on your budget and household needs.
Our technicians can also ensure your selection has been installed correctly, and you can rely on us for quick and efficient repairs if your generator breaks down. We provide emergency services, rodent screening solutions, and individual component replacement options as needed. Call us to learn more about our company and how we can help keep your generator in tip-top shape at all times.