When you choose to have a generator on your property, you also choose to have peace of mind during situations where the power is likely to go out. We know that in the Plainfield, Joliet, Naperville, and surrounding West Chicagoland areas, the most common causes of a power outage are thunderstorms, high winds, and snowstorms. Power outages can become a nuisance when you lose perishable goods or your basement floods. This is why generators are an excellent idea for most homeowners and business owners in the area.
Owning a generator requires you to properly maintain it. Our team at OC Property Solutions knows how to clean and diagnose issues with a generator on your property. Some business owners may have multiple backup generators that need to be serviced often to keep running smoothly. How do you maintain a generator and ensure it stays operational all year-long?
How to Maintain a Gas-Powered Generator
Gas-powered generators are perhaps the easiest type of generator to maintain. They are usually stored near the kitchen, garage, or basement so they can easily provide power to certain appliances.
You need to make sure that your gas-powered generator has enough gas in it to function as long as your power is out. While these generators are typically cheaper in cost, they do require extra fuel to work. You will need to maintain your supply of gasoline at home in order to use your gas-powered generator.
These generators are often started by pulling a string (similar to starting a lawn mower). If you do not pull the string with enough gusto, it will not power up. If you can’t get your gas-powered generator to start, try imagining that the pull string keeps going and doesn’t stop at a certain distance. This helps you to pull the string faster and harder, ensuring that your generator gets up and running.
How to Maintain an Electric Generator
There are many components to electric generators that require regular maintenance. For example, you will need to make sure that batteries are fully charged. Batteries lose their power supply whenever you run your electric generator and whenever they have not been used in a long time. If it’s been years since you needed to use your generator, double check that its battery is still in working condition.
Make sure that you keep your electric generator clean. The most common causes of a malfunctioning electric generator are clumps of debris. Dirt, dust, and small pebbles and twigs can get stuck in your outdoor electric generator. Batteries can also corrode over time and cause buildup in the battery compartment.
Replace any filters regularly. An electric generator may also need an oil change from time to time. Keeping filters clean and the oil fresh are two essential ways to maintain your generator. Depending on your brand and size of generator, you will need to maintain it more often. A good rule of thumb is to do a quick check of your generator once a month. That way, you’ll be instantly alerted of any issues and ensure the long life of your generator.
Over time, proper maintenance of your generator will keep it in good working condition for longer periods of time. Generators can be expensive to replace. The better maintained a generator is, the more reliable and long-lasting it will be.
Our team can help suggest the best type of generator for your property, complete the installation process, and help maintain your system regularly. Give us a call at 630-394-8544 with any questions or concerns you have about maintaining your generator.
