Weather forecasters are predicting a stormy winter, and much of the United States has already seen snow. When the temperatures drop and the roads get icy, it’s nice to know that a generator is there to keep your house or business warm, safe and lit. But taking your generator for granted could leave you with a nasty shock next time there’s a power outage: A generator that won’t start!
Generators need regular maintenance and check-ups to remain in tip-top working order. So before the winter really gets moving, take some time to ensure that yours is ready for service. Unless you’re a qualified generator service technician, it’s recommended that you don’t do the maintenance yourself.
Instead, call a service contractor to perform the following vital annual checks:
Battery Test
A service technician will check to ensure the battery on your generator is still working. He or she will make sure the battery is outputting the appropriate voltage and that it’s charging properly. Sometimes, it will be recommended that you change the battery. It’s wise to replace your generator batteries every two to three years even if they are still working. After all, you bought the generator for emergencies, and you expect that it will work when you need it. Trying to get more than three years’ life out of a battery could harm your generator and leave your home dark and cold.
General Health Check
The service technician will inspect the entire generator and look for any problems such as loose wires or connections, and any dirt build-up or corrosion. The generator will be cleaned of buildup and any loose or missing parts will be replaced. During operation, the vibration of the generator may cause bolts to loosen, so your technician will check all bolts and tighten any as required.
Lubrication and Filters
Like most engines, your generator will need to have regular lubrication to keep it working in tip-top shape. A service technician will change the oil in your generator, which is a necessary step even if you haven’t used the generator in the preceding year. It’s recommended that oil changes be done every 100 hours of use, which means at least once a year, or once a season if you use the generator regularly. During the maintenance visit, the technician will also change your generator’s spark plug and air filter.
Call an Expert
To keep your generator running in the best possible condition, it’s recommended that you sign a generator maintenance contract with a reputable generator service contractor. In Connecticut, CT Generator Service, a division of L-Train Electric, provides generator sales and maintenance, as well as 24-hour-per-day service. From Northern Connecticut to the Connecticut shoreline, we offer peace-of-mind to homeowners and businesses that rely on generators to keep their homes warm, lit and safe.
Call us at 860-343-1797 or visit our web site for more information!
