It’s a terrible feeling when the power goes out, only to discover your backup generator fails to start. At Blackout Generators and Service, we know a reliable whole-house generator is a significant investment for your peace of mind. Regular maintenance is not just an option—it’s a necessity. This proactive approach ensures your unit is always ready to provide power when you need it most, protecting your home and family.
Generator Maintenance: Keeping Your Residential Generator Ready for Action
Generator Maintenance: Keeping Your Residential Generator Ready for Action
The Importance of a Pre-Storm Inspection
Before severe weather arrives, a thorough inspection of your home generator is crucial. This proactive check-up includes looking for any physical damage, ensuring all connections are secure, and verifying the fuel and oil levels are adequate. Doing this ahead of time prevents last-minute scrambling and potential failures, giving you confidence that your backup power source is reliable and ready.
Check Fluid Levels and Quality Regularly
Routine checks of your generator's oil and coolant levels are essential for its longevity. Just like a car engine, your generator's internal components need proper lubrication and cooling to operate efficiently without overheating. Using the right type of oil and coolant and replacing them according to the manufacturer's schedule will significantly extend your unit's lifespan and ensure peak performance.
The Critical Role of Battery Health
A dead battery is a common reason for generator failure during an outage. Make sure the battery is charged and that its terminals are clean and free of corrosion. For a whole-house generator, a trickle charger is an excellent way to keep the battery topped up. This simple step ensures that your unit will have the power it needs to start immediately.
Run Your Generator Under Load
Regularly exercising your generator is one of the most important maintenance tips. Running the unit for a short period, typically once a week or every two weeks, helps to lubricate internal parts, keep seals from drying out, and test the transfer switch. This practice also ensures that the generator is ready to carry a load when a real power outage occurs.
Don't wait for a power outage to discover that your backup generator isn't working. By following these simple but crucial maintenance tips, you can ensure your system is always ready to go. For professional maintenance, installation, or to learn more about the benefits of a whole-house generator in Oklahoma, contact the experts at Blackout Generators and Service.