A generator is one of those pieces of equipment in your home that you don’t think about much until you need it, such as when a storm rolls through, a transformer blows, or someone wipes out a pole. However, whenever it’s there when you need it, you sure appreciate it. To ensure your standby home generator is standing by, ready to use at a moment’s notice, you should schedule regular service visits for it. But how often is that?
General Recommendations
In general, you should book a service visit for your whole-home generator after every 200 hours of operation.
However, even if you haven’t used it all year or didn’t meet the recommended threshold, you should still schedule a service visit at least once per year. This is the usual recommendation provided by the manufacturer.
Why You Should Schedule Regular Service Visits
If your system has been working without any disruptions or issues, you may wonder why you should service it. The answer is simple, you can detect issues early and reduce the likelihood of problems in the future, especially as your generator ages.
The average natural gas generator will last 20 to 25 years, while the typical propane one will last 20 to 30 years. The usual lifespan of a diesel generator is between 25 and 30 years. Without regular servicing and inspections from a professional and your own maintenance, your generator may not reach its expected service life.
Some problems show early warning signs, but these concerns often start with subtle indications. As time goes on, the issues may worsen and interfere with using your generator as intended. Through a routine inspection, a professional will detect early warning signs, repair the problem, and decrease the chances of major problems from occurring. Keep in mind that the price to repair a component of your system may increase as the problem worsens.
Certain aspects of these scheduled maintenance calls reduce the likelihood of breakdowns, especially at inopportune times.
Not to mention, annual maintenance helps maintain the unit’s performance while improving fuel efficiency. Your generator usually comes with a warranty on the unit and certain components. Many manufacturers will require documentation that the recommended maintenance was performed by a professional.
What Happens at Your Yearly Service Call
When you schedule routine maintenance calls, a professional will come to your home and run your system to see how it’s performing. The technician will listen carefully for any signs something’s wrong. They will also perform a visual inspection of the generator, including looking for any leaks, corrosion, loose connections, or obvious component failure. The specialist will also look for debris or vegetation growing around the system.
Part of the appointment will include a battery inspection to check the charge levels and evaluate if the connections are secure. Some generators may need trickle charging. Sometimes, a specialist may find you need a battery replacement.
Your technician will change the oil, especially if you’ve used the device for at least 100 to 200 hours since the last one. Your professional will replace the oil and air filters. Sometimes, the air filter is reusable, and your technician will clean it. These filters accumulate debris over time, which can hinder your system’s performance.
During a routine visit, your specialist will perform a fuel system leak test. Fuel leaks are costly for you when you run the generator and are fire and explosion risks. The leak could also come from a problem not related to the line itself. Rather, it may be due to a mechanical problem. Be aware that some mechanical problems could also be causing carbon monoxide an odorless and dangerous gas to leak into your home.
The spark plugs may need to be replaced if they’re worn.
Load bank testing is often performed during this visit to evaluate the electrical load the generator can handle. It consists of a technician connecting a load bank to the generator to simulate electrical demand. The technician will apply different levels of power demand to see how the generator performs. This testing can help determine if the generator is producing enough power and whether the frequency and voltage levels are fluctuating. The test can also assess the following:
- Fuel system issues
- Weak or deteriorating parts
- Carbon deposits
- Cooling system issues
What Routine Maintenance Can You Do?
Firstly, you should only do what you’re comfortable handling on your own. That said, battery checks, oil changes, and filter replacements are all tasks you can perform safely. The frequency depends on the type of fuel your system uses, the generator’s size, frequency of use, and the manufacturer’s recommendations. You can find this information in your user’s manual.
At least once a month, more frequently during the summer when storms are more common, you should perform a test run of your system. Let it run for a few minutes so it can warm up. Then, plug in a few essential appliances, one by one, to see how it’s running. In total, run it for at least 15 minutes. Take note of the frequency, voltage, exhaust, and any unusual noises. If you notice any signs of a problem, schedule a repair as soon as possible.
Check around your generator for any vegetation growth and remove it. Check for sticks or other debris on or around it and remove these. You can wipe down the generator with mild soap and a soft, damp rag when needed.
You can also change your spark plugs if you notice they’re corroded or dirty.
A whole-house generator lets you live life normally even when the electricity goes out. With so much riding on it during a power outage, it’s necessary to have it serviced at least once per year to ensure it’s functioning and extend its lifespan. You can even perform certain maintenance tasks yourself.
Don’t put up with any malarkey call Mister Sparky for a routine inspection today at (833) 226-5335 if you haven’t done so yet this year.
