Generators tend to have a lifespan of 20 to 40 years, quite a large gap, so how do you extend the lifespan of your generator to make it last closer to 40 years or more?
Generators are great for serving homeowners as an emergency power resource, such as keeping the freezer cool to preserve food when the power has gone out. But a generator is only helpful when it works. If you want to know how to keep your generator working longer, we have four tips for you!
#1 Maintenance to Extend The Lifespan Of Your Generator
You should ensure that your generator has regular maintenance. This is very important because it will fix any necessary repairs. Still, it is also a preventative measure to catch other issues early before they become an expensive problem.
A lot of people who sell generators provide a long extended warranty or a maintenance contract that helps you to be preventative. So, it would be best if you took advantage of these deals.
Not only do you want to have the generator routinely looked at, but you should also run it for 30 minutes each week so that the oil can circulate throughout it. It will also help you to know if something is wrong before you need the generator in a power outage and do not have it.
Usually, only a part of the generator will fail before the entire machinery fails. If you run it consistently each week, you can fix a small portion before replacing the whole system.
#2 Cleaning
Make sure to clean your generator regularly. This means that the exhaust and intake fans do not have any debris or plants growing in or on the generator. Also, clean any snow off the generator during the winter.
If your generator has an enclosure, make sure to keep any rodents or other small pasts from making this place their home.
#3 Oil Levels and Battery Inspection
Each week before and after your generator runs for 30 minutes, as it should, use the dipstick to check your oil levels. Add more oil if the dipstick reveals that the oil is below the optimal mark.
It would also be best to note your generator’s manufacturer’s recommended oil brand, correct oil filter type, and time intervals on when to change the oil filters.
Only replace the oil and oil filters with the recommended options the manufacturer gives to optimize your generator’s lifespan. Also, change the oil filters according to the time intervals recommended by the manufacturers.
Using a different type of oil or oil filter than recommended can damage your generator, which is the exact opposite of what we want to extend the lifespan.
Keep the battery and where it is held from any corrosion or leakage. If there is any corrosion or leakage, you must call maintenance immediately. The battery needs to have fresh oil that is topped off also.
#4 Cover The Generator
Ensure that your generator is covered to prevent weather damage. You can buy an enclosure specifically for this, which you should do if you live in an area where severe weather is super typical.
An enclosure for your generator can help prevent or lower any repairs that could be needed.
Combined, all four of these tips are sure to extend the lifespan of your generator. Though it will likely cost some money to maintain your generator, buy the specific oil and oil filters, and buy an enclosure, the overall cost will still be lower than an entirely new generator system due to negligence.
Can Teague Electric Help Extend the Lifespan Of Your Generator?
If you live in the Kansas City metro area, our qualified electricians at Teague Electric would love to help you with your generator. Our electricians will do the job if you are installing a new generator, need advice on which type of generator to get, or need maintenance on a current generator.
We are confident that our electricians will go above and beyond for all your electrical needs, from generators, indoor and outdoor lighting, and security systems to commercial projects.
Contact Teague Electric today to learn more about how to extend the lifespan of your generator.
