We’ve given advice in the past about what generators to purchase and what generators are good for, but what do you do once you actually get them? While our Generac generators are some of the best on the market, they can always benefit from a little maintenance to ensure that when you need them, they will have no trouble performing. Preparation is the name of the game after all!
Make Sure You Have A Warranty
It seems basic, but it helps to have this layer of protection when it comes to something as crucial as a generator. Be sure that you know the coverage, and whether it is full or partial. Remember that in addition to being a crucial backup your generator is an investment that is worth protecting. Make sure to do so!
Invest In A Cover Or An Enclosure
This one is an obvious one! Your generator will most likely be spending most of its time outdoors, where it will be exposed to temperature changes, harsh weather, and moisture. Even worse, your generator may have to deal with these elements while it is running and can pose a hazard to your home, or at least incur a costly damage to the generator itself. Either way, it may pay to invest in a cover or enclosure. Doing so will ensure that your generator remains protected during its operation and while on standby, reducing the risk of damage to it drastically.
Prevent Motor Burn-Out
Motor burn-out is when the motor in your generator dies out, either from overuse or in some cases, underuse. To prevent this, it is important to adhere to the recommended voltage guidelines of your device. Using heavy-duty cords for less voltage use can help premature burnout. On the other hand, lighter cords can help increase this voltage if necessary. And since generators are noisy, it may be best to invest in a longer cord so that it can be positioned far away.
Power Up Your Generator Every Three Months
A general recommendation by many is to power up your generator every three months or so. Simply charge the battery of your generator for about 30 mins or so every 3 months to ensure that the power required to start the engine is always there. You don’t want to run into the scenario where you your generator doesn’t start right when you need it most!
Fill Up Your Tank
If you are a frequent user of your generator, be sure to avoid damage by keeping your tank full. If a generator runs out of gas, the power generation stops, while your home’s electrical load will suck the magnetic field out from the generator itself.
Don’t Stress Your Generator
Every generator has a maximum capacity, so make sure that your home’s requirements fit within it. Ensure that it’s power ratings suit your needs! Overstressing a generator and requiring it to generate above its maximum power rating is how you will shorten its running capacity, resulting in a motor burnout, and requiring you to purchase a new one.
Overall, generators can prove to be a lifesaver in times of a power shortage, and it pays to take preventative measures in order to make that it operates when you need it to. If you are ever interested in delving further into investing in a backup generator for your home, contact us at (978) 388-1522, or fill out an online inquiry form. We’d love to help you!