Tips To Maintain Your Generator

Your generator needs regular maintenance, so it’s ready to power your home during an outage. Neglecting maintenance often leads to costly repairs and compromised safety. 

Whether you’re looking to purchase a generator or need maintenance services, the experts at Generator Supercenter of Sarasota recommend proactive preventive actions, including proper storage, regular oil changes, and routine maintenance, to help ensure your generator is ready when needed.

How to Store Your Home Generator

Properly storing your generator is a necessary part of generator maintenance. Doing so will increase its lifespan and ensure that it operates safely when needed.

Location and Environmental Considerations

Choose a dry, well-ventilated area for your generator so it is not exposed to extreme temperatures. Your garage or storage shed is ideal if it stays dry and doesn’t reach freezing or excessively high temperatures.

Avoid storing your generator where it could be exposed to dust, dirt, or other forms of debris. These particles can clog the air filter, fuel lines, and other components, leading to inefficient operation and potential damage over time.

Preparing the Generator for Long-Term Storage

Drain the fuel and oil before storing your generator for an extended period. If left for too long, these fluids can cause damaging build-up. Remove the battery if your unit has one, and clean the generator thoroughly, focusing on the air vents and other openings.

Use a protective covering to keep dust and dirt out of your generator in storage. However, ensure that the cover does not trap moisture, which can lead to corrosion.

Regular Oil Changes for Home Generator

Like your automobile, your generator engine requires fresh oil to run smoothly and efficiently. The recommended frequency for oil changes in home generators can vary based on the model and how often it’s used. However, a general rule of thumb is to change the oil after every 50 to 60 hours of operation—or at least once every season. Heavy-duty use and dusty conditions may require more frequent oil changes to keep your generator in optimal condition.

Home Generator Maintenance Tips

Regular inspections will extend your generator’s lifespan and lower the chances of needing costly repairs:

• Check the air filter and replace it if it’s dirty or damaged
• Clean the generator surface with mild detergent and water
• Check for leaks
• Ensure all wires and connections are secure

Don’t forget to run your generator occasionally to ensure it’s in working order. This is referred to as “exercising” the generator. Aim for approximately 10 to 15 minutes of “exercising” every month. That’s also typically enough to charge the battery for the electric starter.

Your generator may sometimes fail to start or operate efficiently. If this happens, some troubleshooting can save you from unnecessary stress. Check the oil and fuel levels, inspect the spark plug for damage, and ensure the air filter is not blocked.

Generator Maintenance Services by Generator Supercenter of Sarasota

Maintaining a generator can be challenging, and that’s where we come in. Generator Supercenter of Sarasota offers comprehensive maintenance packages for your convenience. That includes regular inspections, cleanings, oil changes, and other services to ensure your generator is always reliable.

With professional maintenance and servicing, you can rest assured that your generator is in good hands.

Call Generator Supercenter of Sarasota Today

Generator maintenance may seem daunting, but with a well-structured routine and professional help from Generator Supercenter of Sarasota, it doesn’t have to be.

Contact us to learn more about our products and services. We’re committed to helping you keep the lights on, no matter what. Schedule a consultation with us today and ensure your home generator is prepared for any situation.