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Top 10 Generator Maintenance Tips for the Next Winter

Generator Maintenance

Winter brings happiness since it is the festive time when people meet each other and celebrate various events. At the same time, winter brings a few concerns. Storms and heavy snowfalls during winter can lead to power supply disruptions at home. Keeping the generator ready for such scenarios will be handy. However, not operating generators for a long time can lead to major or minor problems with the motors. Nevertheless, a lack of maintenance may also lead to a lack of precision in the generator’s performance. In the following section, you will find some useful generator maintenance tips at a glance.

1. Fuel Stabilization

You need to stabilize the gas using a fuel stabilizer when the generator is not in use for a long time. The fuel stabilizer is nothing but a liquid solution, which keeps the fuel fresh and active. Instead of using the fuel stabilizer, many people replace the old fuel with new fuel. This is useful for your generator, though it leads to the wastage of resources. Stabilizers can extend the fuel life to some extent. Therefore, you can turn on the generator after a long time without any worries regarding fuel performance.

2. Inspect and Replace Worn Out Parts

If you have an old generator at home, you need to inspect it after certain intervals. Timely inspection will help you identify the worn-out parts. When such parts have been identified, you can replace those parts to optimize the generator’s performance during the next winter. Summer is the ideal time to complete this job since you do not require the generator much during this time.

3. Oil Change

You must have heard about the importance of oil changes for the cars. Changing oil periodically will enhance engine performance to a significant extent. At the same time, it also increases the engine’s longevity. Similar to the vehicle motor, the generator motor requires periodic oil changes. Keeping the filter in a top-notch condition will optimize the generator’s performance to a large extent. You will not face any hassles with the generator in the upcoming winter.

4. Maintain Cleanliness

Keeping the generator exterior clean is also a crucial part of its maintenance. Dust accumulation on the generator exterior can make it look dirty. At the same time, dust accumulation on crucial functional components of the generator will lead to poor efficiency. So, you must inspect the generator regularly and maintain top-class cleanliness with precision.

5. Battery and Wiring Inspection

Nowadays, you can find two types of generators: portable and non-portable. While you can keep the portable generator in your home, the non-portable generator typically stays outside. Therefore, these generators may be damaged due to harsh weather conditions. You need to check the battery and wiring periodically, especially after a heavy downpour and other extreme weather conditions. Battery servicing and fixing the broken wires are crucial to optimize the generator’s performance.

6. Invest in a Transfer Switch

Consider investing in a transfer switch if you want safety throughout the winter months. The transfer switch helps you safely connect a delicate electronic device in your home without worries. Sometimes, the generators do not serve clean energy, which leads to damage to delicate gadgets or appliances.

7. Check Air Filter

The next important task is checking the air filter of your generator. Similar to automobiles, the generators require air filter replacement after certain intervals. The air filters protect the motor from dust and debris. When you do not change the filter for a long time, dust accumulation can lead to poor motor efficiency. Sometimes, cleaning can make the air filter efficient again, though it is always recommended to replace the filters if they are damaged.

8. Power up the Generator Periodically

Instead of keeping your generator idle during the months of summer, you should power it up at least once a month. If not once a month, you may power up the generator at least once in two months. This will help keep the generator active and ready for the next winter season. Moreover, powering up the generator once a month will help you identify potential problems with them, and it will be easier to fix those issues at the early stage.

9. Give Breathing Space to Your Generator

You need to clean the area where the generator has been kept. The generator needs breathing space so that it can radiate the heat produced by the motor. If it does not get enough breathing area, the heat will be stuck around the generator, leading to an efficiency issue due to overheating.

10. Inspect the Cooling System

The cooling system is an important part of your generator since it prevents the generator from overheating. Frequently overheating does not only lead to generator damage but also causes high fuel consumption. Therefore, you need to check the cooling system’s status frequently. Cleaning the cooling fins and radiators frequently will ensure the seamless efficiency of the cooling system.

Final Verdict

So, these are the top ten measures that you can consider to maintain the power generator in your house. Good maintenance enhances the life span of the generator. Moreover, the generator’s performance will be optimized when you will need it the most. Choosing the right generator is also crucial since a top-quality generator requires minimal maintenance. Gavin’s Garage offers reviews and ratings on different generators, including brands such as Poxurio, Genmax, Westinghouse, and more.

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