How to Maintain Your Standby Generator: Tips and Best Practices for Longevity and Reliability
Ensuring Reliable Power: A Generator Maintenance Plan
A standby generator is a valuable asset, providing backup power during unexpected outages. To keep your generator in peak working condition and ready when needed, regular maintenance is essential.
Below, we’ll guide you through a maintenance plan based on monthly, quarterly, and annual intervals, helping ensure your generator’s reliability and longevity.
Monthly Maintenance
Every month, it’s wise to complete a few quick checks that can help prevent larger issues:
List of Services
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Visual InspectionList Item 1
Perform a thorough look-over to spot any oil or fuel leaks, loose connections, and corrosion on components. Early detection of these issues can prevent costly repairs later.
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Check Oil LevelsList Item 2
Ensuring that oil is at the proper level (right in between the ADD and FULL marks on the dipstick) helps keep the engine cool and lubricated, especially during long operation.
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Check Coolant LevelsList Item 3
Ensure coolant level is topped off and there are no visual indications of leaks. Check hoses and at hose clamp connection points.
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Battery CheckList Item 4
Make sure the battery is in visually good condition (no corrosion on terminals, the case is not bulging, etc). If the generator has a DC meter built in to the control panel, make sure the voltage is above 12.4VDC when at rest.
These monthly checks are simple yet crucial for the generator’s performance and longevity.
Quarterly Maintenance (Every 3 Months)
At least once a quarter, it is a great idea to let your power system transfer the building load and run for thirty minutes under load. This lets you know that the transfer switch is functioning and lets the engine warm up and run “through its paces”.
Annual Maintenance
An annual service is a comprehensive checkup that includes full replacements of some critical components:
List of Services
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Replace Oil and Oil FilterList Item 1
Oil will accumulate a little water from condensation and it is recommended to replace the oil and oil filter once per year or once every 150 hours of run time.
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Replace Spark Plugs and Air FiltersList Item 2
New spark plugs and clean air filters ensure proper fuel combustion and airflow, leading to efficient and reliable operation.
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Full Inspection and Firmware UpdateList Item 3
Depending on the model, some generators may require firmware or software updates. An annual inspection by a
certified technician helps keep everything up to date and compatible with the
latest systems.
This comprehensive annual service keeps the generator reliable for years to come, maximizing its efficiency and lifespan.
Let MALL Energy Home Take Care of Your Generator
Regular maintenance is essential but can be time-consuming and easy to forget. MALL Energy Home offers convenient, professional maintenance plans to take the hassle out of keeping your generator in peak condition. Our team of trained technicians provides timely, expert care for all makes of generators, covering everything from monthly inspections to annual tune-ups and load testing.
With a maintenance plan from MALL ENERGY HOME, you’ll enjoy peace of mind knowing your standby generator is always ready to perform. Contact us today to learn more about our tailored generator maintenance solutions and ensure your home remains powered and protected.
