Five Tips for Maintaining Your Emergency Generator

If you’ve lived in Cranbrook, BC, long enough, you know just how brutal the winters here are. Remember last November when over 18 cm of snow dumped on us overnight? That storm caused thousands of BC residents to lose power, and in a place as cold as Cranbrook, a couple of hours without power or heat isn’t an option.

Following these tips is a good start to maintaining your emergency generator, but if you want one that works every single time, you need generator maintenance from the top electricians in Cranbrook, BC: High Point Plumbing, Air Conditioning, and Heating Repair.

If you want to stay warm and keep your appliances running through BC’s worst winter storms, you need an emergency generator that won’t quit on you during a power outage. Follow these tips so yours is ready when you need it most. 

Tip #1: Generator Maintenance Starts With Choosing the Right Location

Part of good generator maintenance is placing your unit in a location where water or debris won’t interfere with its performance. It’s crucial to install your unit out of the way of gutters, sprinklers, and flood zones because water can permanently damage it.

Proper ventilation is also important. Generators produce exhaust, and without proper ventilation, they might overheat or begin to rust from the moisture.

The easiest way to ensure your unit is properly placed is to call High Point Plumbing, Air Conditioning, and Heating Repair for expert generator service.

Tip #2: Clean the Area Around Your Unit

Part of generator upkeep is regularly cleaning the area around your unit. Debris, like leaves, branches, and dirt, can block airflow and reduce your system’s efficiency. This not only reduces the power output but also causes your system to consume more fuel and raise your energy bills.

Regular standby generator maintenance, like keeping debris away from your unit, prevents overheating and reduces the risk of a complete system failure.

To avoid these problems, make it a habit to inspect the area around your unit every month and after major storms. Remove any debris that may have accumulated and ensure nothing is obstructing the generator’s vents.

Tip #3: Follow a Strict Schedule When Replacing Oil and Air Filters

Replacing the oil and air filter in your generator at least once a year, or according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, directly impacts its performance.

Old oil loses its ability to lubricate the engine properly, which can increase friction and cause the engine to overheat, wear down faster, or seize up. A clogged air filter reduces airflow to the engine, forcing it to work harder. This can increase fuel consumption and put extra strain on the engine.

Regular generator maintenance can help avoid the need for generator repair by preventing issues that could result in costly system failures.

Tip #4: Run Your Cranbrook, BC, System Monthly

You know how cars stop working when you let them sit for a while? Generators are the same way. You should start and run your unit for about 30 minutes every month to keep the parts lubricated, prevent fuel from going stale, and ensure the battery remains charged.

For consistent power generator care, most modern units come with a self-test mode that automatically runs the system for 30 minutes at regular intervals, typically once a week. This is a great feature if you’re forgetful but still want to maintain your generator.

Tip #5: Use Fresh Fuel and Add Fuel Stabilizer

Just like a car needs regular oil changes, your generator needs fresh fuel to keep the engine running at its best. Adding a fuel stabilizer helps maintain the quality of the fuel and extends the time between changes.

Always consult the manufacturer’s instructions or call an expert before adding anything to your system’s fuel source. Think of the fuel as the generator’s blood. If something goes wrong, the entire system could fail.