How to Ensure Your Home Backup Generator Keeps You Powered Up When You Need It Most

Maintaining a Home Backup Generator

One of the most important and useful pieces of equipment to have in your home during a power outage is a home backup generator. Generators provide a source of mechanical energy that is converted into electrical energy to power your home appliances and devices. Many generators available on the market today are powered by propane, diesel, or gas and require regular maintenance in order for them to continue to function properly. Here is how to maintain a home backup generator.

First, read the owner’s manual for your specific generator to learn about specific maintenance requirements and guidelines. Some general rules should still be followed regardless of the make and model of generator.

For safety, start by cleaning the generator often. Use a damp cloth to clean the surfaces of the generator and a soft brush to get rid of any caked-on substances that may have accumulated over time.

The manufacturer of the generator will typically have advice on when to change the oil of the generator. If the generator is not in use, it is generally recommended to change the oil once a year. If it is in use, then the oil should be changed more often as per the manufacturer’s guidelines.

At the same time that the oil is being changed, also check and service the spark plug system. If the generator is not in use, this should be done once a year. If it is in use, consult the owner’s manual on when to schedule servicing.

Finally, it is important to run the generator at least once in a while to ensure that it is in good working order. Running the generator regularly allows you to make sure that not only is the generator working properly, but also ensures that all components of the generator, such as the air cleaner system, are being properly cleaned and serviced as well.

Maintaining a home backup generator may require a bit of time, but it is worth it to avoid any inconveniences that may arise from a power outage. Properly maintaining your generator should extend the life of the unit and make sure your home is powered when it matters most.
Generators play an important role in providing reliable power to homes during emergencies and bad weather. To ensure that a home backup generator can continue functioning properly, it is essential to practice proper maintenance.

Diesel, gas and propane are the three common types of generators available today. Propane and gas powered generators are the easiest choice for a home generator, although diesel powered generators tend to be more efficient and have a hardier build. Diesel generators, however, can become difficult to start during very cold weather. Propane generators on the other hand, may be easier to start during cold weather conditions but are still no match to diesel generators. If you’re going to opt for a propane generator, be sure it has an effective starting system with options other than pull-start engines.

It’s important to read the owner’s manual carefully before using a generator and to follow the instructions on how to maintain the unit. Your generator should be carefully cleaned often to remove dirt, dust and any caked-on substances. The manufacturer usually suggests changing the oil of the generator often while it is in use or as a standard maintenance procedure. If it’s not in use, have it changed once a year. Checking and cleaning the spark plug system should also be done at regular intervals, depending on the length of time the generator has been used or stored. If it hasn’t been used for a while, it should be serviced at least once a year.

Another important step for maintaining your home backup generator is to check and clean the air cleaner system when you check and change the oil. Remember to run the generator regularly to make sure it will work properly when you need it.

In conclusion, keeping a home generator in excellent working condition is essential. Reading the owner’s manual and following the recommended maintenance steps is the best way to ensure your generator will work correctly when needed. Clean the generator often and make sure to check and change the oil and spark plug system at regular intervals to keep the generator running efficiently. Finally, remember to run the generator frequently to avoid any surprise problems during an emergency.