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Generator maintenance doesn’t just happen after you’ve been using your system, it needs preparation too. You can’t start preparing your generator for the winter months at the beginning of November. You must start in the fall and keep a maintenance schedule throughout the year to ensure your system is in good condition whenever you need to use it. Proper maintenance beforehand will lend itself to better operation and greater efficiency later on, making a more reliable generator. As we close out August and head into September, now is the time to begin preparing your generator for the winter months. Even if you live in an area with milder winters, like Fresno, you can still face challenges using your generator during the winter months. The moderate temperatures of fall will provide a couple of months for you to spend time getting your generator ready for the winter season.
Three Maintenance Tips to Tackle This Fall
Backup generators are typically affixed to a location outside your home, and they are exposed to external temperatures and weather. When the temperature outside drops below 40°F, the engine can get too cold, causing your generator to struggle to perform. If your system is already performing poorly due to irregular maintenance, the winter months can exacerbate these weaknesses.
To prolong the life of your system and encourage better performance during the challenging winter months, follow these quick and easy maintenance tips.
- Remove All Obstructions: Your generator is outdoors, so the summer and fall seasons likely left behind debris and dirt from your yard in your appliance. Those leaves, fallen bits from your trees, or any other outside elements could be blocking your vents. Be sure to clean all vents and prune nearby areas to prevent future blockages. Areas surrounding your generator should be as clear as possible of grass or shrubbery. This is a particularly important issue because if you have obstructions blocking vents, your generator can overheat. Clogged vents also prevent air from circulating and can force carbon monoxide into your home.
- Don’t Neglect Oil Changes: If you think you don’t use your system often enough to warrant an oil change, you could be working against your best interest. Oil changes are a necessity for generators. Even if you used your generator in a limited capacity during the last season, you should consider starting the winter off with a clean slate. Changing the oil on your generator can be a DIY job that you tackle over a slow fall weekend. If you aren’t confident in your ability to change the oil in your generator, you can call our Fresno generator experts to schedule an appointment.
- Do a Trial Run: Before the evening temperatures drop, give your generator a test run, which can serve as a maintenance check. Running your generator before you need it can help you assess any issues you may not know exist. Create a list of any issues you notice, and you can spend the fall season going through your maintenance checklist until your system is in perfect working order. Performing a maintenance test can ensure your system is ready for safe operation, and it can extend the lifespan of your appliance.
How Long-term Generator Care Can Yield Rewards
Generator ownership comes with some important responsibilities that help ensure your appliance will be in good condition to serve you when you are ready. Regular maintenance cannot be stressed enough, and like other intricate systems, all it takes is for one component to malfunction for your appliance to experience a system failure. Working with generator specialists like the experts at Quality Home Services can put your mind at ease from knowing your generator is ready for action. Call us today at (800) 985-8103 to schedule a consultation or to request more information.