Following the devastation caused in New Jersey by Hurricane Ida, we know that a generator can be a real life saver. To make sure that your investment pays off and that it remains working in a pinch, you should follow a schedule for standard maintenance for your home standby generator.
What Maintenance Does a Standby Generator Need?
Regular preventative maintenance can extend the life of your generator, giving it a lifespan of up to 30,000 if well cared for and maintained.
Luckily, standard maintenance on your standby generator is pretty straightforward. While you should have your generator inspected and serviced annually, there are regular maintenance tasks you can perform yourself on a weekly and monthly basis.
Weekly maintenance
Exercise the generator by running it at full load for about 15 minutes. This keeps it lubricated and the battery charged.
Check the fuel levels to ensure the generator is ready to use if needed.
Make sure your standby generator is set to start automatically after a power disruption.
Perform a quick visual inspection of the generator for leaks or loose wiring
Monthly maintenance
For gas-powered generators, check the fuel lines to ensure they are undamaged and properly connected.
For diesel generators, check the fuel and water separators and drain the excess water.
Check the oil level and top it off if its low.
Examine the battery terminals for corrosion and secure connection.
Inspect the air filter and replace it if necessary.
Check the coolant levels and add more if required.
Remove any debris from the enclosure for debris and cut back any overgrowth of grass or shrubs.
Annual Inspection and Maintenance
Annual maintenance is best performed by a trained technician, and this may even be a requirement of the manufacturer's warranty.
Check battery electrolyte levels
Inspect drive belts and hoses
Check the lubrication system
Examine fuel system for leaks and loose connections
Inspect the exhaust system
Change the fuel filters
Examine and replace spark plugs
Flush the coolant and replace
Perform a load bank test