If most people had to pick the utility they rely on most, it’s probably electricity. We use electricity to power our lights and many of the appliances we need to go about the day to day, including hot water and cooking as well.

Though they happen from time to time, power outages are an unfortunate reality that can seriously disrupt our lives. If it lasts long enough, you can have financial losses or health risks. It’s also inconvenient to try to run your home with no light or appliances.

You can’t stop power outages, but you can ensure you’re protected with a well-maintained generator. Yearly generator service from Seatown Services is your best insurance against power outages and ensures that your lights, refrigerator, heat, and other comforts stay up and running when your power goes out.

What Are the Risks of a Power Outage?

Power outages can be caused by severe weather, accidents, equipment failures, or even human error. No matter the cause, however, the impact of a power outage can range from inconvenient to devastating.

In a home, a power outage can cause financial losses in the form of food spoilage in a fridge that isn’t running. If the weather is extreme or you have a sick family member, you may need to leave your home and get temporary accommodation.

On top of that, power outages can be extremely inconvenient. You won’t be able to charge your phone or use your computer, cook a meal, or watch television. If you work from home, that can set you back financially as you miss work until you have your devices up and running.

What Do Generators Do?

Generators can mitigate the effects of power outages. These devices provide backup power when the grid fails. There are several types of generators, including:

Standby Generators

Standby generators are permanent fixtures and automatically turn on when the main power supply fails. They are commonly used in businesses or larger homes to ensure uninterrupted power. Standby generators are fueled by natural gas, diesel, or propane, so they’re versatile and reliable sources of power for whole-home backup.

Portable Generators

Portable generators are smaller, more mobile, and less expensive than standby generators. They’re typically used on a temporary basis and may be favored by homeowners who want to keep their essential appliances running during an outage, such as the lights and hot water supply. These do require manual setup and fueling, however, which is less convenient than standby generators.

Inverter Generators

Inverter generators are newer, more technologically advanced generators. They’re efficient, produce cleaner power, and run quieter than traditional generators. These are often used for recreational purposes like camping and outdoor events or for backup power in homes.

Solar Generators

Solar generators are becoming more popular with the rise of renewable energy sources. They harness the power of the sun to generate electricity and store it in batteries for later use. While they are a clean and sustainable energy source, they are not necessarily immune to power outages and may require backup solutions.

Why Regular Generator Maintenance Is Important

No matter the type of generator you have, regular maintenance is essential to ensure they perform reliably when you need them most. Like any mechanical equipment, generators are prone to wear and tear. Their components can deteriorate over time. Neglecting maintenance can result in a generator that fails to start or malfunctions during an outage, which doesn’t do much to protect your electricity.

Yearly generator servicing is key to keeping your backup power source in optimal condition. Here’s why this routine maintenance is so important for your generator:

Reliability

Regular servicing ensures that your generator is in prime working condition. If you end up having a power outage, you know that your generator is ready to go before it happens. You can count on a reliable generator that’s prepared to keep your lights on and house running.

Extended Lifespan

Generators are an investment for your home. They can last a long time, but not if you don’t maintain them well. Proper maintenance and service extends the lifespan of your generator, giving you potentially decades of reliable backup power.

Better Fuel Efficiency

An efficient generator not only performs better but uses less fuel. If you live in an area with frequent power outages, having this fuel efficiency ensures that you don’t pay an arm and a leg for backup power.

Lower Emissions

Properly maintained generators produce fewer emissions, which is better for the environment and also for the health of those in the vicinity. As we all move toward more environmentally conscious homes – and more states enact eco-friendly laws, keeping your emissions under control is a smart choice.

Better Safety

Regular maintenance ensures that your generator is safe to operate. While it’s comforting to have a backup power source for your convenience and safety during a power outage, it’s not worth adding a new safety risk with electrical hazards and fires. Maintaining your generator is the best way to prevent these risks.

Warranty Protection

Generator manufacturers often require regular servicing to maintain the warranty. If you skip your scheduled maintenance, it could void your warranty if something goes wrong and leave you with costly repairs.

Reduced Downtime

Unexpected generator failures can lead to extended power outages, defeating the purpose of having a generator in the first place. With regular servicing, you can minimize downtime and keep your life or business running smoothly.

Cost Savings

Preventative generator maintenance is often less expensive than handling repairs as they arise. During your generator service, your technician can identify and address issues before they become major problems, saving you money in the long run.

Your Yearly Generator Service Checklist

A comprehensive yearly generator servicing may include the following:

Change oil and filters: Regular oil and filter replacements are essential to keeping your generator running smoothly.
Inspect the fuel system: The fuel filters, lines, and tanks should be checked to ensure the generator has a clean and reliable fuel supply.
Test batteries: The batteries should be in good condition to ensure that they can start the generator when needed.
Check cooling system: The cooling system, which prevents the generator from overheating, should be working correctly.
Examine electrical connections: Loose or corroded electrical connections can lead to malfunctions or safety hazards. These should be checked during maintenance to ensure everything is in working order.
Test automatic transfer switch: It’s important to confirm that the automatic transfer switch functions properly in a standby generator. This ensures that the power supply shifts seamlessly to the generator during a power outage.
Load testing: Your annual service should test the load under controlled conditions to ensure it can handle the demands of your home during a real outage.
Inspect and lubricate moving parts: Any moving parts should be lubricated to prevent friction and wear. Too much stress can lead to premature failure of components or the entire generator.
Check control panel: The generator’s control panel should be checked to make sure it’s operational and all the settings are correct.
Evaluate exhaust system: The exhaust system is a key component of your generator and should be inspected to make sure it’s in good condition. This is an important aspect of your generator’s safety as well, since gas leaks can be dangerous.

Can I Perform Generator Maintenance on My Own?

Your generator should have full annual generator service from a licensed and knowledgeable professional to ensure it’s safe and operational, but you can take some steps to help your generator run its best throughout the year.

Change the oil: Your generator’s oil should be changed after about every 100 hours of use. If you’re not sure how, ask your technician to show you how to properly and safely change the oil.
Replace the air filter: This is a small and simple maintenance task that you can perform on your own, but it makes a huge difference in the health of your system. Your generator has to work harder and takes more wear and tear if your filter isn’t doing its job, shortening its lifespan. Refer to your owner’s manual for specific instructions on how often to replace your air filter.
Replace the battery: You can keep your generator’s battery in top condition by cleaning off corrosion, checking its charge, and tightening the connections when necessary. This ensures that your generator will turn on during a power outage.
Inspect your spark plugs: Dirty or damaged spark plugs may cause problems when your generator attempts to start up. Dirty spark plugs can be cleaned using a wire brush or a spark plug cleaning tool. If you notice damaged spark plugs, make sure to call a professional to replace them.

Schedule Generator Maintenance

Generators are complex machines that require electrical and mechanical knowledge. Though there are some small maintenance tasks you can handle on your own, it’s best to hire a professional contractor for your generator maintenance, such as Seatown Services. Contact us today to schedule your appointment!

Yearly Generator Servicing: The Best Insurance Against Power Outages