You invested in a generator so that when you lose power, you don’t see an interruption in service for your appliances and lights. But your standby generator can go months and years without ever needing to be used. So how do you really know if your generator is ready for the next blackout?
Ideally, you want to schedule an appointment annually for generator services in Shreveport, LA, whether you’ve used your generator or not. We’ll run a full system check to make sure that your whole house generator is in great shape. It’s the way to ensure that your generator is ready for anything. Otherwise, you run the risk that you don’t find out something is wrong with your generator until a power outage actually happens. Keep reading for a checklist of things that you can review regularly to ensure that your generator is always ready for a blackout.
Monthly Generator Checklist
It’s a good idea to get into the habit of checking your generator on a monthly basis so that it becomes a regular part of your home maintenance. After all, blackouts don’t stick to a schedule so you need to make sure it’s ready to go whenever needed. Decide on a scheduling system that works for you so that you can remember these essential items. On a monthly basis, you should check the coolant level, the engine oil level, and the battery charger.
Self-Testing
Most whole house generators will automatically perform a self-test on a weekly basis. If your standby generator is not already doing this, you can set the mode to automatically do so. If something is wrong, your generator will produce an alarm, or have a warning light that flashes on the dashboard. If this happens, you should call us for generator service.
Check Oil, Coolant, and Air Filters
Once a month, you also want to check the levels of your whole house generator’s oil and coolant. You also want to check the oil for any dirt, because if the oil is dirty, it needs to be completely replaced or it can have a negative impact on how your generator runs.
And just like your home’s HVAC system, your generator has an air filter that needs to be changed regularly. The filter is usually changed on an annual basis but depending on if you’ve had to use your generator, this frequency can differ. It’s best to rely on us for dependable whole house generator maintenance.
Spark Plugs, Batteries, and Wiring
You also want to review the electrical components of your generator. If you notice that the spark plug is rusty, get a replacement. If you notice any loose wires or battery corrosion, it’s also important to have your generator looked at by a professional. If you have any concerns about your generator components as you’re performing your inspections, it’s truly better to be safe than sorry and have the unit looked at by one of the professionals on our team.
Hall’s Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration can help with your generator maintenance. Call the doctor of home comfort to schedule an appointment today.
