Having a whole house generator means you won’t be left in the dark during a power outage. However, if you want your generator to work properly, it needs routine maintenance.
The size of your generator and how it is used will determine how often you need to have it serviced. Typically, whole house generators will need inspections and regular maintenance twice a year.
Change the Air Filter
The air filter on your whole house generator is designed to clean the air that draws into the carburetor before it is mixed with fuel and ignited. It is important that this filter is changed regularly.
To change the air filter, you must first open the air filter compartment that is usually located in your return duct or at the entrance to the blower chamber. This may require removing the door panel or unscrewing a small metal slot.
When replacing the air filter, make sure to insert it correctly. This is essential for efficient performance and the best indoor air quality.
A whole house generator should be serviced at least once a year by a trained expert. This includes changing the air filter, spark plugs, oil and more.
Check the Battery
Generators are a vital tool that can keep your home running smoothly during an emergency power outage. Without them, your fridge and freezer would spoil, your light bulbs and other electrical appliances could go out, and your safety alarms could be disabled.
Annual maintenance is a necessary part of keeping your whole house generator functioning well. This includes oil changes and other lubrication checks, as well as fuel filter replacement and spark plug cleaning.
Another important component of generator maintenance is to regularly check your battery and charger. Make sure that they are connected tightly and have no corrosion.
This will help to ensure that your battery stays in good condition and will prevent any issues during startup. In addition, checking your battery and charger regularly will also save you money in the long run as they will be able to work more efficiently.
Inspect the Enclosure
It’s important to inspect the enclosure of a whole house generator on a regular basis, especially if it’s stored outside. Keeping the enclosure free from debris, such as sticks, rocks, and yard game toys, will help prevent damage to your backup generator.
It’s also a good idea to inspect the mounting surface of your generator. Any cracking or instability can cause serious issues down the road, like the generator failing to operate properly.
A sound-deadening enclosure can be a great way to keep your generator quiet during power outages. These specialized sound-absorbing cases are typically installed next to your home, so they can muffle the noise and make it easier for you to sleep.
Maintenance for a whole house generator is generally done on a yearly or every-other-year schedule. This depends on how often the generator is used, its location, and how exposed it is to weather. It’s always a good idea to check your owner’s manual for specific recommendations.
Clean the Vents
Keeping your whole house generator properly maintained will go a long way to keep it running reliably when you need it the most. In order to do that, you need to create a maintenance plan and stick to it.
The most important step in your plan is to read the owner’s manual that came with your generator. This will give you the best understanding of the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule.
The manufacturer’s recommends performing the following tasks on a regular basis to keep your generator in peak condition: Change the air filter, check the battery, inspect the enclosure, and clean the vents. Of course, you may not need to do all of them at once, but it’s good practice to try them out every so often for maximum efficiency. It’s not a good idea to perform maintenance on your home’s power generator without the proper training and expertise! Fortunately, King Air Conditioning & Heating is here to help!
