How to Improve Your Fuel Usage This Fall

 

Fuel prices are constantly fluctuating, which leaves many business owners looking for ways to save. Depending on your specific setup, you could be spending hundreds or even thousands of dollars on your generator fuel usage each year. You can put more money into your company’s budget by using the following tips.

Avoid Overloading the Unit

There is a wide range of commercial generators available on the market today that come in many sizes and power capacities. You may initially begin with a smaller Genset, but as your business grows, you might find that it has a difficult time managing the increased power demand of your facility. A generator that’s been overloaded has exceeded its intended power wattage and may begin to malfunction.

 

The extra strain on your generator will not only cause a reduction in power output and a decrease in fuel efficiency, but it can also cause your generator to overheat and shut down. The power interruption can result in unexpected downtime and financial losses for your company while you wait for a repair.

 

When a generator is overheated, you may need to replace one or more parts that may have experienced damage. If multiple components are damaged, the repair costs can be quite substantial, and it may actually be more cost-effective to replace the unit altogether. Overheating can cause issues like:

 

• Burnt-out alternator windings
• Crushed head gasket
• Radiator core damage
• Warping of the rotor
• Melted bearings
• Shortened generator lifespan

 

If your generator has overheated, a technician from Valley Power Systems can come out to your facility in California to perform an inspection. In the event that we do find extensive damage to the unit, we will help you weigh the pros and cons of repairing the generator versus replacing it. Our ultimate goal is to ensure that our customers have the power systems that they need to operate their businesses without any disruption.

Replace Air Filters

A clogged air filter is one of the most common reasons that a generator uses excess fuel. This is because a dirty filter restricts the airflow to the combustion chamber. This stresses out the engine, making it less efficient as it struggles to operate at the same level. It is important to replace the air filter as recommended by the manufacturer of the generator. However, you may need to change the filter more often if your unit is used frequently or if your city has experienced a sudden weather event, like heavy wind or a rainstorm that can stir up debris in the air. If the filter becomes clogged, small particles can enter your generator’s engine and severely damage its internal moving parts. It’s always a good idea to keep extra filters in stock at your location and change them as needed.

 

If changing the filters doesn’t end up improving your fuel usage, don’t hesitate to put in a call to the pros at Valley Power Systems. There could be another problem with the generator, and the sooner that you find out what it is, the less damage it will cause to your unit. Our technicians will get to the bottom of the issue and perform any necessary repairs to get your power system running efficiently once again.

Change the Oil

Along with using clean air filters, changing your generator’s oil is essential to optimize its fuel usage. Old oil will be very thick, making it difficult for it to flow to the engine parts that depend on it to run smoothly. This means increased wear and tear as friction increases between moving parts, which will reduce the overall efficiency of your power system. You’ll notice that more and more fuel will be required to operate the unit in the same manner.

 

Eventually, sludge will also develop as the oil degrades, leaving your engine without the protection that it needs. Oil sludge can potentially damage the engine beyond repair if it’s not addressed promptly enough. If it has been a long while since you have changed the generator’s oil and you suspect sludge buildup, Valley Power Systems can help you assess the situation. We will work to remove the sludge and help you avoid potential issues with your generator. If things have progressed, our technicians will inform you of your best options for repair or replacement.

Schedule With a Maintenance Technician

 

Industrial generators are incredibly durable machines, but they have many moving parts and other components that must work together to function properly. Without regular maintenance, these parts will wear down much more quickly than they were intended to. This ultimately leads to generator problems because the system has to work that much harder to keep up with your building’s energy demand. When your generator’s efficiency is impacted, it will require more fuel to operate, resulting in a lot of wasted money for your business.

 

Having your generator serviced regularly by an industry professional will extend its useable lifespan and ensure that the unit provides optimal service for your business. At Valley Power Systems, we handle a wide range of generator maintenance tasks, including:

 

• Oil and filter changes
• Coolant and fuel checks
• Coolant quality sampling
• Engine run tests
• Hose and belt replacements
• Leak inspections

 

Our technicians are highly experienced and factory certified. If your power system is experiencing problems, we can complete a comprehensive assessment to diagnose the issue for you and then recommend the most affordable repair solution. From simple repairs to complete engine overhauls, we have the expertise to handle the job professionally. You can depend on our highly skilled team to get your system up and running as quickly as possible without cutting any corners.

Your Generator Partner in California

 

By taking these steps, you can minimize fuel usage and save your California business a significant amount of money over time. To learn more about improving fuel usage and other generator efficiency tips, contact the knowledgeable team at Valley Power Systems. We offer generator sales, installations, and service for all your industrial generator needs.

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