5 Signs It’s Time to Invest in a New Standby Commercial Generator

Your standby commercial generator is one of your company’s most vital pieces of equipment. It ensures that your facility has a continuous, uninterrupted power supply during any sudden power outages that might occur in the area. Without it, your company could face thousands of dollars in lost productivity until the main power grid is restored, which could take hours, even days. However, like any of your critical business equipment, generators wear down over time and become less efficient, so they will eventually require a replacement.

standby commercial generator

Knowing exactly when to replace your generator can be tricky. After all, a new commercial standby generator is a substantial investment, and you don’t want to purchase a new one if your current unit still has years of effective use left. At Valley Power Systems, we want to help our California clients make the most informed decision possible. Here are the top five signs that it’s time to invest in a new generator to ensure your business is prepared for any power-related emergency.

1. Outdated System

The age of your power system is an important factor when considering a replacement. A commercial generator can last 10 to 20 years or more, depending on the frequency of use and how well it was maintained. If your generator is reaching the end of this range, it might be time to consider a replacement unit. A new system will be much more efficient and reliable, providing you with peace of mind knowing you have a generator that will operate when you need it most.

You should also keep in mind that it can be harder to locate replacement parts for outdated systems, you’ll spend more time and money on repairs over the years. At this point, it makes sense to invest in a newer model for your business.

2. Increased Power Requirements

When your company first started out, you may have gone with a commercial generator with a lower power capacity, believing that would be all that you would need. However, now that you are an established business, your power requirements may have changed significantly. If you continue to use the same old generator expecting it to handle your new increased power needs, it will quickly overload.

Overloading a generator can result in increased fuel consumption and inefficient performance as it struggles to meet your requirements. This can lead to irreparable damage to your power system. If this happens, you should consult with a professional from Valley Power Systems to assess your current power needs and determine which generator will be better equipped to adequately support your business operations now and in the future.

3. Declining Performance

As a generator ages, it becomes subject to increased wear and tear, resulting in a loss of overall efficiency and decreased performance. The power system may be less reliable, which can lead to unexpected downtime and a disruption in your business operations. Signs of decreased performance include power fluctuations, reduced power output, and slow startups. These can be incredibly frustrating to deal with during a power outage, and you may be left in the dark.

You should also note that declining generators will consume more fuel than newer models to meet the same power needs. This will have a significant impact on your operational costs. These are clear indicators that it’s time to invest in a new power system.

4. Frequent Repairs

Are you spending more money on generator repairs than ever before? While minor repairs are normal during the lifespan of your generator, frequent repairs can interrupt your business operations and increase expenses, impacting your bottom line. A generator that constantly requires repairs is a sign that the system is becoming less efficient and less capable of handling your power needs at the same level. You should weigh the cost of continuing with this endless repair cycle versus investing in a brand-new generator that won’t require nearly as many repairs anytime soon.

5. Old Generator Technology

Like any piece of electronic equipment, generator technology has greatly improved over the years. Thanks to recent innovations, today’s gensets are much more fuel efficient and environmentally friendly than power systems of the past. They also come with advanced features such as remote monitoring to make power generation more convenient for the user. With remote monitoring, you can track generator status and perform diagnostics from anywhere via a smart device. If your current unit is outdated, you can reap the benefits of these technological improvements with a new standby commercial generator.

Extend the Lifespan of Your Generator With Proper Maintenance

Preventative maintenance plays a crucial role in maximizing the lifespan of your unit. If you ignore your unit’s maintenance needs, it will break down much sooner than expected. Generator maintenance typically includes the following tasks and more:

Oil change: Regular oil changes are essential to lubricate the different moving parts of your generator’s engine. Oil reduces friction between these components, which will help to minimize wear and tear over time.

Filter change: Filters keep out harmful particles that could damage your system. Periodic filter changes will keep filters from becoming clogged, providing optimal airflow for your generator.

Engine exercise: If you don’t use your generator regularly, you should have the engine exercised at every maintenance check. This will keep the battery charged and help service technicians identify performance issues.

Battery inspection: A worn battery can cause power fluctuations that impact overall generator reliability. Your technician will inspect the battery and test power output to ensure your system is ready to handle your requirements during an outage.

Leak check: Leaks can result in decreased generator efficiency, which can increase operational expenses significantly over time. However, some leaks can be hard to find on your own. Your maintenance technician will have the proper tools and equipment to identify hidden leaks and handle the repair promptly.

Coolant refill: Coolant is essential to controlling engine temperature, so the coolant level should be checked at every visit. Fresh coolant will help keep the system from overheating, minimizing the risk of a power failure.

At Valley Power Systems, we have highly trained and certified technicians to provide your generator maintenance. From simple oil changes to more complex maintenance needs, we take a thorough approach to each task to ensure that nothing is overlooked. If we notice a problem with the unit, we’ll provide a cost-effective repair solution. We recommend addressing repairs immediately to maintain generator reliability. Handling these repairs promptly will also help reduce major repair needs later.

Contact Valley Power Systems Today

By recognizing the signs that you need a new generator, you can be proactive about your commercial generator replacement. Addressing your generator needs sooner rather than later will minimize your risk of power disruptions, improve overall efficiency, and reduce fuel costs.

At Valley Power Systems, our goal is to help California business owners remain up and running with reliable power systems. We are proud to offer a wide selection of power products and services to meet your individual needs. When it’s time to replace your standby commercial generator, our team is ready to review your options. Contact us today to get started!